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"I beg your pardon?" Edwina was confused.
"What gives you the audacity to interfere in my life?"
"Please be calm and explain, Elaine," Edwina said calmly. "You are not being clear, and that is not fair."
"I am referring to your invitation to Konstantin. You asked him to stay without my permission. Do you think I want him here?"
Edwina sighed. "I would appreciate it if you did not involve me in whatever troubles there are between you and your husband," she said wearily. "And I believe I have the right to host whomsoever I wish."
"Is it so very wrong to want a bit of time for myself, Edwina?" She slumped onto a sofa, her chin quivering with barely suppressed emotion.
Edwina moved to sit beside her, taking her hand. "I heard about your loss, Elaine. I am so sorry. I did not know."
"It is not your doing. Do not apologize."
"He seems very worried about you. Perhaps you should give him a chance.”
"What if I cannot face him?"
"Most of the time, it is easier to turn away from our problems and not face and conquer them.” Her words were as much directed at herself as Elaine. "Do not do that because it would only cause regret."
She wanted to tell Albert about John, but she was afraid. She was afraid he might still be alive.
Chapter Thirty-Six
It was the evening of the ball, and Edwina had never been more anxious in her life. It felt like a dream thatshewas a Duchess hosting such a grand event now. Camilla walked in with a maid bearing a tea service.
"Camilla, you look wonderful!” Edwina complimented. She was dressed in a beautiful emerald-green ensemble that flattered her equally green eyes.
"I cannot hold a candle to the Lady of the Hour.” Camilla beamed. "You look remarkable, My Dear. You look very nervous, too.”
"Is itthatnoticeable?" Edwina allowed a small laugh.
"Only to those that know you. I brought you something to help with the nerves.” She gestured to the tea the maid had set down on a nearby table. "Valerian root tea. It has always restored my sprightly spirit. It does not have the most pleasant taste, but I had it brewed with lavender to calm the bad taste." Camilla prepared a cup for her.
Edwina took a sip. The tea had a distinct earthy taste that danced around her senses. On the nerves, however, it worked well, calming her almost immediately. "Thank you." Edwina smiled, feeling much better.
"I shall see you downstairs then, My Dear.” Camilla touched her cheek fondly before seeing herself out of the room.
Several minutes later, Edwina descended the stairs to meet Albert, who stood in awe as he watched her close the space between them. His eyes were wide and filled with wonder. "You seem speechless.” She touched a hand to his cheek.
"I do not know what to say," he responded, blinking. "You have taken away my ability to think."
"I told you to be careful what you wish for." She chortled. Her dress was of cerulean blue velvet with gold embroidery on the hem and neckline. It looked pure and innocent. She wanted to tempt her husband with innocence tonight.
Albert took her arm, and they entered the ballroom. They danced the first waltz, and he spent the entirety of it telling her how he could not remain composed until the end of the ball. After the dance, they started to walk toward a group where Camilla was elaborately describing something, but Lord Peregrine approached them holding a plate laden with food. He was full of praises for the pea-topped canapés.
"I am finding it difficult to decide which tastes better between the pea and prawn or and the pea and mint combinations." He beamed before stuffing his plump cheeks with more hors d'oeuvres. Edwina noticed that he liked to walk about at balls and soirees with his food as he ate.
Elaine and her husband joined them. Edwina did not know if they had sorted their problems, but there was no sign of any trouble between them. They were the epitome of a couple in love.
"They are positively divine, are they not, My Lord?" Elaine said to Lord Peregrine before leaning toward Edwina and whispering, "You kept them. Why am I not surprised?"
"Defiance is my nature.” She laughed softly. “You were playing a game and so was I.”
Lord Peregrine offered Elaine some pea and mint canapés from his plate then, but she courteously turned him down. "I believe I have had my fill on those for the evening, My Lord," she lied.
Albert exchanged a knowing look with Konstantin before both men burst out laughing. Elaine scowled at them, while Lord Peregrine ignorantly joined in the laughter. "A jolly good evening!" Lord Peregrine declared.
