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She drew close and whispered, “Says the moneylender who forgave the king’s debt to gain his promise of attendance.”
“Merely a business opportunity with the possibility of substantial return.”
Two servants left the room.Rose glanced behind her to see that they were alone.She wrapped one arm around his neck and pressed to her toes.She kissed him quick.“I thought you were saying you would have and holdme.”
“As often as I can,” he said.
She rested her head against his chest.“There is so much food in this house, I think it would feed the London poor for six months.”
“Or four-hundred ravenous lords and their ladies for one evening,” he said.
“Has Mr.Sparling departed?”
“Yes.He said he would feel out of place if he was still at Highwood when our guests start to arrive.”
“Rather like you?”
“If the dancing shoe fits...”
She sighed, thinking of everything that could go wrong tonight.“Matthew, promise me something.”He nodded.“When Welliver and his duchess arrive, please be civil.However and whenever you want to confront the duke, please do it privately.”
“Welliver is completely unaware of my existence.He will smile and shake my hand without glancing at my face before he asks where the gaming tables are.”
“Oh, that reminds me...I haven’t been in the card room since this morning.And don’t forget to lock your office door, Matthew.”
“Not to worry.It’s listed in my notebook.Is there anything else I can do for you, Your Grace?”
“Yes!Be the glittering host our visitors will demand.”
* * * * *
Matthew didn’t makemany mistakes but springing a last-minute gala upon a town that demanded etiquette, order and procedure was a mistake that only a woman of Rose Elliston’s caliber could salvage.
He didn’t understand all the little gewgaws and novel touches, but the overall effect was quite magnificent.The overall effect on him was much like last night at Crestview.Living in a world he thought he wanted only to realize he’d worked harder and accomplished more than he ever would have had with a title.And he’d learned some compassion along the way.
A ball at Highwood was not going to give him what he wanted.It was not even going to give Rose what she wanted or deserved.
He should have known boyhood dreams couldn’t be wished into existence.Or purchased.
“Not so tight, Isaac.”He wasn’t going to be late to his own foyer.
Isaac hit the back of his hand beneath his chin and Matthew dutifully obeyed by lifting his chin higher.Rose had requested he wear an ascot-tied cravat in a shade that matched Rose’s ball theme—a light violet—which also matched her dress.Matthew had to confirm Isaac could tie such a knot, otherwise Rose was going to find someone in the household who could perform the task, likely Raleigh.She’d also gone through Matthew’s wardrobe to find the trousers, waistcoat and jacket he would wear.Oddly, he’d never before seen any of the clothes he was asked to don.Rose’s doing, no doubt.
The silk waistcoat was a little too like a peacock for his taste, but the fine purple knots throughout were very stylish against the black he was commanded to wear.He made it to the bottom of the stairs several minutes before Rose to see the front doors were open wide and braced by two large ferns.Candlelight blazed in every corner, including the foyer and up the steps leading to the house.The panorama was lighted too.He was tempted to walk across the lawn and have a look, but he didn’t want to miss his wife’s grand entrance.He waited with his arms behind his back, trying to stay out of the servants’ way.
When Rose descended the steps, she looked more dazzling than the queen, if Matthew knew what the queen looked like.He stopped breathing and his throat tightened.She was born to be more than a duke’s wife.Even the jewels around her neck exclaimed royalty; it didn’t hurt she was also wearing a stunning diamond tiara.
Rose pulled on a short white glove and glanced up.“Good evening, Mr.Hardy.”
He swallowed hard.Hell, why had he decided balls were the way to improve his station?To prove to himself he was someone?To prove to thetonhe was important?And now that he was married?To prove to Rose he could not only keep her in the life to which she was accustomed but retain her position in society?
No.Now it was all about Rose.Through her eyes, he could see what he was, and to her, it wasn’t all bad.The illusion had been shattered though.He wasn’t owed the title.He didn’t need anything Welliver had—he had more plus Rose!
“Your Grace.”He bowed, unsure what to say.He’d planned everything so carefully, but seeing Rose in her finery, proud but not so proud that she had done anything to embarrass him, while he doubted everything he’d done.Why couldn’t he be satisfied with the single best thing to have happened to him?Rose had said yes.And the weeks since had been perfect.
He presented his arm.Her touch was soft and imploring, her gaze unwavering.“Let us correct a few things for you tonight.”
“I don’t deserve you.I never will,” he said.
