Page 33 of A Bride for the Wicked Duke

“Oh...” She was careful not to look at him, pretending to look through the offerings from the vendor.

“Tomorrow evening,” he said. “The same time. Same place.”

He saw her eyes widened suddenly, only for her to force normality. “That sounds agreeable.”

“Wonderful,” he said. “I will see you then.” Then he stepped around her and went toward his sister, where he helped her to select a flavor.

As he did, however, he was sure to catch Lady Hawkins eye once more. She was watching him curiously, a look which suggested she did not recognize him. He smiled and she looked away, only to cautiously look back. Gerald wasn’t surprised by her caution, as he hardly recognized himself in that moment.

Not that he cared either. This was the best he had felt in a long time, and where he wasn’t quite ready to admit to why that was, he was starting to get an inclination.

ChapterEleven

"Sisters!” Violet, the Duchess of Aldworth beamed as Aurelia, her two sisters, her brother, and her mother, walked into the foyer. “And mother,” she added as she came for them all, her arms spread open. “I am so glad you all made it.”

“We would not miss it,” their mother said. When she reached Violet she took her by the hands and held her back to study her. “You look well.”

“I feel it.”

“Married life suits you.”

“Clearly, it does.”

“Will your husband be joining us?”

This had Violet’s face dropping, joined by her letting go of their mother’s hands. “Mother...”

“I am simply asking a question!” their mother cried out as if she was the one being attacked. “Is that a crime now?”

Violet scowled at her with warning, not willing to pursue the topic, but not willing to let it pass by either. Their mother, ever the stubborn sort who always thought she was in the right, even when she was not, simply looked back as if waiting for an answer.

“Good evening, Violet.” Aurelia stepped in beside her mother. “Sorry we are late.”

“Aurelia,” Violet sighed with relief, her smile returning. “Not at all. The other guests only just arrived.”

“Who else is here?” Eveline asked sharply. “Tell me your friend Diana has not come. Gosh, she can be a downer.”

“Eveline!” Violet widened her eyes at her sister before glancing over her shoulder as if to check that they were alone. They were, of course, the foyer being empty. But Aurelia could hear the dull murmurs of the other guests in the adjoining room. “Do not say such things.”

“What!” Eveline looked aghast. “She is! The last time I saw her, she spent the entire night in tears.”

“She is widowed,” Violet hissed. “Can you blame her for being upset?”

Eveline clicked her tongue. “I guess not. But that does not mean I am wrong.”

Violet rolled her eyes. “It is lovely to see you. And you, Iris...” She stepped around Aurelia and crouched down to better see their youngest sibling, Iris. “My, look how you have grown.”

Iris was fourteen years old, but she was small for her age, and rather shy because of it. There was no denying that she was the favorite of the sisters in their mother’s eyes, but she was coddled because of it, treated as a precious thing that might just break if the wrong thing was said. Aurelia had always thought it stunted her, keeping her sheltered from the world so she would never have a chance to grow. She and her mother argued about it often.

“I have not...” Iris’ cheeks flushed; noticeable as her skin was paper white, almost translucent.

“You have,” Violet said rightly, then pulling her into a hug. “Oh, I have missed you.”

“And me?” Eveline asked with a grin.

“You wish,” Violet laughed.

“Good evening, sister.” Daniel was the last of them to approach Violet, and he did so in a typically removed manner. Hands folded behind his back, he offered her a short smile and a nod of his head.

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