Page 69 of His Scarred Duchess
“Me?” Daniel placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “I’ll have you know I’ve become the very model of decorum and propriety.”
“Is that so?” Adeline asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Then perhaps you’d care to explain the tales I’ve heard about your daring escape from Lady Battersby at the ball held in Almack’s? I believe it involved a potted plant and a very confused footman.”
Daniel’s jaw dropped, his eyes darting between Adeline and Edmund. “How did you… I mean, that’s a gross exaggeration, I assure you.”
Edmund roared with laughter. “Oh, Daniel, I do believe you’ve met your match. My wife is far more observant than she lets on. It seems her quiet demeanor allows her to notice things others might miss.”
Adeline smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I simply pay attention, Your Grace. People often forget I’m there, which can be quite informative.”
“I see married life has given you access to a formidable intelligence network, Your Grace,” Daniel said, bowing slightly to Adeline. “I shall have to be more careful about my escapades in the future.”
Adeline smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Perhaps you should, Lord Ravenshaw. Though I must admit, your adventures do provide endless entertainment for those of us relegated to the sidelines during such events.”
Edmund gave her an appreciative glance. “Remind me never to get on your bad side, my dear. Your knowledge of theton’ssecrets is rather terrifying.”
“I must say,” Daniel piped up, helping himself to another serving of roast, “it’s wonderful to see you both so settled. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen Edmund this happy since?—”
Edmund’s sharp glare cut him off mid-sentence. Adeline’s curiosity was immediately piqued, but she held her tongue, sensing the sudden tension in the air.
“Since… well, in a long time,” Daniel finished lamely, shooting Edmund an apologetic look.
Adeline’s mind raced with questions. What was he about to say? And why had Edmund reacted so strongly?
Seeking to dispel the awkward moment, she turned to Daniel with a smile. “Lord Ravenshaw, you must tell us more about your adventures at White’s. I hear the gossip there is positively scandalous.”
Daniel latched onto the change of subject with obvious relief. “Oh, Your Grace, you have no idea! Why, just last week…”
As he launched into another colorful anecdote, Adeline snuck a glance at Edmund. His posture had relaxed, but she could see a lingering tension around his eyes.
Whatever Daniel had almost revealed, it was clearly a sensitive subject.
The rest of the dinner passed pleasantly enough, with Daniel keeping them entertained with his witty observations and outrageous stories. But Adeline couldn’t shake the feeling that she had glimpsed the edge of a mystery—one that involved Edmund’s past and his apparent newfound happiness.
As they bid Daniel goodnight, Adeline found herself torn between her burning curiosity and her reluctance to upset the delicate balance she and Edmund had achieved. She watched as the two men exchanged a meaningful look, Daniel’s expression apologetic, Edmund’s stern but forgiving.
“Well,” Edmund said, turning to Adeline as Daniel’s carriage pulled away, “that was certainly an eventful dinner.”
Adeline nodded, choosing her words carefully. “Indeed. Lord Ravenshaw is quite the character. I can see why you value his friendship.”
Edmund’s lips quirked in a small smile. “Daniel has been a loyal friend for many years. Even if he does occasionally let his mouth run away with him.”
There was a weight to his words that Adeline couldn’t quite decipher. She longed to ask about Daniel’s unfinished statement, to uncover the story behind Edmund’s reaction. But the memory of his withdrawal the previous night held her back.
Instead, she said softly, “I’m glad you have such a friend. And I’m glad he thinks you’re happy here.”
Edmund’s eyes met hers, an intensity in his gaze that stole her breath. “I am,” he stated simply. “Happier than I’ve been in a very long time.”
The words hung between them, full of unspoken meaning. Adeline felt her heart rate quicken, hope and fear warring within her.
Don’t read too much into it.It doesn’t necessarily mean what you want it to mean.
“I’m glad,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, they stood there in the entryway, the air thick with tension and possibility. Then Edmund cleared his throat, taking a small step back.
“It’s getting late,” he uttered, his tone regaining its usual composure. “Perhaps we should retire for the night.”
Adeline nodded, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment in her chest. “Of course. Goodnight, Edmund.”
