Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

" A re you ready, my dear?" Edmund's voice called from the other side of the dressing room door. "The carriage is waiting."

Adeline took a deep breath, smoothing down the front of her gown one last time. "Just a moment," she called back, her voice steadier than she felt.

With a final glance in the mirror, she opened the door and stepped out. The emerald green silk of her gown rustled softly with each movement, its intricate beadwork catching the light. Her honey-brown hair was swept up in an elegant style, adorned with pearl-tipped pins.

Edmund's sharp intake of breath made her pause. His eyes roamed over her, lingering on the curve of her waist and the swell of her breasts. When his gaze finally met hers, the heat in his eyes made her breath catch.

"You look radiant," he murmured, his voice low and husky. He stepped closer, his fingers brushing her bare shoulder. "Though I must confess, I'd much prefer you without the dress."

Adeline felt heat rise to her cheeks, a delicious shiver running down her spine.

"Edmund," she admonished softly, though she couldn't keep the smile from her lips. "We'll be late."

"Let them wait," he growled, pulling her close.

For a moment, Adeline thought he might kiss her, propriety be damned. But then he stepped back, offering her his arm with a rueful smile.

"Shall we, Duchess?"

The ballroom of Lord Weatherby's estate was a glittering spectacle of crystal chandeliers and polished marble. As Edmund and Adeline made their entrance, she felt the weight of countless eyes upon them.

"The Duke and Duchess of Holbrook," the master of ceremonies announced, his voice carrying over the hum of conversation.

Adeline lifted her chin, steeling herself for the usual whispers and sidelong glances. To her surprise, several people nodded politely in their direction. Lady Margaret even approached with a warm smile.

"Your Grace," she said, addressing Adeline directly. "How lovely to see you. That gown is absolutely stunning on you."

Adeline blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected kindness. "Thank you, Lady Margaret. You're very kind."

As they moved further into the room, Adeline noticed a shift in the atmosphere. While some still turned away with barely concealed disdain, others seemed genuinely pleased to see them. It was a far cry from the universal cold shoulder she'd grown accustomed to.

"Shall we dance?" Edmund's voice in her ear made her start. He was looking at her with pride and something darker, more intense.

Adeline nodded, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. As the first strains of a waltz filled the air, Edmund pulled her close—closer than was strictly proper.

"Do you have any idea," he murmured as they began to move, "how difficult it is to keep my hands to myself when you look like this?"

Adeline's breath hitched. "Edmund," she hissed, scandalized and thrilled in equal measure. "People will hear."

His low chuckle made warmth pool in her belly.

"Let them," he said, his lips grazing her ear. "Let them see how much I desire my wife."

As they twirled across the dance floor, Edmund's words grew increasingly bold, painting vivid pictures of all the things he longed to do to her.

"I long to unlace your bodice," he murmured, his breath hot against her neck. "To trail kisses along your collarbone until your knees tremble."

Adeline's breath hitched as he continued.

"I want to feel your fingers in my hair, to hear my name on your lips as I flick my tongue against your nipple." His hand on her waist tightened possessively. "Later, I'll taste every inch of you until you're breathless, until you forget every name but mine."

By the time the music ended, Adeline was flushed and breathless, her heart racing.

"Your Grace," a voice interrupted their heated moment. Lord Weatherby stood nearby, flanked by a group of serious-looking gentlemen. "Might we have a word? There are some business matters we'd like to discuss."

Edmund's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he nodded. "Of course, Lord Weatherby." He turned to Adeline, his eyes softening. "Will you be all right on your own for a bit?"

Adeline smiled, touched by his concern. "I'll be fine," she assured him. "Go, attend to your business. I'm sure I can find some way to occupy myself."

As Edmund walked away with the group of men, Adeline took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She scanned the room, wondering how to navigate the complex societal waters without her husband by her side.

Just then, she spotted a familiar face across the room. Lady Alderton was holding court with a group of dowagers, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Adeline smiled to herself. Perhaps the evening wouldn't be so daunting, after all.

As she made her way through the crowded ballroom, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Adeline! Oh, you look absolutely breathtaking!"

