Page 36 of Claimed By the Duke of Ice

“It is indeed, Your Grace,” she replied. “Thank you for noticing.”

“It suits you well,” Nathaniel praised. “Though Aunt Tabitha will not be pleased that you chose not to wear one of hers.”

Grace had spent a good time contemplating just that as she prepared for the ball. But each gown that she had tried on from Aunt Tabitha’s choices made her feel somber and cold. Regal, yes, absolutely—but cold. She’d finally decided to go against the idea and wear what she wanted.

“Yes, I thought of that,” Grace agreed, “but I am sure your aunt will be prepared to tell me all the things I am doing wrong as a duchess, so what is one more?”

At this, Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head.

“Incorrigible,” he teased.

“Downright unsophisticated, really,” Grace teased back.

They laughed together as the carriage came to a stop, and for the first time as they left the carriage, Nathaniel’s gloved hand reached for Grace’s hand to help her out. Noticing the small change, Grace felt giddy as she took his hand and climbed out.

All at once, Grace’s old world re-encompassed her. The world of parties, of beautiful dresses, and of music. The ballroom was filled with people; some she knew, and many she didn’t, but they were all dressed in elegant finery, just like in London.

“You look shocked,” Nathaniel whispered from the side of his mouth as they made their way through the crowded room.

“I am,” Grace whispered back. “I didn’t realize how many nobles existed outside of London. I thought all of them summered there.”

Nathaniel nodded at another couple that raised their glasses at him and then turned to her.

“There are many here that are just as spent with London’s society as I am,” he replied. “There are many similarities, to be sure, but you will find that things are a little different in this part of the country.”

Before Grace could reply, they were approached by an elderly couple she didn’t recognize.

“Ah, Sir Joffrey Stanpool,” Nathaniel greeted, bowing his head in a polite manner. “It is good to see you, Sir, Mrs. Stanpool. May I introduce you to my wife, Her Grace, Grace Voss. From the London Rowleys.”

“A pleasure to meet you, young lady,” Sir Stanpool replied, bowing at the waist as Grace curtseyed toward them both.

“Well, aren’t you just a darling, Your Grace?” Mrs. Stanpool added. “It is so pleasant to see fresh blood at these things. How are you enjoying your new home?”

Liking the elderly couple immediately, Grace smiled back at her and curtseyed once more.

“I enjoy it very much, Mrs. Stanpool. The beauty of these hills is simply unlike anything else.”

“Come, Your Grace,” Sir Stanpool insisted, nodding toward Nathaniel. “Let us go grab a cigar and whiskey while our ladies talk. I believe Chaumont has been looking for you. I think you’ll be happy with what he has to say.”

Grace watched as Nathaniel’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

“He’s back from France already? Yes, of course, I’d like to get this trade deal finalized.” Nathaniel turned toward Grace with a kind look. “Will you be all right if I go take care of some business? It shouldn’t take me long.”

“Go,” Mrs. Stanpool urged, lacing her arm around Grace’s. “Attend to your manly duties. I shall keep your new bride company.”

Nathaniel looked at Grace with a questioning brow, and she nodded her head.

“I shall be fine,” she promised him.

Nathaniel gave her a look of appreciation before bowing his head toward her. “I shan’t be long,” he assured her.

“So, my darling new duchess,” Mrs. Stanpool said as soon as the husbands were gone, “how do you really feel about your new home? It is gorgeous ,yes, but it can also be quite isolating at times. I am sure you miss the excitement of London life.”

“Well,” Grace laughed, “my life in London was quite isolated as well, in a manner of speaking. I prefer my solitude here much more than I did there.”

Mrs. Stanpool let out a loud, clear laugh that Grace liked immediately.

“What an elegant way to put it! Yes, my dear, I believe you are quite right,” Mrs. Stanpool agreed. “Joffrey and I tried London once, right after he was knighted. We thought that society would embrace us for his noble acts, but the only thing the London Ton wanted to do was make him into fodder for the gossip. We chose to leave and settle into the land he was granted, and we are much more suited. Gossip still lives in these parts, mind you, but it’s not nearly as awful. Or constant.”

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