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In a flurry of trunks and contradictory orders, the Dowager Duchess of Thornborough moved herself and a substantial number of Swindon 's finest antiques to the elegant Dower House on the far side of the estate. Then she promptly decamped to the French Riviera, there to flaunt her rank and make slanderous hints about her son's inadequacies and her daughter-in-law's insolence. The one thing Justin was sure she would not say was the truth-that a slip of a girl had maneuvered the dowager out of Swindon Palace.
Life was much easier with his mother gone. He and Su
What wasn't prospering was his marriage. Ever since his incredibly clumsy remark about sparing future dukes the necessity of marrying for money, there had been strain between him and Su
Unfortunately, she had believed the unintended insult rather than his heartfelt declaration that he would have wanted to marry her anyhow. Because he had accidentally hurt her, she had struck back, hurting him in return when she had underlined the fact that their marriage had nothing to do with love.
Fearing that more explanations would only make matters worse, he hadn't raised the subject again. Eventually memory of the incident would fade, but in the meantime Su
As they prepared to go to the ball at Cottenham Manor, he hoped that Su
Yet though he wanted her to be happy, the knowledge that she would be surrounded by adoring, predatory men terrified him. If she was miserable in her marriage, how long would it be before she looked elsewhere?
If you would he troubled, take a wife.
Chapter Eight
Cottenham Manor
March
Tottenham Manor, seat of the Earl of Hopstead, was almost as grand and large as Swindon Palace. Lord and Lady Hopstead were famous for their entertainments, and Su
"Madame is happy tonight," Antoinette observed as she handed Su
Su
"But think how much more you will appreciate society after wintering in the depths of the English countryside."
"That's true." Su
"You must sit until I have put on your tiara," Antoinette said reprovingly.
Obediently Su
Just as the maid was finishing, a hesitant knock sounded at the door. Antoinette crossed the room and admitted Alexandra. Dressed in a white silk gown that shimmered with every movement, the younger girl had a fairylike grace. Her dark hair had been swept up to show the delicate line of her throat, and her complexion glowed with youth and good health.
"You look marvelous," Su
Her sister-in-law colored prettily as she obeyed. "You were right about the gown. Even though this one wasn't made for me, it's so lovely that one can't help but feel beautiful."
"It looks better on you than it ever did on me. You'll be the belle of the ball."
"No, you will." Alexandra chuckled. "But at least I don't think that I'll be a wallflower."
Another knock sounded on the door. This time it was Justin, come to take his wife and sister down to the di
Hastily she suppressed the improper thought.
After he examined them both, Justin said gravely, "You will be the two most beautiful women at the ball. Alex, I shall have a dozen men clamoring for your hand before the evening is over."
As Alexandra beamed, he offered one arm to his wife and one to his sister, then led them into the hall. As they descended the broad stairs, Su
He gave her a quizzical glance. "You would dance with a mere husband?"
"Please." Afraid that she might sound pathetic, she added lightly, "I know that it's not fashionable to dance with one's spouse, but it isn't actually scandalous."
He gave her one of the rare smiles that took her breath away. "Then it will be my very great pleasure."
As they entered the salon where the other guests had gathered, Su
The Hopsteads' ball was an excellent place to rejoin society, and Su
"No, I'm at the Howards'. Every great house in the district is full of guests who have come for this ball." Katie affectionately tucked a tendril of Su
"Please, don't ask me if I'm expecting a blessed event! I swear, every female at the ball has inquired. I'm begi
"Nonsense-you've only been married a few months." Katie chuckled. "It's just that we're all such gossips, and like it or not, you're a subject of great interest."
Su
Then Su
As if feeling her gaze, he looked up, and for a paralyzing instant their eyes met. Shocked by the way her knees weakened, Su
Then she caught her train up with one hand and headed for the nearest door, scarcely noticing when she bumped into other guests. Sometimes escape was more important than ma
One of the drawbacks of socializing was the number of people who hoped to enlist ducal support for some cause or other. This time, it was a junior government minister talking about an upcoming bill. Justin listened patiently, half of his attention on the minister, the other half anticipating the next dance, which would be with Su