Page 77 of Taken By the Icy Duke

“All is well, but it is even better now that you have arrived.” He offered a courteous wave toward the crowded salon. “Please, enjoy yourselves. I have guests clamoring to see you both.”

They moved inside, candlelit chandeliers casting their brilliance over clusters of fashionable guests. Diana swallowed her apprehension, letting Gilbert guide her across the polished floor. She kept her hand through his arm, her heartbeat quickening whenever she thought about her condition. She had refused wine earlier in the carriage, fearing Gilbert might press the question. So far, he had not.

She forced a nod, scanning the circle of onlookers. Everywhere she turned she saw polite, curious glances. The swirl of conversation engulfed them like a flood.

Gilbert leaned close enough for her to hear him over the noise. “If at any point you feel unwell, you must tell me.”

“I shall,” she agreed, while silently hoping it would not come to that.

A flash of sadness pierced her heart. He cared for her health, but her recollection of his vow still weighed heavily on her. She pressed a mild smile into place as they greeted Lady Bembridge, exchanging pleasant trivialities. Lady Bembridge offered a flowery compliment on Diana’s gown, ignoring the obvious tension that lay beneath their politeness.

Eventually, Lady Bembridge excused herself, and Gilbert steered Diana toward a refreshment table, where she accepted a glass of lemon water. Her attention was abruptly seized by a figure across the room; Josephine Halfacre, prowling through the throng with an all-too-familiar knowing smirk. A chill brushed Diana’s spine.

Gilbert followed her line of sight and stiffened. “Ignore her,” he murmured. “She will not spoil this night.”

Diana managed a terse nod, but dread coiled in her stomach. She felt certain Josephine would attempt something. Even so, she tried to maintain her poise, greeting another acquaintance with a brief curtsy and a faint smile. Gilbert spoke in clipped civilities, glancing at Diana now and then as though verifying she still stood by his side.

A delicate strain of music signaled the start of a waltz. Several couples glided to the dancefloor and began swirling in graceful arcs. Diana and Gilbert lingered at its margins, neither volunteering to dance. She felt relief—dancing with her in hisarms might invite prying eyes, and she feared the exertion. She then observed Josephine crossing the salon, her gaze locked onto them.

“I do not trust her to keep her distance,” Gilbert said under his breath, his hand tightening on Diana’s elbow.

She set her jaw. “I will handle her.”

Josephine approached with a languid smile, curtsying to Gilbert first.

“Your Grace, always a pleasure,” she said, then turned to Diana. “Duchess, you look rather well for someone who vanished so suddenly. We were most curious about your… retreat.”

“I thank you for your concern,” she said, keeping her voice steady. “I had a pleasant time visiting with my family.”

Josephine raised an eyebrow, a tinge of malice behind her polite facade.

“Yes, rumors claimed you found the city air overwhelming. One wonders if your disposition might leave you susceptible to fainting spells, particularly at grand events like this.”

Gilbert’s eyes flared with anger.

“That is enough,” he growled. “Lady Halfacre, your insinuations are uncalled for.”

Josephine narrowed her gaze, ignoring Gilbert to address Diana directly.

“I trust you managed your malady with Lord Leopold’s assistance,” she said in a whisper that could easily carry to passing guests. “He has been so attentive, has he not? I imagine his presence was a balm while you were absent from your husband.”

Diana’s face grew hot. She knew Josephine intended to stir scandal, hoping others overheard.

“Your imagination runs wild,” she said, her voice shaking with indignation. “My brother-in-law showed common courtesy and His Grace and I are both thankful for his assistance.”

Josephine looked about, feigning surprise at onlookers.

“But do you not find it curious that you rely on him so often? Perhaps Lord Leopold serves where the duke does not,” she added sweetly.

Gilbert’s face became apoplectic, and he released a tight breath, his hands now clenched at his sides.

“Leave her alone,” he spat, clearly struggling to remain calm. “Your presence is not desired here.”

Josephine pretended concern, stepping a hair’s breadth closer to Diana.

“Forgive me if I speak the truth too bluntly,” she said. “I merely worry that the duchess might collapse again if she finds herself too taxed by the crowd. She does appear pale.” She let a mocking smile curl her lips. “We would not want any… incidents.”

Diana’s pulse roared in her ears as fury and embarrassment knotted her throat.

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