Page 72 of His Scarred Duchess
Lady Alderton’s triumphant “Ha!” was so loud that it made Thornley jump, nearly upending the tray.
“What did I tell you?” she crowed, looking positively gleeful. “Well, go on then, Edmund. Open it!”
With a resigned sigh, Edmund took the invitation and broke the seal. His eyes scanned the contents, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Well?” Lady Gillingham prompted, practically bouncing in her seat with anticipation.
“It appears,” Edmund said slowly, “that Lord Weatherby is indeed hosting a ball next Friday evening. And we are cordially invited to attend.”
The two dowagers exchanged a look of such smug satisfaction that Adeline had to stifle a giggle.
“Splendid!” Lady Alderton exclaimed. “Now, Adeline, dear, we simply must discuss your gown. I was thinking something in emerald green, to bring out those lovely green eyes of yours. Don’t you agree, Miriam?”
As the two older women launched into an enthusiastic discussion of fashion, Adeline caught Edmund’s eye. He looked so comically dismayed that she couldn’t help but smile at him sympathetically.
“Come now, Edmund,” she said softly, reaching out to pat his hand. “Surely it won’t be so terrible?”
Edmund’s expression softened as he met her gaze. “I suppose not,” he conceded. “Especially if you’ll be there to keep me from throttling Lord Rutherford when he inevitably corners me to discuss his prize pigs.”
Adeline laughed, a warm feeling spreading through her chest at his words. “I solemnly swear to run interference with any and all pig-related conversations,” she promised, her eyes twinkling.
“Oho!” Lady Alderton’s triumphant exclamation made them both jump in their seats. “Look at you two, thick as thieves already. Didn’t I tell you, Miriam? I knew they’d be perfect for each other.”
“Yes, yes, you’re very clever,” Lady Gillingham said indulgently. “Now, about this ball. Adeline, my dear, please tell me you’ve been practicing your dancing. We can’t have the Duchess of Holbrook tripping over her own feet, can we?”
Adeline felt her face flame. “I… well, that is to say…”
“Not to worry,” Edmund interjected smoothly. “I’ve been giving Adeline lessons myself. She’s quite the natural.”
Adeline’s head whipped around to stare at him in surprise. They’d done no such thing, of course, but the easy lie and the warm smile he gave her made her heart flutter.
“Oh, how romantic!” Lady Alderton gushed, clasping her hands to her chest. “You see, Miriam? I told you my grandson had it in him to be a proper husband.”
“Yes, well…” Edmund coughed, looking slightly embarrassed. “It’s only proper, after all.”
As the conversation flowed around her, Adeline found herself sneaking glances at Edmund. The way he effortlessly fielded his grandmother’s teasing, the gentle humor in his eyes when he looked at her—it all spoke of a man far different from the cold, distant person she’d first married.
Stop it.Don’t read too much into it. It’s just for show, to appease our grandmothers.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Are you ready, my dear?” Edmund’s voice called from the other side of the dressing room door. “The carriage is waiting.”
Adeline took a deep breath, smoothing down the front of her gown one last time. “Just a moment,” she called back, her voice steadier than she felt.
With a final glance in the mirror, she opened the door and stepped out. The emerald green silk of her gown rustled softly with each movement, its intricate beadwork catching the light. Her honey-brown hair was swept up in an elegant style, adorned with pearl-tipped pins.
Edmund’s sharp intake of breath made her pause. His eyes roamed over her, lingering on the curve of her waist and the swell of her breasts. When his gaze finally met hers, the heat in his eyes made her breath catch.
“You look radiant,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. He stepped closer, his fingers brushing her bare shoulder. “Though I must confess, I’d much prefer you without the dress.”
Adeline felt heat rise to her cheeks, a delicious shiver running down her spine.
“Edmund,” she admonished softly, though she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. “We’ll be late.”
“Let them wait,” he growled, pulling her close.
For a moment, Adeline thought he might kiss her, propriety be damned. But then he stepped back, offering her his arm with a rueful smile.
