Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

" H ow have you been faring with your lessons?" Philip's voice was low and intimate, his breath warm against Aurelia's ear as he stood behind her and wrapped his arms securely around her waist.

They stood in front of the window in her room, gazing out at the quiet gardens of Oakdale Manor. The air outside was cool and the sky was streaked with the fading colors of the day.

Aurelia tilted her head slightly, leaning back against him. "They have been quite informative. Mrs. Jarrow has been a wonderful teacher."

"I am pleased to hear that," Philip murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. His arms tightened around her briefly in an affectionate squeeze. "But I must say, you have been rather neglectful of your husband this past week."

Aurelia blushed a deep shade of crimson at his playful accusation, shaking her head in embarrassment. "I have not."

Philip chuckled softly, his hands moving to her waist as he turned her to face him. "Perhaps not intentionally," he said with a grin. "But still."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small envelope, offering it to her. "Here, I have something for you."

Curious, Aurelia took the envelope and opened it, finding a formal invitation within. Her eyes skimmed over the elegant handwriting.

"It is an invitation to a ball in five days' time," Philip explained as she read.

Aurelia looked up at him, a smile in her eyes. She glanced back down at the invitation. "I shall prepare well for it."

Philip returned her smile. "I am certain you will," he said, his voice warm.

He leaned in and captured her lips in a gentle kiss before stepping back.

"Do not stay up too late with your preparations," he teased as he took his leave, the door clicking shut behind him.

The day of the ball arrived swiftly. Aurelia stood before the full-length mirror in her chambers, her fingers smoothing over the exquisite fabric of her gown. The dress was fashioned from a delicate lavender silk, the color soft and demure yet rich enough to catch the eye.

It was adorned with tiny pearls on the bodice that shimmered faintly with each movement. The sleeves were modest, resting just off her shoulders, with the neckline dipping slightly but not too low. A satin ribbon cinched her waist, emphasizing her slender figure, and the skirt flowed gracefully to the floor in a cascade of silk and lace.

Her hair was swept up into an elegant chignon with a few soft curls framing her face, while a pair of diamond earrings hung from her ears, sparkling in the soft light.

Eilidh has done a splendid job tonight.

As she descended the grand staircase, Aurelia noticed Philip waiting for her at the bottom. His eyes rose to greet her and she saw an expression of intense warmth light up his face.

Aurelia had barely reached the last step when he moved forward, his hand finding her waist and pulling her into his arms.

"You look…breathtaking," he whispered, his gaze lingering on her face before his lips descended on hers in a firm, possessive kiss.

It was tender yet filled with the promise of more, and Aurelia felt a shiver run down her spine.

"If you are not up for the ball," he murmured against her lips, "we could simply stay home. I would not mind."

Aurelia's cheeks flushed a delicate pink at his suggestion and she quickly glanced around, watching as the maids and footmen in the foyer discreetly turned their backs to afford them a modicum of privacy. She gently pulled away from him although her heart continued to flutter from his touch.

"I have spent far too much time on my appearance to stay home," she said, a teasing smile forming on her lips.

Philip chuckled, his arm still securely wrapped around her waist as he led her toward the waiting carriage. "Then I suppose we must go."

In the dim light of the coach, Philip's eyes gleamed mischievously as he leaned toward Aurelia, his voice low and intimate.

"I still believe we would be far better off spending the night at home," he murmured, the corner of his mouth curling up as he spoke. "In my chambers, just the two of us…naked under the moonlight."

Aurelia's cheeks reddened at his brazen words, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She lifted a hand to fan herself, trying to cool the heat that crept up her neck.

"Philip," she scolded, though her voice lacked any true reprimand. "We are already on our way to the ball."

He grinned, thoroughly enjoying her flustered state. "All it would take from you is one word," he said, his tone lazy, "and we would be on our way back to Oakdale Manor."

Aurelia shook her head, laughing despite herself. "You are impossible."

"I am determined," he corrected, his eyes flashing with playful intensity.

