She descended the stairs, and a smile burst from her lips at her duke’s regard.
His bold, admiring gaze swept over her. “You are ravishing, Adeline.”
“It is kind of you to say so,” she said huskily.
“It is not a kindness. You are beautiful, and there are times my heart shudders at the knowledge if you had not climbed into my bed, I would not be so content now. I will be the envy of many men tonight, and if any those jaded rakes looks at you for more than a few seconds, I foresee having many duels to fight in the upcoming months,” he teased.
She laughed. “With my too-dark hair and pale skin, I know I am only passably pretty, but I welcome the words ravishing and beautiful from your lips always.”
His mood turned serious, and his eyes blazed with possessiveness and something more heated than she was unable to identify.
“You are very dashing yourself, Your Grace.”
He was sinful. The cut of his evening clothes was impeccable. Edmond was dressed in stark black and white, with a very elegant and intricately tied cravat. His dark hair was tamed almost severely, the cut highlighting the savage beauty of his face and his nose, which was chiseled sharply, aquiline and proud.
He helped her with her cloak and in short order, they were whisked away in their town carriage.
“I must prepare you. Though you’ve had three seasons and have endured some gossip, tonight will be nothing like you have experienced before.”
Her heart jolted. “It won’t?”
“You are only second to royalty. You will be fawned over and hated in equal measure. The eyes of the world will be upon you, waiting eagerly to declare in the scandal sheets tomorrow, if you are a fraud or an original.” He tugged her close. “Let me assure you, Adeline, you are an original, a swan among crows and I want you to only be yourself, nothing less.”
She stared at him, transfixed. “Thank you.”
He pressed a hard urgent kiss to her lips, and she moaned.
“I am in favor of not attending the marchioness’s ball, and returning to our chambers to explore at once.”
“That was a kiss meant to inspire confidence, not desire.”
She grinned. “I am feeling a decided lack of confidence; I may need a few more kisses for it to reach an acceptable level.”
He tugged her even closer.
“Don’t you dare muss my hair,” she warned on a soft gasp, before he claimed her lips.
The carriage ride passed in the most delightful way, and when they arrived, Adel’s lips stung from being kissed so thoroughly, and she ached. From the tension holding Edmond rigid, he suffered a similar fate.
Their carriage joined a queue of conveyances, which were delivering guests to the ball. When they finally reached the door, they descended and they made their way into the marchioness’s mansion. “It will be interesting seeing the ton through the mirror of power,” she said softly as they were announced.
There was a ripple through the crowd as they entered. When they reached the receiving line, the marchioness was eager to greet them.
“Your Graces,” she said with a pleased smile.
The silence in their immediate vicinity began to spread until they had the regard of everyone in the receiving line. Adeline thought it all ridiculous.
You are second only to royalty.
The marchioness was clearly thrilled to be the first host in years to have the elusive duke at a social setting where he would hopefully mingle with her guests.
Greetings were exchanged under the watchful eyes of the ton. Adel and Edmond mingled with the guests in the entrance hall, before heading to the more densely populated ballroom.
“It’s Wolverton…and his duchess.”
The whispers started immediately and echoed through the ballroom.
“They are such a beautiful match.”
Several ladies and their lords surged forward, and the trepidation Adel had felt melted. She nodded, responded to polite enquiry, and even had a few occasions to laugh. The entire time, her duke stood beside her, a dark protective force. Then she spied Evie on the periphery of the room observing her. Adel turned to Edmond. “I must speak with Evie.”
He glanced down. “Remember to thank her for arranging our downfall.”
Adel laughed.
“I will take some air on the balcony.”
She nodded, and he strolled unhurriedly through the fringe of the crowd to the terrace windows. She turned with the intention of moving to her friend, but Evie was suddenly there.
Adel embraced her, uncaring of the throng’s rabid notice. “Oh, Evie, forgive me for not writing you.”
“Not at all,” she gasped, with a watery smile. “I am very pleased you are even speaking with me now.”
“I…I do not resent you for your actions, Evie. In fact I would like to thank you.”