by Stacy Reid
Tears pricked her lids. Should she stay? Or should she try to slip away unnoticed. It did not take her long to realize that such an endeavor would be impossible. The attention of the lords and ladies at present was split. Some ogled her and the others were craning their necks, making no attempt to not be obvious as they watched Wolverton.
If she left they would know she was fleeing in shame, and the slander would be worse tomorrow. She dreaded reading about her own escapades in the scandal sheets. Although Adel stood in a sea of people, she had never felt so desperately alone. It was quite evident she was at this moment, a pariah. No one moved close, even Lady Margaret was carefully nearing the terrace door, her eyes wide with apprehension as she watched the duke. As if on cue, Adel’s cheeks smarted where her stepmother had slapped her earlier, when she’d informed them she rejected the duke and asked if they could arrange an audience, so she could correct her error.
It seemed as if she could do nothing right.
Another wave of titters crested through the ballroom, and her gaze unerringly landed on the duke’s broad shoulders. He was beside the orchestra. He bent to say something to one of their number. The musicians nodded, and he sauntered away, bold and graceful…right toward her. Adel’s hands shook, fearing she would spill the punch she had yet to sip, she placed it on the refreshment table with a soft clink.
He stopped in front of her, and it was as if the entire room held its breath.
A few seconds later the violins sounded, and the scandalous strain of a waltz filtered on the air, shocking her. The duke bowed, then straightened and held his hand out to her. “Miss Adeline, would you honor me with a waltz?”
From the periphery of her vision she saw her stepmother wilting in relief, and even Evie smiled, her eyes filling with tears. Adel wanted to fling herself into his arms and shout for relief. His public show of support must mean that he still desired to marry her. Her sisters were saved; her family was not ruined, if she did not botch it further. She sank into a curtsy. “I would be honored, Your Grace.” Then she rose and stepped into his arms as if she belonged there.
On cue the rousing strains of the waltz filled in the ballroom. Adel was painfully aware they were the only couple dancing. It seemed the members of society who were packed into the Gladstone ballroom were now content to watch them in stunned silence.
The duke held her firmly, at a respectable distance, but there was something possessive in his embrace. Her heart tripped in her chest. As she soared with him, the dozens of eyes boring into her back faded. “Thank you for being kind after my earlier stubbornness.”
“Think nothing of it,” he reassured her, his regard piercing and intent.
“Why have you singled me out? Not that I am ungrateful,” she hastily added.
His mouth curved faintly. “You are very direct. It is a trait I admire.”
“Thank you.”
“My attentions to you now are a double edge sword. If I walk away without any announcement of our impending nuptials, your ruination will be completed. Yet if I had ignored you, the result would have been the same.”
The slow thud of her heart was painful. Adel was only distantly aware of other couples eagerly taking their places on the dance floor. Did this really mean he still wanted to wed her? Without taking his eyes from her, he spun her into several wonderful spins, the power and grace in his movements thrilling. His eyes were truly wonderful, the harsh gray color of the sky as it heralded a winter storm. Now they were filled with a guarded awareness and cool intelligence. A surge of interest to understand Edmond stirred in her heart.
“I never thought you would have such care for my reputation. You hardly know me, Your Grace, and I thank you.” It mattered to her that he had been thoughtful. When was the last time someone truly had given a fig about her? Warmth poured through her veins. “Do you still want me to be your duchess?”
Triumph flared in his gaze. “Yes.”
Relief twisted through her. “Thank you, I’m very much obliged to you.”
“I will have my solicitors draft the agreement and present to your father. I will also obtain a special license, and we will wed by Friday.”
She gasped. “That is in two days’ time.”
“Yes.”
Adel spluttered. “Surely that will be impossible. Would it not be best to have a courtship period of at least six months and then a quiet wedding?”
She did not want society’s judgmental eyes upon them when they cemented their vows. “There are already rumors there may be a…a…child,” she ended on a furious whisper, blushing profusely. “If we wait it will be evident to all, nothing of import happened.”
A dark brow arched. “The only part I am in agreement with is a quiet wedding. My offer is by this Friday or we do not wed at all.”
He seemed so cold and uncompromising she almost faltered. “May I inquire as to why the urgency?”
“My daughters expect me at Rosette Park by Sunday.”
Rosette Park. Even Adel had heard about the beauty and wealth of that estate. “Surely after—”
“No.”
Her hands tightened on his, and he glanced at their clasped palms. He shifted one of his fingers in a soothing stroke over her knuckles. The caress was unexpected, but what was even more startling was the heat that pooled in her veins. “I hardly know you,” she gasped.
“Are you committed to marrying me?”
She nodded slightly.
“Then why does it matter if we wed a few days from now, or in a few months? Unless your intention is to call off the engagement, when the furor eventually dies down? Let me assure you that will make an even greater scandal.”
The thought had not even occurred to her. She simply did not know him, like she had known Mr. Atwood. Adel winced. Much good that had done her. They had been friends for years and yet he had been persuaded away.
