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In a hushed voice, she replied, “It is when this isn’t a true marriage.”
“You are no fun, Wife.”
Before she could reply, they stepped into the ballroom, and he saw the disapproving stares from some of the guests. A few women brought their fans up to their mouths as they whispered back and forth.
“I knew I shouldn’t have come,” Emmeline murmured.
Oliver patted her hand and encouraged, “We both knew this was bound to happen, but it won’t be long until another scandal replaces this one.”
His eyes scanned the room until he saw his brother and Madalene near the rear of the ballroom. He started walking towards them when he became aware that some young women were batting their eyes at him. He prayed that Emmeline was unaware of their bold actions, especially since he was not doing anything to encourage their behavior.
When they approached Madalene, she dropped Baldwin’s arm and went to embrace Emmeline. She leaned back and encouraged, “Don’t let the gossips get you down.”
“I must admit that I am used to gossip hanging over my head, after being engaged to an eighty-year-old duke. They may look at me with disdain, but at least it is not with pity anymore,” Emmeline remarked.
Baldwin placed his hand on Emmeline’s shoulder. “You belong to our family now, and we protect one another.”
Emmeline smiled at the marquess. “Thank you, Baldwin.”
Oliver glanced around the room. “Where are Mother and Jane?” he asked, realizing he’d lost them as they’d come in.
“They went to get something to drink, and I have no doubt that Jane was stopped by her legions of admirers,” Madalene shared.
“If Jane had the slightest inclination to marry, she would have more suitors than she could count,” Baldwin said.
“She can be rather surly,” Oliver remarked.
Baldwin chuckled. “Only to you, Brother. Since Jane and I have made amends, she is quite pleasant around me.”
Madalene bobbed her head. “I can assure you that Jane can behave when she wants to.”
“Lucky me,” Oliver muttered.
The orchestra began to warm up, and Oliver turned towards Emmeline. “Would you care to dance the first set with me?” he asked.
“Do you think that is wise?” she questioned.
Oliver leaned closer to her so she could hear him over the music. “Remember, my dear, we must act the part if we want thetonto believe we are a love match.”
She nodded, but he could see uncertainty in her eyes.
He offered his arm and led her towards the center of the dance floor. As the dancers lined up to dance the quadrille, he gave Emmeline a reassuring smile.
They began to move to the music, and he found himself transfixed with Emmeline as she executed the steps perfectly. Her face softened, and he could see her relax. When she finally met his gaze, she smiled so brilliantly that he almost stumbled over his own feet. Why was his wife so blasted enchanting?
The music ended and he approached Emmeline. “You dance superbly,” he praised.
“Thank you,” she replied.
They were about to walk off the dance floor when theton’s most notorious gossip, Lady Catherine, approached them with a wry smile on her face. “Lord and Lady Oliver,” she said. “That was a most impressive display.”
“If you will excuse us…” Oliver’s voice trailed off as he gently grabbed Emmeline’s arm.
Lady Catherine turned her attention towards Emmeline and asked, “Are you happy with your choice, my dear?” she asked. “After all, you were supposed to be a duchess before you decided to elope with Lord Oliver.”
“I am happy with my decision,” Emmeline replied firmly.
“That is good,” Lady Catherine remarked. “It is important not to have any regrets. Those can gnaw at you, making you terribly unhappy.”