Before she could respond Philip reached for her, pulling her effortlessly into his lap. Their sudden proximity left her breathless, her body pressed against the hard lines of his chest.

He took a moment to admire her, his gaze roving over her face and down to the delicate curve of her neck and shoulders.

"You are truly a vision tonight," he whispered, his hand stroking her cheek. "You will be the death of me."

His lips captured hers in a slow, seductive kiss that sent a ripple of warmth throughout her body.

His lips lingered on hers, teasingly close as he murmured, "I mean it. One word."

Aurelia's laughter bubbled up, muffled by his lips. She managed to pull away just enough to respond, her voice soft but resolute. "We are going to the ball, Philip."

He sighed dramatically, though his eyes gleamed with amusement. "As you wish, wife. But know that I will be counting down the minutes until I can have you all to myself."

"You are incorrigible," she huffed, trying to sound firm, but her smile gave her away.

"And yet, you married me," he teased, his hands gently squeezing her waist before helping her back into her seat as the carriage slowed to a halt.

They stepped out of the carriage and took in Wexford House; the scene was nothing short of breathtaking. The hall was ablaze with candlelight casting a warm golden glow over the finely dressed guests as they mingled.

The decorations were luxurious, with wreaths of delicate flowers draped along the banisters and tables laden with crystal glasses and silver trays.

Music floated in the air, the sound of violins and harps setting an elegant tone for the evening.

Aurelia and Philip stepped into the hall, arm in arm, their presence drawing the eyes of those around them. As they made their way through the crowd they approached their hosts, Lord and Lady Wexford. He was a portly gentleman, but his wife was a striking woman with auburn hair piled high atop her head.

"Your Grace." Lord Wexford bowed slightly, his greying hair brushing against his collar as he greeted Philip. "My wife and I did not think you would be in attendance this evening."

"I did not want to," Philip muttered under his breath, only loud enough for Aurelia to hear.

Aurelia stifled a laugh. Philip had made it quite plain that he didn't want to attend the ball.

"We could not miss it," Aurelia offered, giving their hosts a gracious smile. "Thank you, Lady Wexford. Your home is beautiful."

Philip gave a polite nod of agreement.

After exchanging the usual pleasantries, they moved through the crowd, nodding to familiar faces as they passed by.

Just as they were beginning to find a place amidst the gathered guests an older woman appeared, making her way toward them, her face lighting up with surprise and delight.

Aurelia noticed that she was dressed in a rich emerald-green gown, her silver hair styled impeccably. Her eyes roved over Philip as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing.

"Are you the Duke of Oakdale? Is it truly you, Philip?" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of delight and disbelief.

Philip nodded, a small smile of recognition on his face.

"I almost did not recognize you!" she exclaimed, her gaze lingering on him. "It has been far too long."

"Lady Devonshire, it has indeed been some time. I was unaware that you had returned from Scotland," he told her.

Lady Devonshire was an old friend of his mother who had married a Scottish gentleman. Shortly after the former Duchess's death she had fled with her family to Scotland.

"Only just," Lady Devonshire said, her eyes roaming over him in disbelief at how much he had grown. "The last time I saw you, you were hardly more than a boy. Now look at you," she gushed, her eyes twinkling. "A grown man and already married, I hear."

Her eyes turned to Aurelia and there was a slight pause as she assessed her.

Philip nodded.

"I must admit," Lady Devonshire continued, "when I heard you had gotten married, I did not want to believe it. I always thought…well, I had hoped you would marry my daughter Margaret."

Philip's expression didn't waver although there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I regret to inform you that I must disappoint you," he said lightly, his tone polite but firm. "I am already married, and quite happily so."

Aurelia felt her face heat up again, though this time it was from a mix of embarrassment and pride. Philip's easy dismissal of the woman's remark made her heart swell.

Lady Devonshire, however, was not finished. Her eyes darted between Philip and Aurelia before she spoke again, her tone a touch more probing.

"So, it is true then? You have truly left your rakish ways behind?"

