Page 76 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

And she still questioned why he had tried to cut ties with her, only to kiss her publicly and marry her.

Confusion filled her as she mulled over their relationship for several hours. Then she pushed those thoughts aside and took out pen and parchment and created a list of things she wished to do around the townhouse. She would discuss everything with him first, of course, but she knew he hadn’t been in London long and may not have bothered seeing the entire house as she had.

He returned for dinner and they dined together in a small dining room that only seated twelve. Sitting at opposite ends of the table, she practically had to shout at him to be heard. Minta asked about his day but he did not seem receptive to sharing much with her. She worried that she had done something wrong—and thought she saw regret in his eyes. Tears tightened her throat as she was afraid he had already decided the marriage wasn’t to his liking.

“I need to dress for the ball,” she told him, leaving most of her food on her plate as she returned to her suite.

Bertha prepared her for the evening and Minta made certain she wore one of her prettiest ballgowns, the shade of summer grass. She wore the diamond necklace he had gifted her, as well as the earrings from Uncle West.

He kept her waiting in the foyer and she thought they would be late to the ball. Finally, he appeared, looking far too handsome for his own good. In the carriage, they did not speak. Her dismay turned to anxiety, souring her belly.

They entered the Soames’ townhouse and joined the receiving line, which had dwindled to only a few other guests. Lady Soames remarked upon their recent marriage and Minta pasted on a bright smile.

In the ballroom, they joined their friends and Percy asked if she would dance the supper dance with him. She wanted to dance every dance with her husband but knew that was not the done thing among members of theton.

“Yes, of course,” she told him.

A footman gave her a programme and though it filled as if she had not wed, she didn’t care. She danced, merely going through the motions.

Then Percy arrived and her heart sped up, seeing as how he was the most handsome man present. They waltzed together and it was as before, pure magic as he twirled her about the slippery floor.

When it ended, he escorted her to a table where the Three Cousins already sat. They welcomed her as he excused himself and headed for the buffet.

“How are you?” Tessa asked.

“A little tired,” she admitted.

Louisa beamed at her. “We know what from. I hope you find marriage with Percy suits you.”

“It will,” she guaranteed, not feeling that in the slightest.

Supper passed far too quickly, with plenty of good conversation. Percy remained rather quiet during it and, at one point, she took his hand under the table. From the look on his face, her action startled him—but he did not let go.

Once supper ended, she accompanied her friends to the retiring room and then returned to the ballroom, dancing with several gentlemen she had previously met, including Lord Boxling for the last dance of the night.

“You don’t seem your usual sunny self, Lady Kingston,” he said.

She smiled ruefully. “The strain and activity of the last few days have caught up to me. I’ll admit I am very tired.”

He studied her quietly and then the dance began, making further conversation impossible.

When it ended, the viscount returned her to Percy and bowed. “Thank you for partnering with me, my lady.”

Percy took her arm and guided her out the ballroom doors and to their carriage. Again, they were silent on the entire ride home. Panic began to fill her and, again, she wondered if she had done something wrong.

They went up the staircase and he paused at the door to her suite.

“It has been a long day and night. You must be very tired.” He kissed her cheek. “I will see you tomorrow.”

Her husband walked away, leaving Minta to simply stare after him. She entered her rooms at the same time he did, finding Bertha waiting for her. The maid undressed her and quickly left, most likely assuming the master of the house would turn up soon.

Instead, Minta went to her lonely bed and cried herself to sleep.

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