Page 41 of A Gentleman's Wife

Marianne and Thomas bowed their greeting, and Thomas spoke first. “My lord, my lady, how good of you to come. Allow me to introduce my wife, Marianne Ramsbury.” Then he turned to Marianne and said, “This is the Earl of Slanton, and his wife, the Countess of Slanton.”

It was hard not to pick apart every piece of the moment: the hitch in Thomas’s voice as he said her name, the way the countess’s lips twitched in amusement, the long pause that followed their introduction. Marianne was certain her heart would beat right out of her chest if she couldn’t dispose of these particular guests immediately.

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Marianne finally said. “Thank you for coming. Please enjoy your evening.”

“Ah, but we must thank you for the invitation.” The countess spoke sweetly, but there was a slight edge in her words. “And to offer our congratulations on your marriage. I believe it was a sudden thing, yes? A quick engagement and run to the altar?”

Lady Slanton did not acknowledge Marianne, for her eyes were set directly on Thomas.

“And yours was delayed, was it not? At least, not as soon as it should have been. Though I offer my congratulations nonetheless.”

Marianne turned with wide eyes to her husband. His words could not have been more pointed, though she worried, for he was speaking ill of a member of nobility.

The earl growled, apparently done with the niceties of the introductions. He leaned toward his wife, and without lowering his voice, said, “We’ll only stay as long as socially required.” Then he gave a smirk of a smile to Thomas before escorting his wife toward the ballroom.

Thomas let out a huff but did not speak once they were alone. The muscles in his jaw worked tightly, and Marianne waited patiently for what he might say.

“That man is insufferable,” he finally said. “And it seems Lady Slanton has found her match.”

It was as though the countess had hurt him all over again. The pain had returned to his face, the anger that had made him distant when Marianne had met him on her wedding day. Her fears were resurfacing. Would he mourn her all over again now that he’d seen her and yearn for her love despite each having married another? Would Marianne never be able to have a hold on her husband’s heart?

Remembering she still held his hand in hers, Marianne gave it a light squeeze. “At least the worst of it has passed.”

Thomas blinked and looked down at her, one corner of his mouth curling up. “Perhaps, only now we have the rest of the night to endure.” He tugged on her arm, leaning close to her so he could press a kiss to her forehead.

Marianne gasped, heart skipping over itself, lungs fumbling for breath. When she looked up, a softness returned to his brown eyes, and his mouth was dangerously close to her own.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

She simply nodded in response.

“If that’s the last of our guests, then I suppose it’s time to go open the ball?”

With a nod, she linked her arm in his and they headed toward their next responsibility.

At the head of the ballroom was a collection of talented musicians. Isabel stood nearby with her husband, talking with Mr. Sanders, so at least the other dance partners were ready. The rest of the room was loud and talkative, undoubtedly anxious for the dancing to commence. She wanted to prove she was worthy of her husband, but now that the countess was here, Marianne felt her abilities shrinking, her confidence waning. So she moved to the head of the ballroom and reached for the duchess’s hand.

“Your Grace,” Marianne whispered. Her throat restricted so tight, she could barely get the words out.

“What is it, dear?”

“Will you call the dance? I seem to have lost my voice.”

Isabel smiled. “Of course. I would be delighted.”

The duchess announced the dance, and they each took their places at the head of the room as the crowds quieted. Violins sounded, matching the buzzing nerves in Marianne’s chest, but upon looking around, she saw the good doctor beside her and the lovely duchess across from him. Marianne looked up at Thomas standing before her, his familiar smile and encouraging nod soothing her fears.

She was surrounded by friends. She could do this.

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