Page 69 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"The only frightening thing about my husband," Arabella said firmly, "is his inability to refuse our dog anything. Last week, Thistle convinced him to share his entire breakfast. It's disturbing."

"You jest," Lady Worthington said, "but surely the adjustment must be difficult. From your circumstances to... all this."

The subtle reminder of her family's reduced finances was expertly delivered. Arabella felt her spine stiffen.

"You're right," she said sweetly. "Having a husband who adores me, a beautiful home, and the means to help my family is terribly difficult. I cry myself to sleep on silk sheets every night."

One of the younger ladies, barely out of the schoolroom, giggled, then quickly covered her mouth.

"I didn't mean..." Lady Worthington began.

"Of course not," Arabella interrupted. "You were simply concerned for my welfare. How kind. Though I assure you, Lord Blackthorn takes excellent care of me. In every way."

The implication in her tone was unmistakable. Several of the ladies blushed, and Lady Worthington's mouth opened and closed like a landed fish.

Across the room, she could see Lucien cornered by a group of men, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Julian was nearby, clearly running interference, but she could see the tension in Lucien's shoulders.

"Excuse me," she said to the ladies, "I must rejoin my husband."

She made her way through the crowd, catching fragments of conversation:

"Scarred, but not as hideously as they say..."

"Her family has no money..."

"Must have been a desperate situation..."

Each comment was a small cut, but Arabella kept her head high. She'd known this would happen. They'd prepared for it.

She reached Lucien just as one of the men was saying, "—must be quite an adjustment, being in society again after... everything."

"The only adjustment," Lucien said coldly, "is remembering why I avoided it for so long."

"Darling," Arabella said, sliding her hand through his arm. "You promised me the supper dance."

"Of course." He looked relieved at the rescue. "Gentlemen."

They escaped to the edge of the dance floor, where Julian appeared with champagne.

"Well, that was bracing," he said cheerfully. "Lord Potts just asked me if it's true you keep Arabella locked in a tower."

"What did you tell him?" Arabella asked.

"That it's only on Tuesdays. The rest of the week you have free run of the dungeons."

Despite everything, she laughed. "How thoughtful of you."

"I live to serve."

The supper dance was less scrutinized than the opening, allowing them to actually enjoy it. Lucien had relaxed slightly, and when he lifted her during a turn, she felt like flying.

"This isn't so bad," she said.

"Liar."

"Well, it's not as bad as I feared."

"The night is still young."