Page 47 of The Duke and the Hellion Bride

“My reason is twofold. First and foremost, I wished to see how this marriage was getting along. I know it has been less than a week, but in my personal experience, the first week is oft the most important. It is when reality sets in and the previously happy couple are forced to reckon with the reality that they will be spending their lives together. Sometimes, it’s during that first week when the fantasies about how one might kill the other while making it look like an accident begin to become commonplace.”

“Grandmother!”

“Just joking,” she waved him down and then winked at Diana, who giggled. “But really, pray do tell. How is everything? I have my own opinions, of course, based on what I am seeing...” She raised an eyebrow and looked between the two. “But I am willing to be proven wrong.”

Magnus and Diana were sharing the same couch, sitting beside one another but not holding hands or even touching. Although, to be fair, that was more on account of the awkwardness coming from what they had just been doing, and a desire not to promulgate Magnus’ arousal.

But as she spoke, Magnus automatically reached for Diana’s hand. She took it and the two shared a smile, one which didn’t feel forced, because it wasn’t. If the question had been asked even an hour ago, who knew what answer they might have given. Now, however...

“Everything is going splendidly,” Magnus said.

“Wonderfully, would have been my wording,” Diana added, her smile growing as she looked at Magnus again. “But splendidly will do.”

Of course, that was only a half-truth, but Magnus felt it was one that was justified. Where their marriage was far from perfect, and neither seemed to know what they expected or wanted in the long run, they were at the very least on the same page finally about this, and willing totryand make this marriage of convenience work.

Diana was the most open, without a doubt. And Magnus, still struggling to overcome his desire for secrecy and his loathing for speaking about his past.... well, he was going to try his best. And that was a victory, anyway one looked at it.

“Good,” his grandmother said with a satisfied nod. “From my eyes, things look...” She shrugged. “Honestly, who can even say? The fact that the two of you were hiding in the bushes when I arrived, however, is a pretty darn good sign if I must say so.” She smirked proudly, and Diana and Magnus blushed furiously.

Ah... well, this is officially the most awkward moment of my life.

“As to the second reason that I came to see you.” His grandmother folded her arms and turned serious again. “I wish to know if you plan on attending the Truscott Ball this coming Friday.”

The question caught Magnus by surprise. “The Truscott Ball?”

“Hosted at Lord Truscott’s estate,” his grandmother explained as if that was the cause of confusion. “It is the first major event held since your wedding and I believe that the two of you ought to attend – it is expected, in fact. And if you are not seen...” She looked knowingly at Magnus. “It will raise questions.”

“And I care what other people think?” Magnus dismissed.

“You should.”

“I was not even aware of it,” Diana spoke up and looked at Magnus. “Were you?”

Magnus shrugged. “I had heard something to that effect, but I hadn’t taken much notice.” The truth was, Magnus did know of the upcoming ball and had already decided that he would not be going. He had always hated balls and galas and the idea of attending and being watched and judged by every man and his dog was enough to curl his lip. Which he did do, for his grandmother’s sake.

“Oh...” Diana blinked, frowning also. “I... it might not be such a bad thing to attend? It might even be fun.”

“Fun?” Magnus scoffed. “Believe me when I tell you, it will be anything but fun.” He could see this wasn’t the answer his wife wished for, and he knew that to go with her would signal what he had just promised, that he would try harder. And he would do. Only, not with this.

“Do not take it personally, dear,” his grandmother interjected. “Magnus has never been one for socialites. However, just because he does not wish to go, does not mean you ought to remain home.”

“Really?” Diana sat herself up.

“What was that?” Magnus said.

“You are a duchess now,” his grandmother explained. “Certain things are expected of you, chief among them is representation. If Magnus wishes to remain home and sulk --”

“I am not sulking.”

“-- it behooves you to attend. At the very least you will be able to dissuade the unfounded rumors that are sure to flow if neither of you are there.”

“And it will not be considered odd?” Diana asked, and Magnus could hear the curiosity in her voice. The excitement also. “If I was to attend on my own?”

“Not at all,” his grandmother said.

Magnus could see what was happening. His grandmother liked to play the simpleton, but she was so keenly aware that their marriage wasn’t nearly as wonderful as they had both claimed. By driving this wedge between them, she hoped to force his hand, pushing him to attend, strengthening their marriage from afar because his grandmother loved to play politics.

But he would not budge. Magnus did not appreciate being manipulated like this, and dammit if he wasn’t a little angry now at being treated this way in his own home.

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