Page 22 of Unraveled By the Duke
Violet pursed her lips, looking her up and down. “I have heard rumors to the contrary,” she said finally. “As, I suspect, have many in this room.”
Celia wondered how much they knew. If they were a close-knit family, would they not be aware of the bargain their son had struck to save his name?
“I am a good and decent person, fallen victim to ill fortune,” Celia declared.
“As have I,” Alexander echoed.
Celia looked up in surprise, thinking it a rebuke aimed at her. But he was looking at his stepmother.
She looked away, shrugging. “But you are a good, kind, and honorable man, Xander.”
“As am I, Your Grace,” Celia insisted.
“Oh, what fire, Mother!” Hyacinth exclaimed. “I like her already. Much better than that ghastly Lavinia Dunnings.”
Celia found herself smiling at the young girl’s blatant enthusiasm. It reminded her of Aurelia.
She looked away from the table at which she was seated with Alexander, Hyacinth, and Violet. Her parents were seated a few feet away, but she could see no sign of Aurelia.
So, she could not bring herself to attend my wedding breakfast. Perhaps she is with Lavinia. Have I lost my sister to her as well as my old life?
The morning wore on with the customary speeches and toasts. Music was played for the entertainment of the guests, and, afterbreakfast, they mingled as was the wont of such people at any gathering of more than half a dozen.
Alexander was a constant presence at Celia’s side, but showed no more flashes of warmth. Celia spoke to Hyacinth at length about a range of subjects. The young girl was a solace, without whom she did not know how she would have made it through the wedding breakfast without losing her sanity.
If my marriage to Alexander is to be lonely and isolating, at least I will not be completely alone. I think the Dowager Duchess could become a firm friend. I certainly will need her.
“Ladies and gentlemen! The tables will now be cleared to make room for the dancing!” the Duke of Larcher boomed over the babble of conversation.
There was a noticeable increase in the excitement in the voices of the guests at the announcement. They moved to the sides of the room while servants cleared and carried away the tables, leaving a space in the middle of the room.
“As is customary, the first dance belongs to the bride and groom!” Larcher proclaimed.
Celia looked at Alexander, who bowed to her formally and offered his hand. She accepted it to polite applause, and they stepped into the middle of the room.
The dance lasted less than a minute. Celia was whisked around in a stately waltz without her husband once looking her in the eye. Once others began to join in, he excused himself and left the room.
Moments later, the Duke of Larcher stepped in. “Duchess?”
Celia looked around, wondering who he was addressing.
He cleared his throat. “That would be you as the wife of a duke.”
She blushed. “Of course, Your Grace. I am not used to considering myself a duchess.”
“Alexander has some urgent business to attend to. He has asked me to ensure that you want for nothing. May I?”
He offered his arm, and when she accepted, he led her back into the dancers.
They began to dance, gliding gracefully, Larcher leading with practiced ease.
“You must forgive Xander. He is under a great deal of stress,” he explained.
“I am under the same stress, but I am prepared to put on a show for everyone,” Celia said tartly.
“You are, and itisan excellent show. I know the truth about your marriage.”
“Your Grace…” Celia began.
