Page 51 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“Lord Anderson, we are so glad you were able to join us tonight,” Felicity’s father said to Hugh.
“Thank you for the invite, Lord Rothchild. It’s not every day one gets to attend the opera with a beautiful lady and her honorable parents.”
That comment made Felicity’s parents beam. They were eager for their daughter to find love and it seemed as if she was finding it with Hugh.
Hugh stole a glance at Felicity who had sat back down beside him.
She looked decadent in her dark blue dress with her hair tied back, giving him the perfect view of her flawless face and elegant neck.
The longer Hugh stared at Felicity, the more enamored he grew, realizing his desire to spend his life with her.
Hugh was on top of the world as the opera played out. Hugh had not been to many operas, so he was enthralled the entire time, but he was also well aware of Felicity’s presence beside him. She was a beacon of light, and he could not be more pleased to be in her company for such an event.
As the opera came to a close, Hugh walked with Felicity and her parents to their awaiting carriage.
“Felicity,” Hugh started before clearing his throat. “It has been an honor spending time with you this evening.”
Felicity flushed at Hugh’s words. Hugh loved seeing the red color fill her cheeks, it made his heart feel full knowing he was the one causing such coloring.
“It has been a wonderful evening,” Felicity said. “I hope we can spend more evenings like this together,” she said, her face going an even darker red as she registered her words. He beamed at her.
“As would I, my lady,” he smiled.
The pair stared deeply into each other’s eyes.
Hugh wanted nothing more than to take Felicity into his arms and hold her but that would not be appropriate. Ever since she kissed his cheek in the library, he had thoughts of kissing her endlessly. Hugh had high hopes that one day he would be able to, when Felicity was his wife.
***
The opera had gone well, or so Vivienne thought. She had bonded with the duke even though his mind seemed to be elsewhere. The opera itself was great but Vivienne could feel the tension coming off her mother in waves throughout the night.
Once Vivienne and her family returned home, they made their way inside the parlor.
The parlor was dim as Cressida paced the room.
Vivienne could tell something was on her mother’s mind, but she refrained from asking, not wanting to cause a stir.
Just as Vivienne sat down, a loud crash could be heard reverberating through the room.
Cressida had given into her pent-up rage and flung a porcelain vase against the wall, sending fragments flying.
Vivienne was trembling as she turned to face her mother whose face was full of anger.
“Mother, please calm down,” Vivienne said as she grabbed onto her chair for support.
Cressida turned her raging gaze onto her daughter. Vivienne could see the black of Cressida's eyes, full of fury.
“Do not tell me to calm down!” Cressida shouted. “This is all your fault!”
Vivienne had no idea what she had done.
“What did I do?” Vivienne asked, feeling small.
Cressida walked up to Vivienne and leaned down into her face.
Vivienne could smell her mother’s rancid breath as Cressida seethed.
“You are making no progress with Gabriel,” Cressida said, dissatisfied. “You are supposed to become a Duchess but how can you do that when all the duke seems to care about is Lady Gemma Whitmore. Are you blind? Do I have to explain everything in complete detail to you?”
