Page 56 of The Duke's Indecent Match
But Kalina was not a little girl anymore, and she knew better than to believe him.
Nathanial
Well, that clinched that.
His new wife had clearly snowed her friends.Lady Astrid was no longer keeping her at arm’s length, nor were Tiffany or Delilah.Somehow, she had convinced them of her innocence in trapping him.
But they had not seen her father and her secretly embracing, obviously in congratulations over the success of their plan.
They had not heard her thank her father for ensuring her happiness.
Every muscle in his body felt tight and stiff with rage.It was a wonder he could see straight, as his vision felt fogged, tinged with red.Only the number of guests around them, the necessity of keeping a stiff upper lip in front of the gossipmongers, kept him from losing his temper entirely.
At least he’d had the foresight to have a horse saddled for himself, while a carriage had been prepared for his duchess and her maid.He would not be forced to ride the hours to Hereford Hall with her in close quarters.Perhaps by the time they arrived, he would be in a better frame of mind.
Even if he was not, he would no longer have to playact for an audience of theton.Nor would he have to see her father, which would do a great deal for his temperament.
Striding to the front of the house where the Blackstones waited, along with Mrs.Little, who had a strained expression on her face despite the company of the Dowager Duchess of Clarence, Nathanial made his bow to the hosts.Lady Astrid stood next to her mother, sympathy on her expression, but also a kind of sternness that he was used to seeing from her.She was no longer fully on his side.
As much as he wanted to tell her about what he had just witnessed between Miss Little and her father—no, between the now Duchess of Hereford and her father—this was hardly the time and place.Especially with so many others about.
He waited, albeit impatiently, until his wife came into the foyer on her father’s arm.Though her expression was utterly blank, her father seemed even happier than he had earlier in the day.
Farewells were exchanged, and Nathanial thanked the Blackstones for their hospitality and for being up to the challenge of holding an unplanned event.Lady Blackstone happily reassured him that it had been no trouble at all, especially as Astrid had taken on the bulk of the responsibility.She often did.Though today, Lady Blackstone’s eyes were clear and bright, and she appeared to be feeling very well indeed.
If only Nathanial could say the same.
Escorting his wife down the stairs and to the carriage, Nathanial did not meet her gaze as he helped her up into the confines.Her maid quickly followed.
“Madam,” he said stiffly, giving her a nod before stepping away.
One of the grooms was standing to the side with the horse he would be using to return home.That was one upside to his marriage.After today, he would be able to purchase his own horses and his own carriage, and provide for their upkeep.He would no longer need to rely on the generosity of others.
Trying to keep that thought firmly in his mind, rather than his bride’s duplicity, he mounted the energetic bay gelding.Glancing up at the front façade of Blackstone Manor, he was unsurprised to see multiple faces lining the windows, from all the rooms on the first floor.
The Blackstones themselves, along with the Littles, had trooped out onto the front stairs to wave.His friends were grouped together at two windows.Both Gregory and Sebastian appeared sympathetic, while Christian was frowning at Nathanial as ifhewas the one who had done something wrong.Zachary and Drake both appeared more somber.Matthew was the only one who was grinning.When he caught Nathanial’s gaze, he nodded his head, lifting his hand up to pat his pocket where his lucky coin was.
Daft bugger.
Nathanial shook his head, turning away and using the reins to guide his horse in front of the carriage.
The carriage that held his wife.
Who had trapped him into marriage.
Taking a deep breath of country air, Nathanial reined in his temper.They had several hours to go before they reached Hereford Hall.Hopefully, he would be able to shake off some of his temper on the journey.
But he was not too hopeful.
21
Kalina
Traveling up the drive to Hereford Hall was a completely different experience from arriving at Blackstone Manor.It was more than the emptiness of the carriage, with only Margaret for company rather than her whole family; it was being uncertain of her welcome at the end of the road.Things she had not stopped to consider before entering the carriage.
Like what kind of staff would Hereford Hall have.
Whether they would welcome her.