“The thought never occurred to me.” She would marry this man and spend a lifetime with him. Who is he? Honorable. That much she knew. Though he admitted to wanting a wife for his children, he could wed any one of the beautiful, well-dowered, and well-connected young ladies of society. She had accurately assessed the envy in many of their eyes as he bowed over her hand.
“I…I am not very polished,” she admitted. “I fear I would disappoint you as a hostess and as your wife. I have no doubt you would prefer a duchess of high moral character and excellent references.”
“Are you by chance trying to inform me of your lack of such faculties?”
“Of course not.” With a frown she added, “Surely you are not overlooking the fact I had planned to compromise Mr. Atwood.”
“What could or should have happened has never interested me much. What did happen was you compromised me. I have decided it is fate, since I am in need of a wife. This is the final time I will ask this question, Miss Adeline. Are you certain you wish to be my duchess?”
She swallowed, forcing the lump to dispel, and stepped over the petrifying ledge she had perched on since she climbed into his bed. “Yes.”
Savage satisfaction emanated from him.
“What expectations would you have of me as your duchess?” Even saying the title out loud did not diminish the surreal feel.
“I want there to be only honesty between us. It is important to me that you never lie to me.” Torment flashed in his eyes and echoes of pain vibrated in his voice.
Who had lied to him? “Yes, Your Grace.”
“All subjects pertaining to my previous wife are forbidden. I will care for you and protect you with my life. I will be faithful, and I will endeavor to be a kind husband.”
She nodded, her heart pounding. “Thank you for your honesty, Your Grace.”
“Edmond.” He tugged her closer, and her heart tripped alarmingly. “I trust we have shared enough intimacies where formalities are not required between us. Please call me Edmond.” Piercing eyes ran over her in a caress that was distressingly bold and intimate. “Will you honor me with the same inti
macy, Adeline?” he asked with a charm that made her wary.
“I…” Why was she hesitating? The hard lump formed again in her throat. “Yes…Edmond. I know we’ve only just met, but do you think,” she asked slowly, “that there will ever come a time when you might fall in love with me?”
He considered her, and her cheeks burned with humiliation at the prolonged silence. The waltz ended, and he drew her towards the countess and earl. Lady Margaret and Papa were waiting, both looking anxious. The duke gave a slight nod to Lord Gladstone and the man smiled. Everything next passed in a daze for Adel. She became aware of the stunned silence in the ballroom as Lord Gladstone commanded their attention. Glasses were raised, and applause sounded as he announced the engagement of the Duke of Wolverton to Miss Adeline Hays.
She glanced up at the duke. He surveyed the throng, a cold disinterest in his eyes, his manner that of an overlord watching his subjects. Nerves erupted in her stomach. Instead of feeling relief that she had been saved from ruination, Adel wondered what she had consigned herself to. One thing she was certain of, despite the foolish hopeful sentiments in her heart, she must never mention love to the duke again.
Chapter Nine
Seven people were present in the Pembington House chapel to witness Edmond’s marriage to Miss Adeline. Sitting in the pews quite somberly were the Gladstones and their two children, Lady Evelyn and Viscount Ravenswood, then his bride’s family, Sir Archibald, and Lady Margaret. One of Edmond’s most trusted friends, the Marquess of Westfall, was also in attendance, his golden eyes coolly mocking as he stood witness.
There was a rustle and Edmond looked to the entrance of the small chapel. His heart jolted. It seemed in the two days he had been away obtaining a marriage license and sending orders back to Hampshire, he had forgotten how truly ravishing Miss Adeline was. She walked towards him on her father’s arm, in a lovely rose-colored gown, with a low cut neckline that just stopped short of being provocative. Her raven black hair was pinned and plaited into a complicated arrangement save a few wispy tendrils had escaped to decoratively cascade around her face. Someone had been thoughtful enough to provide her with a posy of rosebuds which she held in a death grip.
She reached his side and held his gaze as she faced him. The satisfaction worming itself through him made him wary.
The rector, whose parish covered the Gladstone estate, started the ceremony.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate…”
The rector’s voice faded as Edmond observed Adeline. She swallowed and her hazel eyes whispered over his face, searching. What she looked for Edmond did not know, but it was as if she had lifted her hands, and trailed the tip of her fingers over his cheek. Her stare was rousing, provoking, and in the depth of her eyes he saw the need for reassurance.
The rector continued, “Your Grace, Edmond Elias Alastair Rochester, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will,” he vowed.
The rector shifted to Adeline.
“Miss Adeline Georgiana Hays, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will,” she said with a voice that trembled slightly, then she smiled.
Damnation, she is beautiful.
He gritted his teeth and ruthlessly pushed away all such thoughts. Her eyes widened and she lowered her lids, but he saw the flash of disappointment. What the hell had she expected, for him to return her smile?
Not more than a minute later the ceremony ended.
I have a new wife.
He shook away the slow pump of disquiet and directed his thoughts to the greater accomplishment of the day. His daughters now had a woman in their life.
