Page 85 of His Forsaken Duchess
“Lord Belleville,” Audrey returned smoothly, glancing briefly at Cedric. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but she could feel the tension radiating from him.
Lilianna curtsied, her cheeks coloring even more. “It is lovely to see you again, My Lord.”
Belleville smiled at her warmly. “Lady Lilianna, I was just about to admire a remarkable Italian piece nearby. Would you care to accompany me?”
Lilianna glanced at Audrey, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but when she saw her sister’s subtle, reassuring nod, her expression softened into something pleasant and bright. “I would be delighted,” she replied.
Belleville offered her his arm, and Lilianna hesitated only for a moment before slipping her gloved hand into the crook of his elbow.
“This way,” he said smoothly, guiding her toward the next hall, his head inclined toward her as he spoke.
Audrey watched them for a beat longer, satisfaction blooming in her chest. She turned toward Cedric, who stood beside her with his arms crossed over his chest.
“You disapprove,” she said quietly, though it was more of a statement than a question.
“It is too soon,” he replied, his gaze never leaving the pair. “You should not encourage him.”
Audrey resisted the urge to sigh. “And why not? Lord Belleville is well respected and influential. Even if he does not court her, his attention will improve her standing. Do you truly want my father to marry her off to some ancient duke?”
Cedric’s lips twitched faintly, though he refused to look at her. “I am an ancient duke, according to you.”
Audrey laughed softly, the sound carrying just enough to turn a few heads. “Hardly. You are far too… lively for that.”
He turned his gaze to her then, his dark eyes assessing. “You are playing a dangerous game.”
“I am winning, Cedric,” she replied confidently. “You only need to trust me.”
He exhaled sharply, as though the very idea pained him. “You are asking for a great deal.”
“And yet you know I am right,” she replied sweetly.
Before he could respond, she stepped forward, making her way toward Lilianna and Belleville.
The pair were standing before a vibrant painting of the Italian countryside, their voices low and animated as Belleville gestured toward some detail in the artwork.
Audrey approached them with a warm smile, her gaze darting between the two. “You make quite the interesting pair,” she said lightly.
Belleville turned toward her, his smile widening. “Do we?”
Audrey tilted her head, her expression playful. “Indeed. It is refreshing to see a gentleman who so clearly enjoys my sister’s company.”
Belleville glanced toward Lilianna, his eyes softening. “How could I not? Lady Lilianna’s insight is remarkable.”
Lilianna blushed faintly, her gaze dropping to the floor. “You are too kind, My Lord.”
Audrey smiled to herself, pleased, before returning to Cedric’s side. He was watching her with something akin to suspicion, though his expression remained otherwise unreadable.
“Well?” she prompted as they resumed walking. “That went well.”
“You are meddling,” he said flatly.
“I amhelping,” she corrected. “And look around you—people are watching them.”
Cedric glanced toward the groups scattered throughout the hall, several of whom had clearly taken an interest in Belleville and Lilianna’s interaction. “We will see what the ton has to say soon enough.”
“We will,” Audrey replied, her confidence unwavering.
“I must admit,” Cedric said suddenly, breaking the silence, as they dined later that day, “you were right about today.”