Turning, Adeline saw Isabella rushing towards her, resplendent in a pale blue gown that brought out the color of her eyes.

"Isabella!" Adeline beamed, embracing her sister. "It's wonderful to see you again. You look radiant!"

Isabella blushed prettily. "Oh, stop. But truly, Adeline, you're the one who's glowing. Married life must agree with you."

Adeline felt her cheeks warm at the memory of Edmund's heated gaze. "Thank you, Bella. Now, tell me more about your recent adventures. How many suitors have come calling since we last spoke?"

As Isabella launched into an animated account of her recent social engagements, Adeline felt a pang of nostalgia for their closeness.

She was so engrossed in their conversation that she didn't notice Lord Brenton approach, until his stern voice cut through their chatter.

"Isabella, my dear, you shouldn't take up too much of your sister's time."

Isabella's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Papa, I have every right to speak with Adeline. She's my sister, for heaven's sake."

Lord Brenton's face darkened, but before he could respond, a young man approached their group.

"Pardon me," he said, his voice pleasant and his manner courteous. "I couldn't help but overhear. I hope I'm not interrupting, but I wondered if I might join your conversation? I'm Lord Pembrook."

Adeline watched with interest as Isabella's expression brightened. "Of course, Lord Pembrook. We'd be delighted. This is my sister, the Duchess of Holbrook, and my father, the Earl of Brenton."

To Adeline's surprise and relief, Lord Pembrook greeted her with genuine warmth, his eyes meeting hers without a trace of the usual discomfort or pity she'd grown accustomed to.

"Your Grace, it's an honor to meet you," he said, bowing slightly. "I've heard wonderful things about the agricultural innovations at Holbrook. I don't suppose you'd mind sharing some insights? My own estate could use some modernizing, I'm afraid."

Adeline found herself drawn into a pleasant conversation about crop rotation and soil management, with Isabella and even Lord Brenton chiming in occasionally. It was a refreshing change from the usual stilted small talk she endured at such events.

As the music for the next dance began, Lord Pembrook turned to Isabella with a smile. "Lady Isabella, might I have the honor of this dance?"

Isabella glanced at Adeline, who nodded encouragingly. With a delighted smile, Isabella accepted Lord Pembrook's arm and allowed him to escort her to the dance floor.

Left alone with their father, Adeline felt the awkwardness descend like a heavy curtain.

Lord Brenton cleared his throat, clearly struggling to find something to say. "Well, Adeline, you seem happy. The Duke is treating you well, I hope?"

Adeline sighed, suddenly weary of the pretense. "Father, please. You needn't force yourself to make conversation with me. I know you find it… difficult."

Lord Brenton's brow furrowed. "I beg your pardon? That's a rather impertinent thing to say, Adeline. I am merely inquiring after your welfare, as any father would."

"Are you?" Adeline asked, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from her voice. "Or are you simply fulfilling your social obligation to acknowledge your less-favored daughter?"

Lord Brenton's face flushed with anger. "Now see here, Adeline?—"

But before he could continue, a familiar voice interrupted their brewing argument.

"Ah, there you are, my dear!" Lady Gillingham swooped in, looping her arm through Adeline's. "I've been looking everywhere for you. You simply must come and meet Lady Pershing she's just returned from the Continent and has the most fascinating stories to tell."

With a grateful smile at her grandmother, Adeline allowed herself to be led away. As they moved through the crowd, Lady Gillingham gave her arm a comforting squeeze.

"I saw that conversation taking a turn for the worse," she admitted softly. "Are you all right, my dear?"

Adeline took a deep breath, willing away the tears that threatened to fall. "I'm fine, Grandmama. Thank you for the timely rescue."

Lady Gillingham's eyes twinkled with understanding. "What are grandmothers for, if not to swoop in and save the day? Now, let's find you a glass of champagne and some pleasant company. This is a ball, after all—you should be enjoying yourself!"

As they made their way to a group of chattering ladies, Adeline felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. As Lady Gillingham guided her away from the crowd, she gave her arm a gentle squeeze.

"Come, my dear. Let's take a turn about the room. Some fresh air and movement will do you good."

