Page 58 of The Duke’s Wager

This still did not answer his question, and Edward glanced at his grandfather. William merely smiled at his wife with adoration. Clearly, whatever difficulties his grandmother claimed to have, he did not pay them any mind whatsoever.

He was silent long enough for Evelyn to continue without any prodding.

“Henrietta was not like other women. She was not meant to be a prisoner to a powerful husband. She wanted more out of life. She enjoyed independence, fun. You must understand that ever since she was a little girl, Henrietta grew used to being the center of attention. This changed, had to change, when she married.”

Edward did not ask why it had to change – he was no fool. It was unbecoming of a married woman to receive attention from other men.

“She did not do anything untoward, nothing that would draw attention but her beauty did that regardless of whether she wanted it.”

“I take it her husband did not like this.”

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again. She looked at her husband, who shook his head.

“There were rumors that he was… rather cruel at home. That Henry resented his wife for her beauty. We cannot know for certain what happened in that house, but what we do know – and what people saw – was that the light started fading from Henrietta’s eyes. She was still beautiful, of course, but in a sad way. As though she carried a burden no one else saw.”

When Evelyn spoke again, her voice was sharp. “We can only hope that he does not treat his daughter like he did his wife. From what I have seen, young Lucy is far too serious for a woman her age. And the horrid moniker people call her behind her back does not help. That child has known grief like few others.”

Once more, guilt gnawed at Edward. He had known that she did not have the easiest life, and yet he had agreed to Pembroke’s ridiculous wager.

He did not want to add to Lucy’s sorrow, but he now feared that it was far too late to back out of the plan now. He, like Henry Beaumont, would only be another man adding to the pain and betrayal Lucy had to live with.

“Edward,” his grandmother spoke now, blissfully unaware of the guilt eating at him, “perhaps we should host a ball. You could invite Lucy. We would be delighted to host her!”

Edward hesitated. Despite his realization that it would be better for everyone – especially Lucy – if he stayed away from her, the thought was a tempting one. He would certainly be proud to invite her to his home, to walk side-by-side with her and… No. They were not in a courtship, and they never would be. It was an absurd idea, and he would not entertain it.

Evelyn watched him eagerly and he rubbed the back of his head, uncomfortable under her gaze.

“I… It is something to think about, indeed.”

“Oh, Edward, you must! It will do her good to attend a function that she would enjoy, rather than another something dreadful and isolating.”

“I will think about it, grandmother.”

Evelyn was not done, not in the slightest. “She would be a great addition to our family, Edward. Now I know that you’re not necessarily one who thinks of marriage yet, but once you do… Lucy is a fantastic prospect.”

Edward looked to his grandfather – the more grounded of the pair – for help, but the man disappointed him gravely by nodding his head earnestly.

“She would make a lovely young Duchess, Edward. It is important for you to find a woman who could be your partner – who could take on responsibilities with you, and Lucy is certainly that.”

“Stop. Please.”

Edward stood, unable to take a second more of it. He knew they were merely trying to be supportive, but their words felt like flaming arrows to his heart.

“I beg of you, let us not discuss courtships, or marriage, right now. Perhaps ever. It is not something that is on my mind.”

He turned to leave, but his grandmother’s voice stopped him in his tracks. “Edward, darling. Please do not be late for tonight’s opera. It is important.”

Edward did not turn back to them. Instead, he paused and nodded. “I will be back.”

He needed a drink. Perhaps that would help clear his mind.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Oh, Lucy…” Maria stood back, admiration radiating from her. “You look incredible… Like the night sky with the stars wrapped around you. We simply must braid your hair. I think there is still some of the silver string from your dress left. I could work it into your braid!”

“That would be lovely, Maria. Thank you.”

“I was right!” Maria returned triumphantly, holding the silver string up in the air. “This will look absolutely lovely.”