Page 74 of His Forsaken Duchess
Dinner was announced, and the group moved to the dining room. The table was beautifully set, candlelight casting a warm glow over the silver and crystal. Audrey watched as Bellevilletook his seat beside Lilianna, already regaling her with tales of his travels.
“… there we were,” he said dramatically, “in the middle of the Mediterranean, our ship tossed about like a child’s toy in a bathtub.”
Lilianna’s eyes widened. “What did you do?”
“Absolutely nothing,” Belleville said with a grin. “I was far too terrified of being struck by lightning.”
Cedric snorted softly, drawing all eyes to him. “You did plenty,” he said, his voice dry. “Belleville tied knots that even the captain praised.”
Belleville waved a hand dismissively. “Small knots, Haremore. Nothing heroic.”
“Knots are important,” Audrey said suddenly, glancing at Cedric with a playful smile. “Wouldn’t you agree, husband?”
Cedric raised an eyebrow, though his lips twitched faintly. “Indeed. A strong knot holds everything together.”
“Much like marriage,” Grace chimed in, smiling knowingly at Audrey.
Audrey glanced toward the head of the table, where her father sat. To her surprise, his expression had softened, his gaze lingering on Belleville with something almost akin to approval.
Her heart swelled with hope.
After dinner, the gentlemen remained behind while the ladies withdrew to the drawing room. Audrey found herself standing alone by the window, her gaze sweeping over the darkened garden beyond. The evening had gone better than she dared to hope, but hope, she knew, could be dangerous.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Grace said gently, appearing at her side.
Audrey smiled faintly. “It isn’t easy being here,” she admitted quietly. “London feels… suffocating at times.”
“And yet you’re managing,” Grace said, her voice warm. “Cedric is here, and he seems to be supporting you.”
Audrey’s chest tightened. “Yes,” she said softly. “He is.”
Grace’s hand rested gently on Audrey’s arm. “I hope you find happiness with him, Audrey.”
Audrey looked out at the garden, the darkness beyond the window stretching endlessly.Happiness.The word settled uncomfortably in her chest because she could not see it—at least not yet.
“I hope so too,” she whispered.
But even as she said it, doubt curled at the edges of her heart, leaving her feeling as though happiness was just out of reach—something she dared not believe in.
Audrey glanced down at the stack of invitations balanced on the silver tray that Astor held with his usual impeccable composure. Her eyebrows rose as she sifted through the pile—creamy envelopes embossed with elegant handwriting, each addressed to the Duke and Duchess of Haremore.
“When did all these arrive?” she asked, her voice holding both amusement and triumph.
“This morning, Your Grace,” Astor replied calmly, though the corner of his mouth twitched as though he shared in her satisfaction.
Audrey smiled, her heart soaring just a little more. “Our second day in London, and it seems everyone wishes to see us. Excellent.” She turned, clutching the invitations to her chest. “Is His Grace at home?”
Astor shook his head. “No, Your Grace. His Grace is at the House of Lords.”
“Very well,” Audrey said briskly. “Send Miss Smith to me, if you please. And have my spencer and bonnet brought down.”
Astor inclined his head and disappeared up the stairs with the same quiet efficiency that had come to define him. A few moments later, Miss Smith appeared, her round face bright with curiosity and enthusiasm.
“Are we going somewhere, Your Grace?” she asked eagerly, holding the pale blue spencer that matched Audrey’s dress.
“We are.” Audrey slipped her arms into the spencer sleeves and tied the bonnet’s ribbons beneath her chin with practiced ease. “To Stonebridge House. My sisters have been hiding long enough, and I intend to coax them out of their cocoon.”
“Oh, very good, Your Grace!” Miss Smith said approvingly, her cheeks pink with excitement. “The fresh air will do wonders for Lady Lilianna and Lady Clarise. They must come out, eventually.”