Adeline nodded gratefully, allowing her grandmother to lead her towards the less crowded edges of the ballroom. As they walked, she felt some of the tension from her encounter with her father begin to ease.

"Now then," Lady Gillingham said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "tell me truthfully, Adeline. How are you faring? And don't give me any of that ‘I'm fine' nonsense. I want to hear the real story."

Adeline could tell her grandmother wasn't going to let this go, despite having seen her and Edmund together during their earlier visit. Lady Gillingham still wanted to hear it in Adeline's own words.

Adeline couldn't help but smile at her grandmother's directness. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, considering how to answer.

"I'm doing well, Grandmama," she replied. "Better than I expected, if I'm being honest."

Lady Gillingham's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? Do tell, my dear. What's changed?"

Adeline felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she thought of Edmund's heated gaze, his whispered words on the dance floor. "Edmund has been… kind," she said carefully. "Attentive, even. It's not at all what I anticipated when we first got married."

A knowing smile played on Lady Gillingham's lips. "I'm glad to hear it. You two seem well-suited, from what I've observed."

"Do you really think so?" Adeline asked, unable to keep a hint of hope from her voice.

Lady Gillingham patted her hand. "I do, indeed. You complement each other well. Edmund needs someone with your strength and compassion, and you, my dear, deserve someone who appreciates your worth."

Adeline bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Grandmama, do you think it's possible for a marriage of convenience to turn into something more?"

Lady Gillingham's eyes softened. "Ah, my dear. I wondered if we might have this conversation soon." She paused, a wistful smile crossing her face. "Did you know that my marriage to your grandfather was arranged?"

Adeline's eyes widened in surprise. "No, I had no idea. You always seemed so… in love."

"Oh, we were." Lady Gillingham chuckled. "But it didn't start that way. When we first married, we were little more than polite strangers. But we became friends, confidantes. And then, one day, I realized that somewhere along the way, that man had become the love of my life."

Adeline felt a lump form in her throat. "How did you know that it had become more?"

"It was the little things," her grandmother replied softly. "The way my heart would flutter when he entered a room. How I found myself wanting to share every triumph and sorrow with him. The feeling that no matter what challenges we faced, we could overcome them together."

As Lady Gillingham spoke, Adeline found herself thinking of Edmund. The warmth of his smile when she mastered a new riding technique. The pride in his eyes when she contributed to discussions about estate management. The way he had defended her against the ton's cruelty.

"I see those wheels turning in that clever head of yours," Lady Gillingham remarked, breaking into Adeline's thoughts. "Remember, my dear, love isn't always a lightning bolt. Sometimes it's a slow burn, building gradually until suddenly you realize your whole world has changed."

Adeline nodded, her mind whirling with possibilities. "Thank you, Grandmama. For sharing that with me."

"Of course, my darling," Lady Gillingham replied. "Just promise me you'll keep your heart open. Edmund is a good man, despite his gruff exterior. Give him a chance to surprise you."

Before Adeline could respond, Lady Alderton's voice cut through their quiet moment.

"Miriam, darling! There you are. You simply must come and say hello to Lady Pershing. She's just returned from her grand tour of the Continent and has the most scandalous stories to tell."

Lady Gillingham shot Adeline an apologetic look. "Duty calls, my dear. Will you be all right on your own for a bit?"

Adeline nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course, Grandmama. Go, enjoy your gossip. I'll be fine."

As she watched her grandmother being whisked away by the ever-exuberant Lady Alderton, Adeline found herself alone once more. She made her way to a secluded alcove, needing a moment to collect her thoughts.

Her grandmother's words echoed in her mind.

"… love isn't always a lightning bolt. Sometimes it's a slow burn…"

Adeline thought of the growing warmth between her and Edmund, the gradual building of trust and understanding.

Could it be? she wondered to herself, her heart racing at the possibility. Could Edmund and I find what Grandmama and Grandpapa had?

The very thought both thrilled and terrified her. There was still so much she didn't know about Edmund, so many walls he had yet to let down.

And yet, the idea of a future filled with genuine love and companionship was tantalizing.