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Emeline nodded excitedly. When the music started, I stepped to the side of her and beamed. Yes, I would have to make sure this happened more often.
31
Aphrodite
Everything had come together quite nicely, but I could not bring myself to enjoy it. The silks hanging from the trees were stunning, the peacocks that meandered through the grounds fantastical, the dance floor was outstanding, the entertainment nearly as dazzling as any I had seen in London. I had done well, and I knew it from all the smiles as our guests drank and danced. Still, I felt anxious, as there was one person I had yet to see.
“Am I rewarded when it does not rain?” Evander asked from beside me.
I glanced up at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“Did you not say you would hold me accountable should it rain on all your hard work?”
“Oh, right.” I nodded and looked up at the clear sky. It was not yet dark, but it would be soon. Where was she?
“Is something the matter?” he asked.
“I am well…” My voice drifted off as I saw the footman present Marcella, at last. She was dressed in white, with a white feather in her hair.
“Damn him for actually coming,” Evander muttered as not only Fitzwilliam but Datura also appeared, on either side of Marcella.
“Remember, do not show your anger,” I whispered.
“It would be easier for me not to breathe,” he grumbled. I linked arms with him, trying to walk toward them, but he stood unmovable. “What are you doing?”
“Going to welcome them.”
“You are the hostess, not to mention the duchess. You need not do such a thing,” he reminded me.
He was not wrong, as it was customary for a duchess to greet the guests but once at the very beginning, and I had done so. The next time I was to address them all would be at the closing of the night. However, I truly wished to get rid of whatever this feeling was that persisted to nag at me. I watched closely as they entered the grounds. Fitzwilliam held one of her arms and Datura the other. It almost looked as though they were pulling her forward. On her face now was a large smile, and she giggled as she went.
“Your Grace, how wondrous Everely has become since your arrival,” said one of a gaggle of local women who soon surrounded me.
“Thank you.” I smiled at them, feeling Evander slip from my side as quickly as possible.
“And your gown. It is the finest I have ever seen. Is it from London?” another asked.
“Yes. I am pleased you like it, for I was unsure of the color.” I laughed for them, but my eyes followed Marcella.
“It is so splendid to be able to speak with Your Grace. Many of us were wondering if you only preferred the company of the townsfolk.” The shortest of the women snickered.
“My company is quite varied, but I do hope to know all of you ladies, too.”
“Oh yes, we must spend more time together. I would love to invite you and the duke to my home for dinner next week.”
“I—”
“If you are having dinner with her, you must have one withme.”
“I shall see to my schedule,” I replied. They all kept speaking around me quickly, joyfully, drunkenly.
I smiled, nodded, and laughed along with them. I was so occupied with the conversation that I barely heard a short gasp, followed by the breaking of glass. When I looked to my right, Marcella stood with a stain upon her dress from the champagne she had spilled. Using this chance, I rushed to her side.
“No need to worry,” I said, linking arms with her. “We can have it cleaned quickly.”
“Thank you. I do not know what has come over me.” She giggled, petting her dress. Before I could move, another hand was on her as well.
“My dear, it is not so bad that you must trouble the duchess,” Fitzwilliam said to her, holding her arm. Once more, she was rigid.
