Page 75 of His Forsaken Duchess
Audrey nodded, straightening her posture. “They will not come out willingly, but they will come out.”
She stepped into the foyer with purpose, only to halt at her husband’s arrival. Cedric was just walking in, his long legs carrying him across the black-and-white tiles. He paused when he saw her, his eyebrow arching as he surveyed her attire.
“And where are you going?” he asked, his voice low and slightly suspicious.
“To conquer London,” she replied brightly, holding up the invitations. “Or rather, Hyde Park.”
Cedric’s lips quirked up, though his brow remained furrowed. “And your sisters are involved in this venture?”
“Not yet,” Audrey replied. “But they will be.” She reached for his arm, wrapping her hand around it before he could resist. “And you are coming with me.”
Cedric stiffened slightly, eyeing her with reluctance and disbelief. “I most certainly am not.”
Audrey tightened her grip on his arm and smiled up at him sweetly. “Oh, but you are. Think of the whispers, Cedric. The Duke and Duchess of Haremore, walking through Grosvenor Square and Hyde Park as if nothing can touch them.” Her smile widened. “Because it cannot.”
Cedric sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in the sound. “You are insufferable.”
“And you are my husband.” Audrey tugged lightly on his arm. “Now, come along.”
He looked at her for a long moment, his dark gaze unreadable. Then, with a resigned exhale, he relented. “Very well. But you owe me for this.”
Audrey tilted her head, intrigued. “And what will you demand as payment, Your Grace?”
He leaned closer, his voice a low whisper against her ear. “You will see.”
The words sent a warm shiver through her, her cheeks flushing despite herself. Her fingers tightened around his arm as they stepped outside, and she felt the stares almost immediately. The residents of Grosvenor Square, so adept at peering through curtains and over balconies, were clearly captivated by the sight of them.
“Smile,” she said softly, her tone teasing but firm.
Cedric turned his head slightly, his lips near her ear once again. “You smile enough for the both of us.”
The intimate whisper only made her blush deepen, and she found herself laughing softly as they walked arm in arm down the street. A group of ladies passing by on the opposite pavement turned their heads, whispering furiously behind gloved hands. Audrey felt a surge of satisfaction.
Let them talk.
Cedric seemed to notice as well. “Enjoying yourself?” he murmured.
“Immensely,” Audrey replied, glancing up at him. “You may not see it yet, but this is precisely what we need.”
They reached Stonebridge House, and Audrey wasted no time sweeping into the drawing room, Cedric following reluctantly behind her.
Clarise was seated with embroidery in her lap, and Lilianna stood by the window, her face pale. Both turned to face Audrey in surprise.
“You are coming to Hyde Park with us,” Audrey announced, her hands on her hips.
Clarise blinked, dropping her embroidery. “What?”
Lilianna frowned. “I cannot, Audrey.”
“Yes, you can,” Audrey insisted, stepping forward. “You can and you will. You cannot hide away forever. The world will not forget you unless you remind them who you are.”
Lilianna hesitated, her gaze darting to Cedric, who stood near the door, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. “But?—”
“No buts,” Audrey said firmly. She turned to Clarise. “And you, too. You are both coming, and that is final.”
There was a pause. Then, Cedric spoke, his voice startlingly gentle. “Your sister is right.”
Lilianna blinked, looking at him as if she’d never seen him before. Audrey, too, glanced at him, surprise flickering across her face. It wasn’t often that he openly supported her, and she felt a surge of unexpected gratitude.
