Chapter 15

The Garden Party

Pemberton Manor

The day had finally come. For both the garden party and Beatrice and Edwin’s delayed wedding night.

Even with all the people around and the chatter and food and music and drinks, Beatrice could not focus on anything. All she could think about was the Duke.

With him by her side, dressed in his finest, it was impossible to focus on anything save what was below his clothing. Beatrice was terrified—the type of fear that had to be overcome and soon would.

“Greetings,” Robert said as he approached the couple. “I am sure I don’t need to show you where everything is—and if you do need anything, please ask—but I must ask that you stay out of my bedroom on this occasion. I do enjoy how much talk there was about the ball hosted here, but I believe one scandal per Season is quite enough.”

Beatrice had blushed so much over the first few days in the Duke’s residence that she was able to control herself better, so she did not blush at Lord Pemberton’s teasing.

“I shall try,” she replied. “I was looking for the retiring room that night, and the smell must have drawn me in.”

Edwin guffawed at her joke.

Lord Pemberton showed no offense, his eyes lighting up at the retort. “I like you more each time I meet you, Your Grace,” he said.

“Such kind words,” Beatrice drawled.

“Please, mingle with our guests,” Robert suggested. “Have some food and drinks and make merry. I have more people to greet.”

Edwin nodded to his friend, then he and Beatrice went to explore the grand gardens of Pemberton Estate.

Once his friend had gone to greet some of the other guests, Edwin leaned in close to Beatrice so his breath tickled her ear. “We have just arrived, but all eyes will be on us even if it is not obvious. They will see me whispering to you and think I am whispering sweet nothings. So, be sure to smile as I speak.”

Beatrice could only think about his lips. His warm breath was intoxicating, and she would get to feel his lips on her body in a few hours. Her lips curled into a smile.

“You should take my arm as we walk to get refreshments,” Edwin continued. “We’ll have to take the stairs to get to the lawn, and you can take my hand as we go up. That should be a good enough start to show people we are a couple.”

“As you wish,” Beatrice said.

She did not think she would have trouble convincing people they were a couple. She could only think about that night—her attraction to the Duke must be obvious to everyone. They might not have a loving relationship, but they did have something.

Beatrice took his arm, and they walked through the gardens. She had thought about what they had. It was undeniable that they had chemistry—it had not only been she who had been unable to stop her thoughts from wandering to more carnal pleasures when in his company, but the Duke too.

It was a huge mercy under the circumstances. Beatrice had been forced to wed against her will, but she had not imagined she would be paired with someone she was so attracted to or someone so attracted to her.

She shifted and took Edwin’s hand as they walked up the four stone steps, even though she did not need any help ascending the stairs. They passed one of the servers, and Edwin took a glass of champagne for each of them.

“Beatrice!”

Beatrice spun around to see Hannah skipping toward her. She felt her heart lift even higher than it already was at seeing her sister. And not only her sister, but her parents too—they approached behind Hannah.

Hannah reached Beatrice and wrapped her arms around her. “Oh, it feels like you have been gone for such a long time, and I have missed you terribly. You are going to help me with my debut, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” Beatrice said, melting into her younger sister’s embrace. “We are attending more events, so I will get to see you more, and now that all of the fuss has died down, we would love to have you visit.”

Beatrice pulled back and looked sheepishly at Edwin. They have not discussed anything more than attending events together to quash any rumors.

He looked back at her and gave a slight nod—the go-ahead to plan a visit to their home. It was a small concession, but it felt like a big one under the circumstances. They had spoken about living separate lives.

Phineas and Letitia arrived, and the Duke greeted them all before he excused himself.

“I am glad to see your family here, but I will leave you in their capable hands now. I have people I must talk to while we are here. Will you be fine for a while?” he asked.

Beatrice smiled. “I will. It will be nice to catch up.”

Edwin said goodbye to her family and left to talk about business with some of the lords there. Phineas watched him leave, and Beatrice caught the look in his eyes. She wasn’t sure if he was wary of the Duke or disappointed at not being the one to talk business with him.

“How are you doing, Beatrice?” Phineas asked.

Her father had started talking to her again once she was promised to the Duke, but his tone had lost its previous sharpness, and it brightened her day more.

“I am doing well, Father,” she replied.

She looked at him, hoping for more—a comment about how happy he was for her or a question about when she’d have children.

He didn’t ask any questions or smile, but he didn’t frown either.

“Oh, should I address you differently now?” Hannah asked. “I called you by your name in public, but must I address you as Your Grace and curtsey.”

Beatrice giggled. “Oh, please don’t,” she begged. “I suppose it would be proper in public, but I don’t want that. You can call me by my name any time you like.”

“I shall try my best to act as I should before my debut,” Hannah promised, as if she had been waiting to say that in front of their parents.

“I know you will,” Beatrice said. “I will help you prepare for your debut, but I will not have a lot of work to do. Mother has prepared you well, and I am sure you will have the best debut of the three of us.”

Hannah smiled, and so did Letitia.

“His Grace’s sister also debuts this year,” Beatrice informed them. “I will also help her.”

“And does she need a lot of work?” Hannah asked.

“Hannah,” Letitia scolded. “You should not ask about such things. I am sure His Grace’s sister will have a fine debut.”

“You have spent time with His Grace’s family?” Phineas asked.

