Page 51 of Miss Murchison’s Mistletoe Memories

“It is more than attraction,” Niall insisted, though he knew his mother was unlikely to be persuaded by declarations of feeling. “Èibhlin possesses qualities I have found in no other woman of my acquaintance — intelligence without artifice, dignity without coldness, strength without hardness. She would bring more to the Dukedom than mere fortune or connection.”

The Duchess regarded him with an expression that mingled exasperation and genuine concern.

“You speak like a lovesick boy rather than the Duke of Stonemont. Whatever qualities Miss Èibhlin may possess — and I do not deny that she has many admirable attributes — the fact remains that her position in society makes her an unsuitable match for you. The ton would not understand such a choice, and their incomprehension would translate to a loss of influence which would affect not just you, but generations to come.”

Before Niall could respond to this sobering assessment, a discreet knock at the door interrupted their conversation. The Duchess straightened, composing her features into their usual expression of serene control.

“Enter,” she called, her voice betraying none of the emotion which had coloured it moments before.

Hartwell, the butler, appeared in the doorway, his dignified bearing somehow conveying both deference and urgency.

“Forgive the interruption, Your Grace, but Lord Gregory is causing something of a... disturbance... in the refreshment room. I thought that you might wish to be informed.”

“Thank you, Hartwell. We shall attend to it immediately,” the Duchess replied, turning back to Niall with a significant look. “It seems our conversation must be continued later. For now, we have a Ball to salvage.”

Niall nodded, grateful for the reprieve, yet aware that this discussion was far from concluded. As they returned to the ballroom, he found his thoughts turning once more to Èibhlin. Where was she now? How was she faring under what must be intense scrutiny and criticism?

The answers to these questions would have to wait. For now, his duty as host demanded his attention, particularly if Lord Gregory was indeed causing a scene. But as he moved through the crowd towards the refreshment room, Niall found himself making a silent promise - whatever obstacles arose, he would not abandon the connection he had found with Èibhlin.

Some things, once acknowledged, could not be denied or diminished — and the truth revealed beneath the mistletoe was chief among them.