Page 97 of His Scarred Duchess
Isabella came bounding up to them, with a dashing young man in tow, her face flushed with excitement. Adeline recognized him immediately as Lord Pembrook, the kind gentleman who had shown her such courtesy at previous events.
“Isabella, calm yourself.” Adeline laughed, though she couldn’t help but be caught up in her sister’s enthusiasm. “What’s got you in such a state?”
Isabella thrust out her left hand, a beautiful sapphire ring glittering on her finger. “Lord Pembrook has asked for my hand, and I’ve accepted!”
Adeline gasped in delight, pulling her sister into a tight embrace. “Oh, Bella! I’m so happy for you!”
Edmund stepped forward, offering his hand to Lord Pembrook. “Congratulations, my lord. You’re a lucky man, indeed.”
Lord Pembrook smiled, his eyes never leaving Isabella’s radiant face. “I certainly am, Your Grace. Though I daresay I’m the one who’s struck gold here.”
As the newly engaged couple shared their news with the other guests, Adeline spotted a familiar figure across the lawn. Lord Brenton stood somewhat awkwardly at the edge of the gathering, looking unsure of his presence there.
Edmund noticed her gaze and squeezed her hand. “Shall we go greet him?” he asked softly.
Adeline nodded, grateful for his support.
As they approached, Lord Brenton straightened up, a tentative smile on his face. “Adeline, Your Grace,” he greeted them, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness. “It’s good to see you both.”
“Father,” Adeline replied, surprised by the lack of tension she felt. “I’m glad you could make it. Have you heard Isabella’s news?”
Lord Brenton’s smile grew more genuine. “I have, indeed. Lord Pembrook seems like a fine young man. I hope I haven’t overstepped by giving them my blessing.”
Adeline felt Edmund tense up beside her, ready to intervene if needed. But she placed a calming hand on his arm. “Not at all, Father. I’m sure Isabella appreciates your support.”
They chatted for a few more minutes, the conversation slightly stilted but far more cordial than it had been in years.
As they moved away, Edmund leaned in close. “Are you all right, my love?”
Adeline nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “I am. It’s nice, actually, to be able to talk to him without all that old hurt getting in the way.”
Their moment was interrupted by the approach of Lord and Lady Ashworth, a couple who had once been among Adeline’s most vocal critics.
“Your Graces,” Lord Ashworth began, bowing slightly. “I hope we’re not interrupting, but I wanted to express my admiration for the work you’ve been doing with the orphanage in London. It’s truly commendable.”
Adeline felt a surge of pride. The orphanage had been her pet project, something she’d thrown herself into with Edmund’s full support.
“Thank you, my lord. It’s a cause very close to our hearts.”
Lady Ashworth nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed, and we’d very much like to contribute. Perhaps we could discuss some fundraising ideas? I was thinking of a charity ball…”
As they delved into a discussion about the orphanage, Adeline couldn’t help but marvel at the change. These were the same people who had once whispered behind their fans about her scars, who had dismissed her as unmarriageable. Now, they were seeking her opinion, valuing her ideas.
The conversation was interrupted by a sudden hush falling over the crowd. Adeline looked up to see what had caused the commotion and felt her heart sink. Joanna had arrived.
The once-resplendent Lady Strathmore looked decidedly less polished than she had at previous events. Her gown, while still fashionable, showed signs of wear, and her jewelry was noticeably less ostentatious.
“My word,” Lady Ashworth whispered, her eyes wide, “I heard she had to sell her late husband’s estate to pay his debts, but I had no idea things were quite so dire.”
Joanna held her head high, clearly trying to ignore the whispers that followed in her wake. But Adeline could see the strain around her eyes, the tightness of her smile.
For a moment, Adeline almost felt sorry for her. Then she remembered all the pain Joanna had caused, not just to her, but to Edmund as well. Any sympathy she might have felt evaporated.
“Well,” Edmund murmured drily, “this should be interesting.”
As if on cue, Lady Alderton appeared, making a beeline for Joanna. Adeline tensed up, expecting some sort of confrontation. But to her surprise, her grandmother-in-law was all smiles.
“Lady Strathmore!” Lady Alderton exclaimed, her voice carrying across the lawn. “How delightful to see you, my dear. Are you feeling quite well? You look a touch pale.”
