Page 2 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“Oh.” Adele mentally kicked herself.
“Though it is reassuring to know you have no wish to be rid of me, and I too hope that we might remain friends, even as we live our separate lives.” Adele looked up in time to see the Marquess look at Martha once more. “No doubt you have many exciting plans for your new freedom.”
Adele opened her mouth, her mind filling with thoughts of Paris and dressmakers, but the words stuck around a lump in her throat. She blinked and something of her difficulty must have shown on her face because Lord Rothwell opened his mouth as though to say something.
The sound of whispering and muttering filled the space, cutting off whatever he said. Frowning, he turned away from her, and Adele tried to see over the crowd at the source of the disturbance.
All eyes were turned towards a spot near the great oak tree that sheltered the garden from view of the road. Adele tried to peer around the guests but was not blessed with the height of her sisters. Beside her, Lord Rothwell took a step forwards, his hand raised in greeting. The movement caused the crowd to jostle and part, revealing what held their attention.
Adele could not tell if the gasp she heard came from her or the people around her.
A man walked into the party, emerging from behind the tree as though he had simply been waiting to make his appearance. Hisblack hair was cut short, highlighting the sharp angles of his face, the shadows of his cheekbones, and the sharpness of his jaw.
Every movement he made was slow and unhurried, as though he were doing nothing more than taking a pleasant stroll in the grounds of his own estate. Yet Adele could see by the precision of his steps that he was used to commanding the attention of a room.
Stop staring!She could not look away, but she knew she was far from the only one transfixed by this stranger. His midnight blue coat swayed in the wind, and there was something about it that made Adele think of danger lurking just out of sight. She licked her lips, her heart thundering in her chest.
The stranger looked towards them. The corner of his lips twitched, and Adele wondered how it was possible that a mouth could draw such attention when the lips were pressed into little more than a line.
“Presenting… Warner… Scott. Duke… of Scarfield.” The Master of Ceremonies’ voice, gasping and short of breath, seemed to break the spell cast over Adele, and she managed to look away.
“Cousin!” Eric’s voice cut through the quiet muttering of the crowd. “Trust you to show up so late you almost miss the party!”
He laughed, and the crowd laughed with him. For a moment, Adele was sure Duke Scarfield would smile, but he did not.
“My deepest apologies. My carriage threw a wheel on the road. Apparently, it was in need of repair, and no one saw fit to do it. Suffice to say, I am looking for a new head groom.” The Duke’s voice was deep and rich, reminding Adele of honey on a hot summer’s day, yet there was a steel in it as he talked of the repairs.
I would not want to be on the receiving end of such displeasure.
Duke Scarfield drew level with them, and the scent of sandalwood washed over Adele. His clothes were perfectly tailored, highlighting his broad shoulders and well-muscled arms.What am I doing?
“Do not be too harsh on him, Cousin.” Eric waved a hand dismissing the statement before his cousin could reply. “It matters not, you are here now, and I am glad. I could hardly leave on my honeymoon without seeing you.”
“I am glad to have caught you before you left.” There was something in the Duke’s tone that made Adele suspect he was not entirely sorry to have missed the festivities, and she wondered if he had done it on purpose.
The Duke’s piercing blue eyes found Adele’s brown ones, and the thought was driven from her mind. Gooseflesh spread across her body, and she swallowed, forcing herself not to flinch under the intensity of his gaze. “Lady Adelaide.”
“You know my name?” Adele blurted, relieved that her voice was even.
The corner of the Duke’s mouth quirked upwards, and Adele’s cheeks flushed. “Of course. After all, only a bride could look as radiant as you.”
Adele swore she saw his eyes widen, but the movement was gone too fast for her to be certain. The Duke swept into a low bow, and by the slight movement of his hand, Adele thought he was about to take hers and press it to his mouth.
Warmth spread through her, and Adele was relieved that no one would be able to see the slight shake of her legs beneath the fabric of her dress. The moment passed, and the Duke did not take her hand.
“I trust you will forgive my tardiness.” His eyes met hers as he straightened.
“There is nothing to forgive.”Of course, the most handsome man I have ever met would be related to my husband of convenience.
A hysterical urge to laugh rose within her and Adele clamped it down hard… “As my husband says, you are here now. That is all that matters.”
“I appreciate your kindness.” He inclined his head towards her, his eyes still boring into hers. “Clearly my cousin has chosen well; I wish the two of you every happiness. Congratulations on your union.”
“Thank you.” Adele’s mouth was dry.
“Well, as you are here now, it is high time I make a toast!” Eric gestured to a servant, and the Duke’s eyes snapped to him.
Adele felt as though she could breathe again, her head reeling slightly as she listened to Eric tell the servants to fill everyone’s glasses with Regent’s punch.
