Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

M adeleine was becoming accustomed to the noises of Silverton Hall. After living in what felt like a mausoleum for so long in Kinsfeld House, the noises surrounding her now had her feeling on uneasy footing.

Yet it was a comfort, and over the next week, she adjusted to the sounds of Silverton’s full staff on duty, the conversation between maids as they went about their daily duties.

She had written to Tessa several days ago, asking about her friend’s wellbeing.

There is a ball being held at Lord Banbury’s estate. It is to celebrate his courtship and no doubt impending engagement. Please come, Madeleine. It feels like an eternity since I have seen you. You must let me show you off as my friend, the Duchess of Silverton. It will also give me the perfect chance to get to know your husband more.

Although Tessa’s letter overall had shined with enthusiasm and happiness, it only left Madeleine with a curling dread at being invited into society.

With her wedding to Alexander being small, and her departure from London swift, she had not had to hear any gossip.

Nerves fluttered through her as she ventured to Alexander’s study. She knocked before entering and found him swiftly covering a few documents.

She paused but said nothing, recalling her lady’s maid’s words—her husband was a private man. Simply because he had sifted through all of her through his investigation, it did not mean she was as entitled to know all of his business.

“Yes?” he asked.

Ever since their first dinner, Alexander had been… not quite silent or avoidant towards her but it was as though her answers during that first meal had made him unsure of how to speak to her.

From their kiss in the carriage, to their investigations, and now this, Madeleine was not sure where they were with one another.

She had the terrible suspicion that she had caused such uncertainty.

“We have been invited to a ball,” Madeleine announced. “I do not want to go but I wished to tell you about it regardless.”

“Why do you not wish to go?” He smirked at her.

She noticed how he placed his arm over the document he had hidden, as if further concealing it.

“It is a bad idea to attend an event so soon after Donald’s death. Do you not agree?”

“You are fearful of the ton’s opinion again. I told you that I would protect you, and not to worry?—”

“I cannot help it,” she said, almost snapping.

“Who is the host?”

“Lord Banbury.”

“Ah. Banbury. There must be something worth celebrating, then. We are to go.”

“But—”

He stood up abruptly. “You will not hide out in Silverton Hall forever, Duchess. I shall have you fitted for a new gown for the event. In the meantime, Mrs. Turner has requested you in the parlor. She wishes to discuss new furnishings.”

Madeleine nodded, biting her lip. “Very well.”

“Madeleine?”

She lingered in the doorway. “Yes?”

“I mean it when I say I will protect you.”

She nodded before leaving. Her thoughts cast back to when he had snarled in the face of the pub owner.

Do not look at her , he had said.

She had no doubt—but that was what she was partially afraid of. Casting the ball from her mind for now, she made her way to the parlor.

Lord Banbury’s estate was not far from Silverton, between London and there.

Carriages had spilled out across the front, filling the circular driveway. Candles flickered in the windows, illuminating the residence for miles.

Chatter filled the air, and Madeleine could not help the nervous swoop of her stomach as she and Alexander ventured deeper into the ballroom.

Eyes landed heavily on her, and she swallowed.

“Must we be here?” she asked quietly, her eyes roving to the lady who had snidely commented on her at Lady Inglebury’s soiree.

“Yes,” Alexander told her. “Besides, I have some associates to meet with.”

“More of them?” She needed something to focus on. Honing in on the aspects of Alexander’s life she did not know was better than focusing on her own. “Will your associate from our wedding be present?”

“Not here, no.”

“It is a shame,” she said lightly.

“And what of your own people?” he asked. “Where are your friends?”

Madeleine almost wondered that herself until she saw Tessa and Colin lingering near the refreshments table.

Colin had a slice of cake on a napkin, his eyes darting around, as if trying to focus on who might be witnessing it. Tessa was scolding him but her smile was present.

“There they are.”

“You will greet them. I will meet with my associates.”

“I would like to meet them with you.”

Alexander stilled, the two of them lingering on the edge of the dancefloor. “No.”

“I am your wife. I would like to know who you are, and what you do.”

She kept her secret reason behind her heart: she had enjoyed the power he exerted over others, and she wanted to see it again.

Madeleine tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and he reluctantly led her over to a lord who stood with a lady.

“Lord Bastian,” Alexander said, clearing his throat. “It is good to see you.”

“Your Grace!” Lord Bastian greeted, his friendly smile spreading. Madeleine did not miss the way the lady at his side looked her up and down.

“Lord Bastian, may I introduce you to my wife, the Duchess of Silverton?” Alexander pressed a hand into the small of her back, guiding her closer.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.” Lord Bastian bowed deeply.

“And to you, Lord Bastian.”

“This is Lady Bastian.”

“What an honor to finally meet you, Your Graces.” She curtsied but her gaze lingered on Alexander before turning to Madeleine herself. “I have heard much about you, Duchess.”

“I am sure that whatever you have heard is nonconsequential.” Alexander’s voice cut through what was about to become gossip, a snide comment. “The Duchess has a new life at Silverton.” His gaze was knowing as he looked at the lady. “I trust you will respect her as a woman befitting her title.”

“Of course,” Lady Bastian purred, yet she whispered something to Lord Bastian before she gracefully pulled away, a girlish giggle on her lips.

