Page 96 of Unraveled By the Duke
Alexander stopped, looking back. “I don’t think Nathaniel Grimaire will want to call in my father’s debts. Not when I reveal how that money was used. For what good causes he put it to at the cost of his own fortune.”
“That is very noble, but it will not be seen that way. I can make people think whatever I wish. I control the ton.”
“No,” Celia said, firmly and calmly. “You don’t. What was it you said, Alexander? She could have taught lessons to Machiavelli?”
Alexander’s face brightened, but Lavinia did not understand.
“Yes, he understands,” she crowed. “I have manipulated your reputations to suit my purposes. I have?—”
“I wasn’t talking about you, dear,” Celia cut in with a sympathetic smile, “or your mother. The Dowager Countess of Cleland. She is a friend of yours, Alexander?”
“She is.”
Lavinia swallowed, licking her lips. “Cleland?” she whispered.
“You know the name?” Celia asked.
It was clear that Lavinia did.
“Let us say that if the scandal sheets lose interest in us, they will never take an interest in you, or Phillip Grimaire and his half-brother, Greenwood. Or how their father tried to use his considerable wealth to destroy the legacy of a public benefactor,” Alexander said. “Live and let live.”
Lavinia was shaking her head, unwilling to accept defeat.
Celia rolled her eyes. “Alexander, let us leave this gaudy place? Please?”
Alexander led his wife and sister-in-law out of Alvey Hall, followed by Lavinia’s screams of frustration.
CHAPTER 30
“Your Grace, allow me to congratulate you on a fine evening. Nothing was wanting, and your sister looked positively regal,” Cornelius Frid praised, offering his hand.
Alexander had been standing, watching Hyacinth dance with a young, fresh-faced man in the uniform of an ensign of the Household Cavalry. He had already discussed him with the Dowager Countess of Cleland, who was currently holding court on the other side of the room.
The young man was of good family and solid reputation. Alexander tried not to glower at him. Violet had already had words with him this evening about that.
“Thank you, Scovell. It has been quite the enterprise, but Hyacinth deserves nothing less.”
Cornelius Frid smiled and nodded. His demeanor towards Alexander had changed considerably since the scandals involving his daughters had been so effectively squashed.
Celia and Violet mingled with the guests; the Duchess and Dowager Duchess of Cheverton made a charming team.
“And Celia deserves nothing less. I had my doubts at the beginning. I hope you do not harbor a grudge against a concerned father.”
“Not at all. I would have acted the same. Actually, I should be thanking you. Celia’s dowry paid for all of this. That was my reason for marrying her—one of them. The least of them now.”
“Men have married for less. I did. It is not the initial intention that matters, but what one does with it. If you follow.”
Alexander nodded.
His initial intention had been to use Celia for her dowry while maintaining his honor. Use her and then discard her. What mattered was his intentions now—to love and protect her forever.
How easy I find it to think of that word. To love. For so long, it was anathema. It was weakness and vulnerability.
“I do not wish to overstep the mark, but… now that our families are united… it would be remiss of me if I did not at least offer…” Cornelius was babbling, his face reddening.
Alexander put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I will spare you having to say it, Scovell. I appreciate the gesture, but my father’s debts are mine.”
“It takes great courage for a man to accept the approbation of his peers in order to protect his family. It must have been very unjust.”
