“My lady.” Daniel placed a hand on Eva’s back and moved her to meet Lady Sutton. Not as easy a nut to crack as her husband, Eloisa Sutton had a reputation for putting the fear of God into young ladies.
Daniel watched as Eva withstood the chilly stare from Lady Sutton’s eyes. Like his grandmother, this was one of the more formidable society ladies who would not think twice about saying what she thought.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Eva’s curtsy was perfect.
“I hope God assembled you with a few wits, gal, unlike half the woman of society.”
“I believe I was given my share of them, my lady.” Eva lifted her chin.#p#分页标题#e#
Daniel wanted to applaud as Lady Sutton’s mouth twitched. It was a rare talent that produced any emotion in the old woman.
“She’ll do, Duke.” Lady Sutton turned her back on the duke and duchess and moved onto the next guest.
“I had believed society would be all charm and sophistication. It seems I was mistaken,” Eva whispered as they wandered through two huge doors where she could hear the murmur of voices and music drawing closer.
“You did not get that idea from me, wife. If you had asked, I would have set you straight. Society has more teeth than old Lord Bristow. Now smile, my sweet duchess - we are about to launch you into it.”
“You make me sound like a large seafaring vessel.” Eva gripped Daniel’s arm.
“Large? Surely not. More like a sweet little vessel with a rounded stern and two perfect -”
“Daniel!”
“Eva?” Daniel looked at her with all the innocence of a schoolboy.
“The Duke and Duchess of Stratton!”
“Dear Lord!” Eva whispered as every face below turned to look to the top of the stairs. Huge chandeliers threw light over the guests, and everywhere they looked there was color, from the beautiful dresses to the sparkling gems adorning the women. It was a riot to the senses, and Daniel was sure Eva’s knees were trembling beneath her gown.
“Look.” Daniel patted the hand that clenched his sleeve. “There, below. Lady Rutledge has a small forest on her hat, and I am sure I saw a bird just seconds ago. It is a stroke of luck our very own Mrs. Potter is not here - she would be most put out to be upstaged by such a confection. Although perhaps the furban could create a stir.”
“Where?” Daniel knew Eva was more than happy to be distracted as she searched through the unfamiliar faces below.
“To the left, beside that man who has forced himself into the puce satin coat. Promise you will not let me make a fool of myself like that in my dotage. Do you know I have changed my mind on that gown,” he added as they neared the bottom of the stairs. “Being taller than most, I get to look right down your neckline.”
“Daniel!”
He smiled into the shocked face of his wife, keeping his expression innocent, his eyes however were another matter entirely.
Thus, society’s first real glimpse of the Duchess of Stratton was of her looking adoringly up at her duke, her face alight with laughter.
Daniel placed his hand over Eva’s fingers as he made his way around the room, keeping up the small talk, telling her silly little stories about several of the guests they encountered, until slowly the tension in her eased.
“The old windbag before us is Lord Diproth. He will insist I introduce you. Just smile and nod, then tell him you like his waistcoat.”
She shot him an uncertain look to see if he was having fun at her expense but could see he was serious.
“Lord Diproth,” Daniel said bowing, “please allow me to introduce my wife, the Duchess of Stratton.”
“Your Grace,” Lord Diproth wheezed.
Eva’s hands fluttered over the elderly gentleman as he sank into a bow that took a great deal of effort and time, however he soon righted himself.
“Good evening, Lord Diproth. It is an honor to meet you.” Eva’s curtsy would have pleased the king.
“Your father would be proud of her, boy.”
“It is my fondest wish, my lord,” Daniel lied smoothly.
“That is a very handsome waistcoat, my lord.” Eva looked at the multi-colored front panels and was rewarded with a smile as the elderly gentleman puffed out his chest.#p#分页标题#e#
“The gal obviously has style, Stratton,” Lord Diproth said, then wheezed off to the left.
“You now have his undying devotion,” Daniel said as they once again started moving. “Perhaps I should rethink my waistcoats,” he added, looking at his chest.
“I would give it some thought, your Grace.” Eva whispered.
“You have a smart mouth, wife.”