It was sheer torture, but it took discipline for him to only press a soft kiss to her cheeks, and ignore the temptation of her lips.
…
She was a duchess. Adel was still unsure how it had all happened. A week ago, her only thoughts had been to escape the oppressive feeling of living with her father and stepmother, and maybe, existing as Mrs. James Atwood, then eventually with his support open a bookshop.
Never had she imagined her life could have taken such a drastic turn with so little warning or preparation. Seated at the breakfast table, she did her very best to ignore the imposing presence of Edmond. Adel turned back to her half-eaten breakfast, stared at the scrambled eggs and sliced ham for a moment, then pushed the plate away with a grimace. She was a nervous wreck and unable to appreciate the thoughtfulness of Lady Gladstone, who despite everything had made the day a bit more bearable for Adel. The countess had ensured that breakfast was made available in a smaller dining room for her, the duke, and her family. She had even decorated the room with bountiful vases of orchids and lily.
“Will you be staying for the rest of the house party, Your Grace?” her stepmother asked.
Adel waited for his response. Since he had brushed his cold lips on her cheek in the chapel, he had not acknowledged her. At first she had been baffled, then hurt, then her feelings shifted to gratefulness. She could not endure any attempts at polite conversation.
She felt as if she were in a sea, drowning in uncertainty and trepidation. She was sure of nothing—the duke, his children, her wedding night, and their future. Everything was so overwhelming, she preferred to be silent and not be prodded to converse.
Thankfully, her father and Lady Margaret had ignored her as well, and they had spent the last hour, chattering away at Edmond. Adel doubted he got in more than a few words, though he seemed content to remain stoic.
“We depart for Hampshire at noon,” he said.
Oh. “I know no one in Hampshire.” Why had she opened her mouth? His piercing regard prompted her to force a smile to her lips. “Though I hear it is most congenial there,” Adel said.
“Your sisters will be very excited to visit your new home. The country air will do wonders for their health,” Papa said, already trying to ensure Lady Margaret’s daughters were seen to be connected with Wolverton.
Lady Margaret gave her husband a sweet approving smile.
“It does you credit, Your Grace, that you would have your family to the famous Rosette Park for a visit in short order.”
It took Adel several moments to realize Lady Margaret spoke to her. She was now Your Grace. Good Heavens! A visit to Rosette Park? Not that Adel minded, her stepsisters were good natured, even if a bit silly at times, but it was certainly too soon to have every one descended on them. “With Edmond’s approval you will all be welcome to visit for a spell, however, Papa, I think it is best that the duke and I have the first few weeks alone so we may learn each other. Remember we hardly even got a chance to converse properly…and here we are, wedded.”
Her stepmother’s eyes pinched in irritation and her father frowned, and then nodded. “Of course, my dear. We will take to the waters in Bath for a few weeks. We’ve leased a house at Camden Place and the girls are looking forward to traveling down.”
The duke said nothing, taking too long before he removed his unnerving regard from her back to Lady Margaret.
Good lord. When will I be comfortable with him? But the better question was, had that been admiration she saw in his eyes?
Adel was filled with relief they would be departing in two hours’ time. The journey to Hampshire would take the better part of the day, and they might very well arrive at Rosette Park tomorrow. She lowered her napkin. “If you will excuse me, I must oversee the packing of my
belongings.” She pushed back her chair, as the duke stood. After dipping into a shallow curtsy, Adel hurried from the dining room, able to feel his roving stare burning through her dress like a heated caress.
Chapter Ten
Adel shifted the curtains of the carriage and peered into the dark. Under the banner of moonlight she made out the powerful form of the rider ahead. The duke. They had been traveling for several hours, and she had passed the time by reading. Now the carriage lantern was not sufficient for her to discern the words on the pages, and the passage of Theodore Aikens’s latest espionage tale was thrilling and quite rousing.
The coach turned into what looked like the driveway of a lively inn despite the late hour and rolled to a stop. Edmond was the one to assist her from the equipage.
“Thank you,” she said smiling up at him.
He nodded curtly and held out his arm.
“It wouldn’t be amiss to smile,” she muttered.
“Why would I be smiling when there is no cause?”
She stumbled slightly, not expecting for him to hear her comment. “To be polite. A smile goes a long way toward making someone feel more welcomed and relaxed, and it does not hurt to be pleasant.”
“If you are looking for someone to coddle your sensibilities you will be gravely disappointed,” he said, his tone extremely dry.
He crossed the gravel pathway with rapid strides, but Adel had no difficulty keeping pace.
They entered the inn, and it was evident from the several nods that he received from patrons in the common room that he was well known. The wretched man treated them with the same cold incivility. A room was ordered and immediately they were taken to the best the inn had to offer. Adel was surprised the room was so clean and pleasant, with an inviting fire place. She strolled over to the hearth, tugged off her gloves, and held her hands over the heat.
The duke’s imperious tone from behind her ordered a supper tray for their room and a bath.
She glanced over her shoulders to find him watching her with an inscrutable mien.