Page 56 of Duchess By Accident
“That is what Adr- the Duke said as well. I just thought he was turning down the idea because it was mine.” Natalie’s cheeks coloured slightly at the memory.It is so irritating when the man is right.
Lady Cotswalts made no indication that she had heard Natalie’s almost use of Adrian’s name, but she could have sworn there was a knowing look in the woman’s eyes.You are being ridiculous, Natalie, there is nothing to know! You only use his name to irritate him – just explain that.
The Viscountess seemed to have read her mind as she said, “You shall have to put that kind of animosity to one side, dear girl. You need the ton to believe that yours is a love for the ages. They need to think you pine for each other. That he would do anything for you.”
Natalie gave Rose’s mother a suspicious look. “We need to behave as though we are in love?”
“Because he is the devilish duke, and if the ton believe you are the love of his life, they would not dare cross him.” Lady Cotswalts slipped her arm from Natalie’s and said, “They need to believe he will protect you from any who might harm you. They need to see that you have his full and undivided attention.”
“And where else would my attention be, but with my stunning wife?” a familiar voice murmured from behind them, making Natalie jump.
Adrian swept into a bow. “A pleasure to meet you, Viscountess Cotswalts.”
“And you, Duke Blackwood.” Lady Cotswalts curtseyed. “I was just advising Natalie on balls you should attend. If you can getan invitation to Marchioness Penworthy’s that would be a most excellent choice.”
“I already have an invitation from her. Well, from her husband. He owes me a favour and I have called it in.” Adrian smiled, a smug glint in his eye. “It will be our third ball of the week. The first will be this evening. My daughter will be spending the night with her cousins at Emberly House.”
It was the smugness in Adrian’s expression that kept Natalie from gasping.How has he already orchestrated so much?He had been playing in the garden with Melody when she had left their London house that morning, and they had arrived late the night before.
He moved with such clinical efficiency that it was almost breathtaking, a fierce protectiveness in his eyes that made her insides melt. She shook her head.It is his daughter he wants to protect – you are just the means of doing that.Wasn’t she?
“The Caverton ball?” Lady Cotswalts voice brought Natalie back to the present conversation.
He nodded. “It is always one of the most vibrant of the season. I thought it an excellent place to make our grand re-entrance.”
“I see you have given this a great deal of thought, Your Grace.” Lady Cotswalts looked impressed. “It seems you really are quite the puppet master.”
“Oh, I dabble. You yourself are no stranger to such things I am told. You are responsible for several of the highest profile matches in the ton.” He smiled at her.
“I think we will enjoy having you in the family, Your Grace.” Lady Cotswalts smiled back at him. “You should have spoken to your husband first, dear Natalie. It seems he has the situation well in hand.”
“It is always helpful to have a second opinion.” Adrian replied smoothly, smiling at Natalie.
He is going to be utterly infuriating.Natalie shook her head. “Lady Cotswalts suggested we attend six balls in total.”
“I assume the Eynsham, Danterbury, Haversham and Essex balls were among your recommendations.”
“Actually, I suggested the Winchester ball rather than Eynsham.” Lady Cotswalts gave Adrian a conspiratorial look. “The Winchesters third son got in a spot of trouble many years ago and my father was the one who fished him out of it. They owe me a favour and have enough connections that it will help win more people to your cause.”
Natalie felt like she was watching a tennis match. A part of her worried that Adrian would take offense to Lady Cotswalts offering him advice, but to her relief and surprise, she saw that if anything, her husband looked impressed.
“Then we shall do that.” He nodded thoughtfully.
“Wonderful. I shall send over notes for Natalie on the Cavertons and dowager duchess’s favourite topics of conversation. She is an eccentric woman, but if you win her favour that will be a feather in your cap.” Lady Cotswalts inclined her head towards Adrian. “Unless of course, you already have all the information you need.”
“I never turn away the promise of information, Lady Cotswalts.” Adrian replied.
“I am sure you do not.” Lady Cotswalts nodded. “I will take my leave of you then, and I will look forward to your entrance tonight.”
“It will be something to remember.” Adrian assured her.
Natalie narrowed her eyes, trying to work out just what her husband was planning. They watched as Lady Cotswalts departed, then Adrian offered her his arm and gestured towards the waiting carriage.
His cologne washed over her as she slipped her arm through his. Lady Cotswalts had said they should appear to be in love, so that is what she would do.
“I regret that I did not make an effort to meet the Viscountess years ago.” Adrian shook his head. “I underestimated her.”
“Many people do.” Natalie thought of the fact that the Visountess’s father had been a wealthy merchant rather than the nobility. “But I think there are few people in the ton who have her knack for understanding people. Though I must confess I am a little glad the two of you have not met before.”