Madeleine looked at her as she inserted herself into a group of other women. Her chest tightened as she watched the lady speak, and her friends all turned to look at her.

“Lord Bastian.” Alexander’s voice was low, threatening. “I trust you can discipline your lady against mindless ton gossip.”

“I—I am not of a place to do so, Your Grace.”

“I am sure you can. You would not wish to lose business with me over such a small matter.”

“O-of course, Your Grace.”

“Good. We shall conduct a meeting tomorrow morning at the usual place.”

Alexander led Madeleine away but it was too late. Lady Bastian’s whispers had spread through the ballroom.

“I tire of this party already,” Alexander muttered.

“I told you it was a bad idea to come.”

The Duke spared her a withering glance before he pulled her further into the ballroom, closer to the open doors that led out into the dark gardens.

The fresh, cool air wafted through the space, and Tessa finally noticed Madeleine, pulling Colin over.

“Madeleine!” Tessa cried, pulling her into an embrace. “You are here! I am so glad you came.” She pulled away and curtsied to Alexander. “Your Grace. It is very good to meet you once again. I am sorry we did not get more of a chance at the wedding.”

Alexander made a noise of acknowledgement at her. “Yes, well, men are busy, are we not, Lord Easthall?”

“Indeed, Your Grace. What with the estate you own, it is rather impressive how you keep up with it all.”

“Men like me manage well.”

Madeleine gave a small laugh.

“Lord Banbury is over by the wine table,” Colin said. “Your Grace, would you like to congratulate him with me? Courting Lady Anna Mortimer has been a rather good feat of his.”

Alexander narrowed his eyes at Colin, “I am not interested in the private affairs of others, Lord Easthall.”

Colin blinked and gulped, taken aback by the Duke’s cold response, “Well, I merely meant?—”

“I understand what you meant. You meant to give our wives privacy. I can appreciate that,” Alexander cut him off and turned to Madeleine and Tessa, bowing, “Enjoy your time, my ladies.”

The two men retreated, leaving Tessa and Madeleine stood together.

“So… How is married life treating you, my friend?” Tessa asked, cocking her head.

“Well,” Madeleine answered.

“That is all you will tell me?” Tessa laughed.

All Madeleine could see were the bent, close heads of ton members moments before they all looked at her. Whispers floated through the ballroom, eyes sliding to her before fingers were pointed at Alexander.

Madeleine’s throat tightened.

“You know, I have half a mind to think that Colin will interrogate His Grace about your future children.”

Madeleine was glad to not be drinking, for she would have choked.

“He has asked me about it. He knows we are close, of course, so I think he wishes to have us birth our children at the same time. You know, so we may raise them together.”

Madeleine was barely listening to Tessa, although she should have done so. Her eyes found Alexander, his broad shoulders, and his hair brushing his collar. He stood so powerfully, utterly unphased by the whispers and stares.

“... only days after Lord Kinsfeld was found.”

The words drifted to her from a passing couple, the woman whispering too loudly. She sneered at Madeleine, who looked at her, wide-eyed.

Before she could answer Tessa, a woman arrived at her side. Madeleine immediately recognized the Dowager Countess of Easthall, Tessa’s mother-in-law.

“Your Grace. Tessa,” the dowager greeted.

Tessa’s eyes brightened. “Lady Easthall. It is lovely to see you at the ball tonight. Colin was not sure if you would make it. He says you have felt rather ill as of late.”

“I have, but I did not wish to pass up the chance to see my son and daughter-in-law.” Her kind smile made Madeleine ache. “May we take a turn around the room?”

Tessa looked at Madeleine, her question already forming, but Madeleine spoke first. “Please, go with her. I will be fine.”

“You are sure?”

“Of course,” she said quickly. “And I am sure Alexander will return shortly.”

Tessa didn’t look convinced but the Dowager Countess pulled her away regardless, already discussing an upcoming family ball.

Madeleine stood alone, feeling awkward and hating how she felt as though everybody’s eyes were on her.

“Your Grace?” Madeleine turned to find Lady Bastian and her trio of friends. There was a faux smile on her face.

“My friends and I have been discussing the most unfortunate events that have plagued your week. Even now, as an esteemed Duchess, you cannot possibly hide from the shame of your late husband’s deeds. How shameful it must be for you to endure such disgraces.”

Madeleine was shocked at the open meanness coming from the lady, tonight’s host or not. Her throat tightened but a shadow fell over Lady Bastian before Madeleine could think of a retort.

“The only disgrace endured will be yours as you are escorted from the ball, Lady Bastian.”

Alexander’s voice was low. His height had him towering over the woman as he stared down, disapproving.

“Your G?—”

“You will not talk to my wife like that.”

“Of course, Your Grace. We were merely teasing.”

Alexander’s eyes cut to Madeleine. “If you are ready, we shall take our leave. It seems the company has grown… unpleasant.”

He gave another scowl down at the ladies before taking Madeleine’s hand and tugging her forward, through the throng of ladies.

Eyes locked onto them as they left the ballroom swiftly, before bidding their host a quick goodbye.

In the carriage ride, Madeleine could not speak past the weight of her shame, and Alexander seemed content to let her ease through it.

Yet his hand was not far from hers the whole while.