Page 89 of Duke in Darkness

“YOU LOOK STUNNING.”

Lilian met Gabriel’s gaze in the looking glass and smiled. “You always say that.”

“Can’t help it if my wife…is the most beautiful woman in London.”

“You always say that, too.”

He shrugged, and brushed his lips against her bare shoulder, making her shiver. “Facts are facts.”

In truth, she did feel beautiful in the white silk ball gown trimmed with a silver sash under her breasts, cobweb-fine silver lace at the bodice and hem, and hand-sewn with crystals. Definitely Daisy’s finest work to date, and she looked forward to sending many more clients her dressmaker’s way. But feeling beautiful was especially important tonight, as they hosted their first ball as duke and duchess. A relatively small affair—only 150 guests—so they would rattle around a little in the enormous ballroom. But she’d wanted this to be a more intimate occasion for friends and family and trusted acquaintances, and less about the gossips and wolves of society.

Sir Roger had not been invited.

“I hope Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull are managing downstairs. It is certainly a grave test for a new butler and housekeeper to oversee a ball in their first month of employment,” she said anxiously.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “Are you jesting? Those two are reveling in it. Haven’t heard so many barked orders…since the army. We must be certain to thank Emily…for the recommendation when we see her.”

Indeed, there had been a great many changes. New lawyers, Norris unceremoniously dismissed from his post and led away by a constable, along with several footmen who had been running messages for him. They’d also dismissed Mrs. Barrett for sheer incompetence, and the few maids who remained loyal to her. The townhouse was actually a joy to live in now. The rooms were warm, bright, and spotless, the servants eager to please thanks to a wage increase and new clothing, and the flow of gossip between here and other houses, especially Kingsford House, had reduced dramatically.

More importantly, she truly felt like the lady of the house.

“I shall,” she replied softly. “I value her friendship greatly. And I’m enjoying being on the hospital fundraising committee. It is such a worthwhile cause, so many returning soldiers in need of care. But we should get downstairs. Don’t want to be late for our first receiving line.”

“One moment, Your Grace. You are missing something.”

“Am I?”

“This,” said Gabriel, holding out a square, flat box inscribed with the name Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, and opening it. “I’ve been saving this…for a special occasion.”

She gasped. Nestled in a bed of black satin lay the most exquisite necklace and bracelet set she’d ever seen. But different to the sketch, the necklace had a large sapphire shaped like a heart in the center, surrounded by three rows of perfectly matched diamonds in a delicate gold setting, and the bracelet was an exact replica in miniature. “Gabriel…”

“You like them?” he asked, fastening the necklace and bracelet in place.

“I love them.”

He cleared his throat. “I changed the design. Wanted a heart…so you’d know you, er…have mine. Forever. Diamonds because you are…the light of my life. Ah, hell, Lili, don’t cry! It’s meant to make you happy…I’m saying it all wrong…”

“No you aren’t!” she sobbed, throwing herself into his arms. “And I am happy!”

“Damnation, woman,” he said, holding her tightly. “I can’t escort a watering pot downstairs. Even a beautiful one. Someone might think I don’t love you…and then I’d be forced to punch them. My technique has improved…according to Jackson.”

Lilian giggled. “No. No fisticuffs in the ballroom, thank you.”

“Then dry your eyes, sweet.”

Soon they stood in the lavish entrance hall as guests began to arrive. Two of the first were Emily and Robert Castlereagh, but they didn’t get nearly long enough to talk as a long line formed behind them. Including, her sisters, brother, father, and grandmother.

Xavier gave her a bear hug, and Georgiana and Pippa kisses to the cheek. Georgiana was bright-eyed with excitement, and even Pippa looked impressed with the guests and decorations.

Lord Kingsford beamed. “Good decision in the end, eh pet? Thought that day in my study you and Exton might rub together quite nicely. The way you look at each other…reminds me of your mother and me. I know she would be best pleased at the match, God rest her.”

Oh heavens, she was going to burst into tears again. “Thank you, Father.”

“Still have to get your sisters wed, though. Perhaps you might take that on? I have enough gray hairs as it is. Pippa still refuses to even consider suitors, and I’m not sure if I like Gigi’s reported beau a’tall. Indeed, much better if you take charge.”

Lilian stifled a groan as the heartfelt moment was swiftly checked by a rather typical comment. No one evaded responsibility like her father. Thankfully Gabriel had collected all his debts and paid them directly rather than handing over a draft, otherwise who knew where the money might have been frittered away. “I will do my best.”

“Lilian,” said her grandmother coolly.