Page 93 of A Night of Desire with a Duke
"She should be prosecuted," Mrs. Drummond-Burrell declared. "Theft, slander, attempted extortion..."
"She's been punished enough," Catherine said, surprising herself with her mercy. "Social exile is worse than prison for someone like her."
The evening continued with a strange energy, as if Miss Worthing's dramatic exit had given everyone permission to enjoy themselves more freely. The dancing was livelier, the conversation louder, the champagne flowing more liberally.
Catherine found herself separated from James by social obligation, dancing with partner after partner. But she was always aware of him, could feel his gaze following her around the room.
"You handled that brilliantly," Lord Pemberton said during their dance.
"James handled it. I just stood there trying not to faint."
"You didn't look like you were going to faint. You looked like you were going to commit murder."
"That too."
Marcus laughed. "He really loves you, you know. The way he defended you...that wasn't just propriety. That was genuine rage that someone tried to hurt you."
"I know."
"Good. Make sure you remember that during the difficult times."
"You think there will be difficult times?"
"There are always difficult times. The test of a marriage isn't whether you face challenges, but how you face them together."
It was surprisingly insightful from Marcus, and Catherine told him so.
"I've been reading philosophy," he admitted. "Mother's suggestion for dealing with heartbreak. Though between you and me, I prefer brandy."
The ball continued past midnight, showing no signs of slowing. If anything, the energy was building, as if everyone wanted to celebrate having witnessed such drama.
Catherine was just escaping to the ladies' retiring room when she heard her name. She paused outside the door, recognizing Lady Jersey's voice.
"...handled it perfectly. Though we all know the truth, don't we?"
"What truth?" That was Lady Cowper.
"Oh, come now. The Black Swan, a storm, two attractive young people? Of course something happened."
Catherine's blood froze.
"You think they were really together?"
"I think," Lady Jersey said carefully, "that they fell in love that night and everything since has been them trying to do the right thing. Rather romantic, actually."
"Rather scandalous, you mean."
"The best romances always are. Besides, they're getting married in three days. What does it matter what happened three months ago?"
"It matters if she trapped him."
"Please. Did you see his face when that Worthing chit threatened her? That man would burn down London for Lady Catherine. That's not trapped, that's besotted."
"Still, if they did share rooms..."
"Then they're hardly the first couple to anticipate their vows. Half the ton has similar secrets. The difference is they're actually marrying each other instead of pretending it never happened."
Catherine backed away quietly, her mind spinning. Lady Jersey knew. Or at least suspected. How many others had guessed the truth?
