Page 14 of The Wolf Duke's Wife
“What, pray tell, has Lady Martha said?” Christine asked, following the Dowager Duchess from the drawing room in which the venerable matron had hunted her down.
“She has been reprimanded for her actions. There will be no more wine spilled. Quite a precious vintage I had brought up for this evening, and she tosses it like vinegar. The idea!”
“I was also quite upset by her actions,” Christine said.
“Well, you would be. Though seeking out her fiancé when he was not long ago your fiancé…” she tutted, wagging a finger, “open to the wrong sort of interpretation and hardly advisable. Selina would not have made such a mistake.”
“I have not seen my sister for a long time and barely had a chance to talk to her after she left for the country.”
“Society weddings are about alliances and connections. Joining the roots of one’s new family to those already established. Not for reminiscing with your own family.”
“Quite,” Christine replied, quietly.
After reaching the safety of her room, she had wept tears of helpless frustration. She had wanted to dig in her heels against the current of fate that seemed to have her in its grip. Dig in her heels and arrest the headlong rush she felt she was in. Take stock and set her own direction. But everything was happening so fast.
Now, I am reminded of how little I know the waters I find myself sailing. Selina might be able to advise, but I dare not ask.
“How is your sister, by the way?” the Dowager Duchess asked, taking a moment to straighten a bouquet of flowers as they strode along a hallway.
“As I said, I have not seen her for a few months. She is pregnant and finding it a difficult time,” Christine said.
“Kindly take those canapes out to the south lawn!” the Dowager Duchess barked to a passing servant, apparently heading the wrong way.
Christine did not know if she had been heard at all. They reached a sitting room with doors that opened out onto a veranda and a lawn beyond. Torches in sconces lit the scene. Tables had been set up on the grass with flickering candles and ivory tablecloths. Ladies were perusing name plates set up along the tables. Gentlemen stood, singly or in groups.
“A little bird tells me that the Duke of Duskwood came to your aid, earlier?” the Dowager Duchess whispered, in a tone that few would not hear.
“He merely happened to be in the vicinity,” Christine said, not sure if admitting a connection to the Wolf Duke would be wise.
And after all, I do not know how to deal with these people. How could I, when I have been living the life of a servant for years!
“Ah, well, do not be reliant on the help of the Wolf. Before him, you are a veritable lamb. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we are all now gathered!”
The Dowager Duchess went from conspiratorial whisper to a clear, carrying command, making Christine jump.
“Lady Christine has rejoined us and will take the remaining place at the tables.”
She ushered Christine to an empty space beside Blanche and just a couple of seats away from Lady Martha. Christine tried to ignore the glare she felt coming from that direction.
“I am so glad the Wolf did not eat you up!” Blanche whispered in a voice truly intended only for Christine.
“Why should he have?” Christine whispered back.
“Because Lady Martha is saying he disappeared around the same time as you. It does not do to be associated with such a man,” Blanche said, fervently, “his reputation can suffer no harm. It is bad enough. Yours would be tainted forever.”
“It already is,” Christine said.
A man with a reputation blackened in every drawing room in London. Would he suddenly play the hero? Her rational mind reminded her that she should be glad if he did not turn up for the rest of the Hunt.
Let him find better hunting elsewhere. But if he truly hunts my brother, there is nowhere else he will find his game.
But she could not forget the way her skin hummed when his hand brushed hers. The scandalous heat when he had pressed her fingers to his lips.
I should pray to God that he changes his mind!
“You are not twenty-one until next year, are you?” Blanche said.
“That’s right, why?”
