Page 19 of His Scarred Duchess
“Your Grace!” a shrill voice called out. “How wonderful to see you in town! We had quite despaired of ever having the pleasure.”
Edmund turned to find himself face to face with a group of young ladies, their mamas hovering nearby like birds of prey. He recognized the speaker as Miss Amelia Carstairs, a debutante known more for her family’s wealth than her wit.
He inclined his head politely. “Miss Carstairs, ladies. I trust you’re all enjoying the evening?”
“Oh, immensely!” Miss Carstairs gushed. “But tell us, Your Grace, how do you find London after so long away? Has it changed much?”
Before Edmund could respond, another young lady chimed in, “Will you be staying for the entire Season, Your Grace? There are so many delightful events planned!”
“Indeed,” added a third lady, batting her eyelashes. “I do hope you’ll honor us with a dance this evening. You must be an excellent dancer, being so tall and handsome.”
Edmund felt his jaw tighten as he forced a polite smile. “London is just as I remember it, ladies. As for my plans?—”
“Oh, but you must tell us about your estate, Your Grace!” Miss Carstairs interrupted. “I’ve heard Holbrook is simply magnificent. Perhaps you might host a house party? I’m sure we’d all be delighted to visit.”
As the barrage of questions and simpering comments continued, Edmund found himself longing for the relative peace of his study at Holbrook.
He searched desperately for an escape, his patience wearing thinner with each passing moment.
“Your Grace, you simply must tell us about your heroic exploits during the war. I’m sure they’re absolutely thrilling!”
Edmund suppressed a groan as he turned to face yet another group of simpering debutantes and their eager mamas. He’d lost count of how many such encounters he’d endured over the course of the evening, each one chipping away at his already fragile patience.
“I’m afraid there’s little to tell, ladies,” he replied, his tone clipped. “War is hardly a suitable topic for polite conversation.”
One of the mamas, a woman whose name he couldn’t recall, pressed on, undeterred. “Oh, but surely you must have some exciting stories! And to think, you’ve come back a duke! How utterly fortunate.”
Edmund’s jaw clenched. There was nothing fortunate about war, nothing glamorous about watching good men die in muddy fields far from home. But before he could formulate a suitably polite response, a familiar voice cut through the chatter.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the prodigal Duke himself.”
Edmund stiffened, his blood running cold as he turned to face the speaker.
Joanna stood before him, resplendent in a gown of deep crimson, her smile as sharp and dangerous as a blade.
“Lady Strathmore,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. “I did not expect to see you.”
Joanna’s laugh was like cut glass, beautiful and potentially lethal. “Oh come now, Edmund. Surely, we’re beyond such formalities? After all, we were once so close.”
The surrounding ladies tittered, their eyes wide with curiosity at this fresh development. Edmund could practically see the gossip spreading through the room like wildfire.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies,” he said, bowing stiffly. “I find I’m in need of some fresh air.”
He turned on his heel, not waiting for a response. He could feel Joanna’s eyes boring into his back as he strode away.
“Don’t be a stranger, Your Grace! We have so much catching up to do!” she called after him.
Edmund’s hands clenched into fists at his sides as he made for the nearest exit. He needed to get out, to escape the suffocating press of bodies and expectations before he did something truly regrettable.
“Edmund? Edmund, where are you going?”
He turned to see his grandmother hurrying after him, concern etched on her features.
“To get some peace,” he growled, not slowing his pace.
Lady Alderton caught up to him, placing a restraining hand on his arm. “Now, dear, I know this isn’t your favorite pastime, but do try to be sociable. For the sake of the duchy, if nothing else.”
Something in Edmund snapped. “I’ve done plenty for today, Grandmother. I’ve smiled, I’ve chatted, I’ve endured countless inane conversations and thinly veiled attempts at matchmaking. I’m done.”