Aurelia couldn't ignore the sting in her chest at the older woman's words. She had heard whispers of Philip's notorious reputation, but it was not something they had ever discussed.

Lady Devonshire's thinly veiled jab at Philip's rakish past had cast a chill over their exchange.

Aurelia noticed the slight shift in Philip's mood: his shoulders tensed, his jaw ticked ever so slightly and the glint of discomfort in his eyes was unmistakable. Before he could respond to the veiled remark Aurelia stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm.

"Oh, yes," she began with a confident smile, her hand rising to rest on his chest. "Philip is indeed a changed man. Marriage has made him quite family oriented." Her eyes met his and she smiled up at him warmly, her touch soothing the tension in his posture. "He cares deeply about those closest to him. I can wish for no better companion."

Philip's expression softened at her words and the moment was briefly their own. Their intimate exchange was interrupted by an addition to their little group: a gentleman with a smirk that suggested he came with ill intentions.

Lord Cavendish executed a shallow bow, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, Your Grace. I could not help but overhear the lovely Lady Devonshire reminding you of your past exploits." His gaze shifted to Aurelia and the sharpness of his tone was unmistakable. "But of course, we cannot forget the rather unfortunate…incident involving your family, Your Grace." His lips curled into a smirk. "I refer to the matter of your father's involvement in Lord Gabriel's death."

Aurelia tensed up, exchanging a glance with Philip.

This is my life now .

She hadn't thought about it during the first ball they had attended, but she now realized that the issue concerning her father and Gabriel would continue to follow them to every function they would attend, unless she did something about it.

When the thought sank in a familiar ache lanced her heart.

Aurelia felt Philip's arm flex at her side, ready to spring to her defense. Before he could utter his retort she took a deep breath and decided to face Lord Cavendish on her own.

"What happened was indeed unfortunate, My Lord," she said, her voice steady although her heart was pounding against her ribcage. "While the matter remains under investigation I have chosen to focus on my family rather than concern myself with the idle gossip of the Ton."

Her calm and measured response took Lord Cavendish by surprise and he faltered for a moment, his smirk fading.

Philip turned to her in awe with a look of naked admiration. He had been prepared to shield her from the man's cruel words but there she was, standing tall and speaking her truth with grace. His heart swelled with pride and respect.

Aurelia briefly met his gaze, offering him a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Lord Cavendish. "I have no intention of entertaining baseless rumors, My Lord, and I wish you would do the same. My focus is on my husband and our future and that is all that matters to me."

Philip, now fully composed, slipped his arm around Aurelia's waist and turned to Lord Cavendish with a cool, measured smile. "You heard my wife," he said smoothly. "Perhaps it is time for a fresh topic of conversation."

Without waiting for a reply, he gently pulled Aurelia away from the group, guiding her toward the garden for a moment of privacy.

Once outside, the cool night air wrapped around them and the distant sound of the ball faded into the background.

Philip stopped and turned to Aurelia, his expression both curious and amazed. "What you said in there," he began slowly, "about focusing on our future…Do you truly mean it?"

He wanted to believe it. He wanted to know when she had experienced a change of heart and what had led up to it.

Aurelia nodded, her gaze softening as she looked up at him. "I do, Philip," she replied quietly. "I have been thinking about it for a while now. The constant back and forth about my father and Gabriel…" She paused. "It has been tearing us apart and I'm tired of it. I do not wish to live like that any longer. I still want to know what truly transpired between my father and your late brother, but I want you to know that it does not matter anymore. I want to focus on one thing only; our future together."

Philip was speechless, overwhelmed by the sincerity in her words.

Christ. She really will be the death of me.

He hadn't realized how badly he had needed to hear those words until she said them. His hand gently cupped her face as he stared down at her, his heart full of emotion.

"Aurelia," he whispered, "you do not know how much that means to me."

She smiled softly, leaning into his touch. "I know, Philip, because it means just as much to me."

Philip was at a complete loss for words as she leaned in and softly pressed her lips to his.

Dear Lord, thank you .