Page 43 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“Then he is a fool.” Rowen made a dismissive gesture.
I am no fool.His words floated back to her, and for a moment, she could feel his hand around hers. The smell of sandalwood made her head spin, and she cleared her throat, reaching for one of the veils to hide her burning cheeks. “I really cannot decide between these two. Which one do you think would work best?”
There was a disapproving sniff from behind them, and they all turned in the direction of the noise. A woman with a severe face and blonde hair tied into a tight bun was standing near them. Beside her was another woman who was short with auburn hair and an expression on her face like she had stepped in something disgusting.
“Do you need a handkerchief?” Rowen asked, the sweetness in her tone sharper than a knife.
The woman gave Rowen an affronted look but did not respond.
“Now, Adele, have you given any thought to your —” Rowen began but the stranger let out a loud, overly theatrical sigh.
“Ignore them,” Verity muttered, shooting a glance at the two women.
Rowen’s nostrils flared, but she nodded and gestured to Adele’s feet. “Shoes. That is what we need to decide.”
“You will want to be comfortable but stylish. I know you are not having a breakfast or celebration after the ceremony —” Verity began, but she stopped as the two strangers let out coughs.
Adele heard distinct muttering. She turned to face the women, forcing herself to smile at them.
“Pardon?” Adele’s voice was overly bright and airy even as she gritted her teeth. “I do not believe we have met; I am Lady Adelaide Rothwell, Marchioness of Kidlington. And you are?”
“Lady Vera White, Countess of Salford, and Mrs. Samantha Addington.” The blonde woman pointed to herself and then to her companion.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Adele took a step towards the women, standing as straight and tall as she could manage. “Now, it is clear you either have some thoughts and are rather desperate to share them, or else, you are under the weather in which case I would recommend a journey to Bath.”
Lady Salford stiffened, her lips thinning so much they were practically non-existent. “I do not think a trip to Bath will benecessary. It was just… well, rather surprising that you would not even have a wedding breakfast.”
“Really?” Adele arched an eyebrow at the woman.
“Truth be told, the whole thing is rather unusual. After all, your last marriage ended only three months ago.” Mrs. Addington gave her a sickly smile.
“Yes, it does seem rather soon to be marrying someone else.” Lady Salford gestured around them. “I am not sure I would make such a choice, but of course, if you feel this is right…”
Fury boiled up within Adele, but she kept her mouth shut. Her mind searched for the perfect retort, yet all it turned up wasHow dare you!
Before she could reply, Cora had stepped between her and the women, flanked by Verity and Rowen. The widows formed a protective barrier around her.
“Lady Salford, how kind of you to share your opinion. Your concern for our friend is so… well intentioned.” Cora’s tone dripped with derision. “Though, perhaps in your fervour to warn Lady Adele of an error, you forgot the facts of the matter. After all, she was married to the Marquess for a number of hours, not years.”
“If the Marquess had left her at the altar for another woman, would you expect her to grieve for a year?” Verity clucked hertongue. “Of course, you would not. Just because the man has died — may God rest his soul — well, I would think three months is plenty of time.”
“And of course, one should really take care when throwing stones, especially when in glass houses. Do you not think?” Rowen looked between Verity and Cora. “I believe it was your third husband who you were discovered with at your second wedding, was it not, Mrs. Addington?”
“It was husband number four,” Cora chimed in, and Adele had to fight to keep the smile from her face.
“Come now, ladies, can you not see how brave these two are being? After all, I am not sure I would want to make an enemy of a duchess. They are only one step down from royalty after all.” Rowen fanned herself, and Adele saw her hide a smirk behind the fan.
Adele saw Lady Salford’s eyes widen. The woman clutched a hand to her chest. “I — we meant no offence.”
“And yet offence has happened all the same.” Cora’s voice was cold as a midwinter morning.
“Lady Kidlington. Please, you must forgive us.” Mrs. Addington tugged on Lady Salford’s arm. “We… we were just concerned for you. We do not think it wrong of you to marry; it is just what some people are saying.”
“Yes, this is all a silly misunderstanding.” Lady Salford nodded enthusiastically.
Adele smiled at the two women, the kind of smile that promised the kind of violence women of the ton were so adept at committing. “Of course, it is, and no doubt you will be correcting other’s misunderstandings as well. Now that my friends have clarified things of course. After all, I should hate for us to part on less than amiable terms. Especially as we have just met.”
“Of course, of course.” Lady Salford swallowed and glanced at her friend. “You must send His Grace our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations.”
