Page 54 of Duchess in Disguise
“Your Grace,” Isobel replied, dropping into a curtsy that she hoped did not appear as stiff as it felt. “Thank you. I – it is good to see you.”
The part needed to be played for each witness, so it was best that she began with the maid who was watching them witha bashful expression, although Isobel felt dissatisfied with her performance.
Before she could dwell on her inadequacy, Adrian nodded and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
Isobel dismissed her maid with a grateful smile and placed her hand on Adrian's arm, trying not to think about how different it felt from Richard's. Where Richard's touch sent sparks through her body, Adrian's felt... simply proper. Entirely devoid of any sensation of the sensual or improper kind.
A pang of disappointment rang through her, and she missed Richard suddenly.
They walked in silence down the corridor toward the ballroom, and Isobel scrambled for something to say, anything to break the heavy quiet between them.
“How was your journey, Your Grace?” she finally asked, her voice sounding too bright even to her own ears. “I hope it was not too arduous.”
“Uneventful,” Adrian replied curtly, his gaze fixed straight ahead. “The roads were clear and the weather held.”
“That is... fortunate.”
More silence. Isobel resisted the urge to fidget, wondering how on earth her sister had fallen in love with this man. He was aboutas warm as a winter's frost, as approachable as a stone wall. What could Valerie possibly see in him?
“I must thank you,” Adrian said suddenly, and Isobel nearly stumbled in surprise.
“Thank me? Whatever for?”
Adrian stopped walking and turned to face her, and for the first time since entering her room, something shifted in his expression. The coldness thawed ever so slightly, and the corner of his mouth lifted in what appeared to be the beginning of a smile.
“For helping my bride,” he said quietly. “Richard informed me of your task and has made it known that you have put forth a lot of effort into finding the one responsible for Valerie’s illness. I know that it is risky, and I do not approve of this method. Nonetheless, you have my gratitude. Thank you, Isobel, for caring so deeply for Valerie.”
The sincerity in his voice and the warmth that had suddenly appeared in those dark eyes transformed him entirely. It became clear to Isobel exactly what her sister saw in this man. Beneath the cold exterior was someone who cared deeply, who loved fiercely, who would move mountains for the woman he had chosen.
It made her heart ache with a strange mixture of happiness for her sister and longing for something she herself would never have.
“You are very kind, Your Grace,” Isobel managed, forcing a smile. “It was difficult, but I would do anything for my family – including Valerie, even though we were not raised together. Besides – can you claim to be family if you have not risked your life for them or because of them?”
Adrian chuckled and shook his head, “As an only child, I must admit that I cannot support your claims, due to my lack of experience.”
“Ah,” Isobel grinned. “Well, as I have lived my whole life with three siblings – two ladies and a gent – allow me to tell you that near-death experiences are a necessary part of a healthy childhood. Especially when the threat is shared, as it strengthens the bond between siblings. I believe my brother’s love for me grew a hundredfold after his carelessness nearly led to me breaking my leg. I got a nasty sprain and he carried me around for a whole month.”
“I do not know whether I should apologize or congratulate you,” Adrian admitted with a smile.
Isobel found it easy to smile back, hoping that the ease of this conversation lingered for a long time, even after Valerie and Adrian were wed.
“It was a long time ago, so it doesn’t matter. I do love Valerie. I think I loved her before I even met her, and as such, I would do anything for her. But… I must apologize for my inadequacy, as we have not yet apprehended the culprit.”
Adrian shook his head. “You have done plenty, Miss Wightman. Do not worry, because you have my full support now. Whatever I can do, you need only tell me. I will ensure that whoever touched Valerie will pay dearly.”
His words bore a heavy weight that sent shivers down her spine. She knew he meant every word and hoped that the culprit would face the consequences of their actions.
They reached the ballroom then, the doors opening to reveal a glimmering, excited crowd. The guests were dressed in their finest attire, necks, ears, and fingers carrying sparkling jewelry, lips pulled into pleased expressions as appetizers were nibbled and punch was drunk. A string quartet was playing a beautiful melody, to which a handful of guests had already begun dancing.
As Isobel and Adrian walked in, a hush fell over the room, and then applause broke out. Isobel felt her cheeks burn as all eyes turned to them, but Adrian merely inclined his head graciously and led her further into the room.
Once again, she found herself feeling sorry for Valerie, who was still stuck in the attic. This was her time to shine, her chance to be smothered in love and attention, but instead, Isobel was taking that from her.
Almost immediately, they were surrounded by well-wishers. Lady Pemberton gushed on and on about how lovely they looked together, while Lord Ashford clapped Adrian on the shoulder and made a joke about finally being tamed by matrimony.Several of Valerie's friends giggled and whispered behind their fans, their eyes bright with romantic speculation.
“You make such a handsome couple,” one woman said, sighing dramatically. “Like something from a fairy tale.”
“Indeed,” another agreed. “The duke has been gone for so long, Miss Wightman. You must be delighted to have him back.”
