Page 18 of His Scarred Duchess
Daniel winced. “Ah. I see. And I assume you took that suggestion with your usual grace and equanimity?”
Edmund shot his friend a withering glare. “I informed him, in no uncertain terms, that my father’s actions have no bearing on my ability to manage Holbrook.”
“And how did that go?”
Edmund’s scowl deepened. “About as well as you’d expect. I ended the meeting.”
Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Edmund, my friend, you can’t keep alienating every potential investor who walks through your door. Holbrook needs allies, not enemies.”
“What would you have me do?” Edmund snapped. “Simper and bow to every lord with a fat purse and outdated notions of propriety?”
“Of course not,” Daniel replied, his tone placating. “But perhaps a bit of… diplomacy wouldn’t go amiss?”
Edmund dropped heavily into the chair behind his desk. “Diplomacy,” he muttered. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
Daniel raised an eyebrow. “What exactly did Lord Farrell say?”
Edmund’s jaw clenched. “He had the gall to suggest that I need to engage more with thetonto prove my trustworthiness. As if my management of Holbrook isn’t enough!” He let out a bitterlaugh. “And the cherry on top? He implied I should consider marriage to ‘lend stability to my image.’ The nerve of the man!”
Daniel’s eyes widened at this revelation. After a moment, he leaned forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Look, I know you hate this sort of thing, but maybe it’s time to consider what Lord Farrell said. Not about your father,” he added hastily, seeing Edmund’s thunderous expression, “but about engaging more with theton.”
“Not you too,” Edmund groaned. “I’ve had enough of balls and soirées to last a lifetime.”
“I’m not suggesting you become a social butterfly,” Daniel said with a chuckle. “But making a few appearances, showing that you’re willing to be part of their world… it could go a long way towards changing their perception of you.”
Edmund was silent for a long moment, staring out the window at the grounds of Holbrook. Finally, he sighed. “Fine. You have a point.”
Daniel’s face split into a grin. “Was that an admission that I’m right? Quick, someone mark the date!”
Despite himself, Edmund felt a smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t let it go to your head. I said you might have a point, not that you’re right.”
“Close enough for me.” Daniel laughed. “So, what do you say? Shall we brave London Society?”
Edmund grimaced. “I suppose we must. Though I warn you, if I have to endure one more vapid conversation about the latest fashions or gossip, I may be forced to flee to the Continent.”
“Noted,” Daniel said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll be sure to keep a close eye on you. Wouldn’t want you causing a scandal before we’ve even begun our social campaign.”
As they continued to banter, Edmund felt some of the tension from earlier begin to ease. The prospect of re-entering Society still filled him with dread, but with Daniel by his side, perhaps it wouldn’t be a complete disaster.
A week later, Edmund found himself standing in the opulent foyer of Lady Windhurst’s townhouse, wondering for the thousandth time how he’d let himself be talked into this.
“Stop scowling, darling,” his grandmother, Lady Alderton, chided gently. “You look as though you’re facing a firing squad rather than a soirée.”
Edmund forced his features into a more neutral expression. “Shall I attempt a joyous grin? Perhaps a merry jig as we enter? I wouldn’t want to disappoint the esteemed members of thetonwith my lack of enthusiasm for an evening of mindless chatter and thinly veiled matchmaking attempts.”
Lady Alderton’s lips twitched, fighting a smile. “There’s no need for theatrics, my dear. A simple absence of your thunderous scowl will suffice. Though I must say, your skill for dramatic declarations is quite impressive. Perhaps you missed your calling on the stage?”
Edmund arched an eyebrow. “I assure you, Grandmother, my talents are better suited to managing estates than entertaining the masses. Now, shall we get this over with?”
Lady Alderton patted his arm. “That’s the spirit. And who knows? You might even enjoy yourself. There are some lovely young ladies in attendance tonight.”
“Grandmother,” Edmund warned, his tone low.
She held up her hands in mock surrender. “I’m merely making an observation, my dear. Though I wouldn’t object to bouncing a great-grandchild or two on my knee before I’m laid to rest in the family crypt.”
Before Edmund could respond, they were announced to the room. As they made their entrance, he could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on him. The constant hum of conversation faltered for a moment before resuming with increased vigor. No doubt his presence would be the talk of thetonby morning.
They had barely made it ten steps into the ballroom when a whirlwind of pastel gowns and fluttering fans descended upon them.
