Page 76 of His Forsaken Duchess
The ride to Hyde Park was uneventful, though the sisters were quiet. Audrey watched them closely, hoping that being in Society again would restore some of their lost confidence. When they reached the park, the air was crisp, and the wide gravel paths were bustling with London’s elite—ladies in colorful bonnets, gentlemen in top hats, and nursemaids pushing perambulators.
Cedric walked alongside Audrey, his gloved hand resting lightly on her back—an action that felt both protective and possessive. Behind them, Lilianna and Clarise walked quietly, their hands clasped.
They had only strolled a short distance when Cedric was hailed by a gentleman passing by. “Haremore! A moment, if you please.”
Cedric inclined his head, murmuring to Audrey, “I will only be a moment. Stay close.”
Audrey smiled reassuringly, though she felt the absence of his presence keenly the moment he stepped away.
“Come along,” she said, guiding her sisters forward.
They had gone only a little farther when a voice cut through the air, sharp and distinctive. “Well, well, look who dares to show her face.”
Twenty-Six
Audrey turned sharply to find herself face-to-face with Lady Harriet Munsford, one of the ton’s most notorious gossips. Her eyes were narrowed, and her mouth twisted into a snarl as she focused on Lilianna.
“You have no right to walk among polite society after everything you have done,” Lady Harriet said, her voice dripping with disdain.
Lilianna froze, her face draining of all color. “I…”
Audrey stepped forward, her spine straight and her chin jutted. “Lady Harriet,” she said coolly. “I must ask you to retract your statement immediately.”
Lady Harriet ignored her, pointing a gloved finger at Lilianna. “The ton knows what kind of girl she is.”
“Enough,” Clarise said, her voice trembling but fierce. “You will not speak to my sister that way.”
Lady Harriet’s gaze flicked to Clarise, then to Audrey. “And you—you defend her? How far you have all fallen.”
Before Audrey could reply, a shadow fell over them. Cedric.
His presence was as commanding as ever, his dark gaze fixed coldly on Lady Harriet. She faltered instantly, her bravado wilting under his scrutiny.
“You will apologize,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Now.”
Lady Harriet swallowed visibly. “I-I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I meant no?—”
“Apologize,” he repeated, his voice colder still.
Lady Harriet turned red as a beet. “My apologies,” she stammered. “To you, Your Grace. And to… to your sisters.”
“Thank you,” Audrey said smoothly, watching as Lady Harriet turned and fled, her skirts billowing behind her.
Cedric turned to Lilianna and Clarise. “Are you all right?”
Lilianna nodded once. “Yes. Thank you.”
Audrey smiled softly as Cedric took her hand and resumed walking, the warmth of his palm steady against her glove. She leaned toward him and whispered, “Thank you.”
Their eyes met, and he gave her a rare, small smile. Audrey’s breath caught, her heart fluttering.
“Is that—” Clarise’s voice broke through, her tone full of excitement. “Is that Lord Belleville?”
Audrey turned sharply to see the Marquess of Belleville walking toward them with his usual charming smile.
Clarise nudged Lilianna, her voice barely above a whisper. “It looks like you have a suitor.”
Audrey glanced at her sister, who was blushing furiously.
