Everything was going exactly to plan.
Alexander wished there were some way to begin this day all over again.
“Of course it washerwho caused the trouble,” one of the mothers said with a sniff. “The moment she arrived, we should all have turned around and left.”
“Miss Finch caused no trouble,” Alexander said firmly. “Her puppy was in danger, and she saved its life.”
“The mongrel wouldn’t havebeenin danger,” said another, “if it didn’t belong to Miss Finch.”
“Andyou.” Face stricken, one of the chaperones turned toward Alexander’s mother. “Men will be...men, but one expects more from the Duchess of Nottingvale. You are the hostess of this party. Everything that occurs under this roof is your responsibility.”
“You will leave her out of this discussion,” Alexander thundered. “My mother is innocent in this matter. My actions are my responsibility alone.”
“And he didn’t do them under this roof,” Belle added.
He slanted her a furious glance tostop helping.
“She’s right,” said another. “Her Grace informed us you would be choosing a bride at this gathering, and clearly your attentions are elsewhere. We came here under false pretenses.”
“You came to a Yuletide party,” said Alexander. “It’s Yuletide. I host this party every year, and the primaryraison d’êtrehas always been Christmas. I do intend to choose a bride, but I did hope the festivities would be amusing for all.”
Mother’s face was pale, but she kept her spine ramrod straight and her chin tilted upward.
Alexander hadn’t just created his own mess.
He’d caused his mother’s friends to turn on her, too.
“Come along, Sally,” said one of the mothers. “We’re leaving.”
Alexander kept his spine rigid. Between his scandal and Belle’s, their once-perfect family was now a liability. This was more than just a disruption in a party. Acquaintances would now need to decide if they still wished to associate with them. Their return to London next week would be cold indeed.
“Tea will be served in the red parlor in forty-five minutes,” Belle told the dispersing guests.
“How many do you think will be there?” he asked once the entranceway had emptied.
His sister winced. “Half?”
“The worst half,” said their mother. “The grasping social climbers and grubby fortune hunters.”
Alexander frowned. “You selected the guest list. I thought all these women were your friends.”
“Not anymore,” she said bitterly. “Perhaps they never were.”
Belle looked as horrified as Alexander felt.
They had never seen their motherdoubtbefore.
The duchess had always been strong and sure. Imperious. Occasionally terrifying.
Not... vulnerable.Hurt.
Because of something Alexander had done.
“I’m sorry,” he said, and folded her into his arms.
She was stiff for a moment, then wrapped her arms around him and held on tight.
“I never intended my behavior to reflect badly on you,” he told her. “And I know good intentions won’t bring your friends back. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”
