Page 50 of The Duke of Kisses
But she wouldn’t have asked, especially not here. She hurriedly glanced around to see if anyone had overheard whathadbeen said.
And then she saw Ivy. Her sister had approached without Fanny realizing. She was instantly taken aback by the look of anxiety in Ivy’s gaze. “What’s wrong?”
Had Lady St. Ives said something despite Fanny’s assurances that there was nothing between her and David?
“Did you hear about the duel that was challenged earlier?” Ivy asked.
“Yes.” Fanny relaxed slightly. “Why does that upset you?”
“It doesn’t. But people are now talking about past duels, mostly the one fought by Lord Axbridge last year.”
Lady Axbridge was a close friend of Ivy’s. Her husband, the Marquess of Axbridge, had killed her former husband in a duel. That she’d married her husband’s killer was still a bit of a scandal. Fanny had met them both, however, and could see that they were very much in love. “The gossip about them will die down at some point. It has to.”
“One would think,” Ivy said wryly. “However, that’s not the only duel they’re talking about. I heard some people discussing the challenge West issued.”
Fanny’s stomach clenched. “But that was so long ago.”
“Some people never forget,” Ivy said derisively. “I’d like to go home now.”
“I would too.” Fanny felt queasy and horrible. Between Ivy’s consternation and the horrid threat from Lady St. Ives, she felt as though she could toss up her accounts. Or hit something.
Or both.
They left the ball and didn’t speak until they were in the coach, seated side by side on the velvet cushion. Ivy stroked a hand over her rounded belly, her brows gathered with concern. Fanny wanted to assuage her but had a hard time mustering any words of comfort.
“I want to go home,” Ivy said. “To Stour’s Edge. I’d planned to go next month as the pregnancy progressed, but I think I’ve lost my taste for Society. You’re welcome to stay, if you wish.”
There was no question. After what had happened with David yesterday and especially after tonight, Fanny was more than ready to abandon her first—and likely only—Season. “I’d rather come with you and Leah.”
Ivy smiled. “Thank you. I’m sorry to take you away.”
“I’m not,” Fanny said, taking her sister’s hand and squeezing it tightly. “I don’t think London Society is for me.”
“It isn’t for me either,” Ivy admitted. “But I endure it because of my dear friends, and for West.”
“He’d abandon it too.” Fanny was certain of it—he’d do anything for Ivy.
“If I asked, and I won’t. I don’t mind it in small doses—I prefer to just spend time with my friends. However, I did more this year because you’re here.” She winced, then waved her free hand. “Don’t listen to me. I’m tired and cranky from the babe.” She turned her head toward Fanny. “I’d do anything for you and that includes giving you as many Seasons as you’d like.”
The love Fanny felt for her sister welled in her chest and threatened to spill from her eyes. “I’d do anything for you too.” Including staying away from the man she’d fallen in love with—not that he wanted her anyway.
She also wouldn’t ever tell Ivy what Lady St. Ives had said. She just hoped the countess would maintain her end of the bargain and keep her mouth shut.
“Can we leave tomorrow?” Fanny asked.
Ivy’s eyes gleamed with appreciation. “Yes, let’s.”
Fanny nodded. She would miss her friends, but they would understand. She was ready to leave and find a future without judgment or pretense.
A future without David.
