Page 72 of His Forsaken Duchess
Belleville leaned back, a look of exaggerated delight crossing his face. “The Duchess of Haremore! I must say, I’m still waiting for an introduction.”
Cedric paused, his hands lingering on the buttons of his coat as he regarded his friend thoughtfully. Belleville might joke and jest, but there was no denying the influence he had in Society.His acceptance of Audrey—and by extension, her family—could sway some of the skeptical critics.
“Come to dinner with me,” Cedric said suddenly.
Belleville blinked, clearly surprised. “Dinner? With her family?”
“Yes,” Cedric replied simply, shrugging into his coat. “Stonebridge House. Tonight.”
Belleville laughed, shaking his head. “Cedric, I asked for an introduction to your wife, not her entire clan.”
“Suit yourself,” Cedric said with a nonchalant shrug. He turned toward the door.
Belleville rose, still chuckling under his breath. “Of course, I will attend. How could I resist? The Winslows and the illustrious Duchess of Haremore—I daresay the evening will be most enlightening.”
Cedric didn’t respond to the jest, though his mouth twitched with amusement. “I’ll see you there.”
Belleville sketched a mock bow as Cedric turned the door handle. “Until tonight, Your Grace.”
Cedric’s mind raced as he walked out, the anger still simmering low in his gut. Lord Rashford—that coward—had been inEngland this entire time, allowing Lilianna to bear the shame alone. It was inexcusable, unforgivable.
Audrey stole a glance at her husband as they entered the drawing room, her fingers brushing against his sleeve. Cedric looked every inch the formidable Duke of Haremore—his coat immaculate, his posture rigid, his brow slightly furrowed as though he’d rather be anywhere else.
“Smile,” she muttered under her breath, leaning closer as they crossed the threshold.
Cedric’s jaw tightened slightly, though he didn’t look at her. “It’s your family, not the ton,” he argued, his voice a low rumble. “I don’t need to smile.”
Audrey bit back a laugh, her lips twitching despite herself. “Well, at least you don’t think of my family as the ton,” she replied softly, her amusement slipping through.
Cedric turned his head slightly, his dark gaze flicking to hers for just a moment before he exhaled sharply, the faintest glimmer of something that could have been humor in his eyes.
Her stepmother, Grace, was already on the settee, her face lighting up when they entered. Clarise stood nearby, smoothing the folds of her pale dress, her shy smile widening at the sight of them. Lord Stonebridge stood stiffly by the fireplace, his usual air of stoic authority softening only slightly as he inclined his head to Cedric.
“Good evening,” Audrey said warmly, releasing Cedric’s arm to greet them. “Where is Lilianna?”
Clarise stepped forward, her hands clasped demurely before her. “In her bedchamber. She said she wouldn’t be joining us.”
Audrey frowned, the words tugging at her heart. She glanced briefly at Cedric, who was being offered a glass of port by the butler. He lifted a hand in refusal.
“No port,” he said curtly. “Bring me something else—tea, perhaps.”
The butler hesitated for only a second before bowing. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Lord Stonebridge raised an eyebrow at him. “You are having tea?”
Cedric shrugged, his tone insouciant. “I find port intolerable. Besides, I prefer to keep my wits about me.”
Audrey’s lips twitched, though she said nothing.Of coursehe would. It was such aCedricresponse—controlled, unyielding, and maddeningly direct.
“I will be back,” she murmured, already turning toward the stairs.
Lilianna’s door was ajar when Audrey reached it. She knocked softly, then entered without waiting for a reply.
The room was dimly lit, the fading light of the day filtering through the heavy curtains. Lilianna sat at her vanity, dressed in a simple blue dress, her hair pinned in a loose chignon. Her fingers ran absently over a silver hairbrush, and her expression was distant as she stared at her reflection.
“I heard you wouldn’t be joining us,” Audrey said gently, stepping inside. “And yet here you are, dressed.”
Lilianna sighed, setting the brush down with a soft clatter. “Ifeelobligated,” she admitted, meeting Audrey’s gaze in the mirror. “The Duke is here, after all.”