“I have, and I enjoy their company,” Beatrice replied.

Her father offered a small smile, a smile that told her he was glad she had a life in her marriage, but a smile that was still hesitant. His smile disappeared, and he looked at his wife before addressing his youngest.

“Hannah, would you accompany me? I would like to introduce you to someone,” he said.

“Of course,” Hannah replied politely.

Phineas shepherded her away, and Beatrice knew it was so that her mother could talk to her. They looked at each other, and Letitia waited a moment before saying her piece.

“My dear, your father and I are both glad you are married despite the circumstances, and I am sure, in time, you will learn to love each other just as your father and I did.”

“I am sure.” Beatrice nodded.

Letitia stared at her, trying to find the right words.

“You need not worry, Mother. I know he has a reputation, but he is not like that. Some call him cruel, but he is misunderstood. He treats me well,” Beatrice said.

“No, it is not that.” Her mother shook her head. “There are so many rumors going around.”

“And that is all they are,” Beatrice said. “Rumors. There are always rumors going around, and I never took you or Father for people who listen to silly rumors.”

“We don’t,” Letitia proclaimed. “For most rumors. But everyone is talking about the marriage being a sham and that you were forced into this marriage. Some have said that His Grace might divorce you because of the rumors. We can’t have that, Beatrice. His Grace was your last option!”

“Mother, everything will be fine,” Beatrice claimed. “I am not getting divorced. My marriage is not a sham.”

Not completely a sham.

“We trust your judgment, but with so many people talking, we don’t know if it is the best time for Hannah to debut,” Letitia said.

Beatrice was stunned. “Mother, you must let her debut. She has been looking forward to this for the past year—she is ready. You can’t hold her back on my account, and His Grace and I are showing our faces to put an end to the silly rumors. I know I have brought far too much drama to this family, but the rumors are based on my reputation and not the truth. People will soon see that.”

Beatrice looked around, hoping to see the Duke and beckon him over to prove they were a real couple, even if it was for show, but she didn’t spot him. She did spot Elizabeth and waved her over.

“Mother, you must talk to Lady Elizabeth. I am certain it will help put your mind at rest. The rumors will soon be gone, and Elizabeth will debut, so there should be no reason that Hannah will not.”

She smiled when Elizabeth arrived and was about to speak when the Duke’s sister interrupted her.

“I’m glad to have found you,” Elizabeth sighed. “I need your help with Mother.”

Beatrice looked from Elizabeth to her own mother, knowing this was not helping her case. “Where is she?” she asked.

“I will take you to her,” Elizabeth said, before turning and walking in the direction she had come from.

Beatrice took one last look at her mother before she turned and followed Elizabeth. She had hoped to put her mother’s mind at ease, but there seemed to be only more drama.

She quickly caught up with Elizabeth, hoping no one saw them leave the main party and go off to the outer edges of the estate.

“What happened?” she asked as they walked quickly. “Is she hurt?”

“Hurt? No,” Elizabeth said, exasperated. “She has made friends with a stray dog, and she wishes to adopt it and bring it back home.”

“Made friends?” Beatrice frowned.

“Mmm-hmm. She likes to make friends with animals and bring them home, and Edwin was furious the last time she brought a stray dog home and let it loose inside the manor. I know she means well, but you must speak to her.”

“What am I to do if you have spoken to her already?” Beatrice asked.

“She trusts you,” Elizabeth argued. “We both do. You are the voice of reason, and I know if you talk to her about it, she might leave the dog where it is and rejoin the party.”

Beatrice couldn’t help but smile, even though the drama might cause problems. She knew Modesty fairly well from their interactions, and it was exactly in line with her character.

They stepped into a small grove of trees, where Modesty sat in the middle with a stray dog by her side. It was dirty and mangy but looked cute.

Modesty’s face brightened when she saw Beatrice approach. “Look who I found,” she cooed.

“I heard you had found a dog,” Beatrice said.

Modesty petted the dog, and she looked serene, as if her entire goal in life was to sit beside a dog.

“You are missing out on a fantastic event,” Beatrice continued. “Won’t you come back and join us?”

“I’d rather not,” Modesty admitted. “The dog is far better company than anyone at the party.”

Beatrice smiled. “That might be true, but we don’t always do things for ourselves. You are not here for yourself but for His Grace and Lady Elizabeth. They need you.”

Modesty looked up at Beatrice with a sad smile. “I can’t bring him home, can I?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Beatrice replied.

Modesty nodded. “I think he is better suited to the wilderness anyway. I would like another few minutes with him before I return.”

“That sounds wise,” Beatrice relented.

Modesty looked happy and ashamed at the same time. She continued to pet the dog, looking from Beatrice to Elizabeth before looking down at the dog.

Elizabeth looked at Beatrice and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Beatrice nodded.

“I can stay with Mother for a moment, and then we will return to the party,” Elizabeth offered. “Why don’t you return? Your work here is done.”

Beatrice smiled. “I hope to see you there soon.”

She took one last look at Modesty, wanting to imprint the memory in her mind—it was a sad and beautiful scene. Then, she left mother and daughter and returned to the garden party. She was almost there when a figure quickly moved to her left, aiming to block her path. Beatrice did not feel in danger, but she knew she did not want to speak to the person.

The figure moved purposefully and stepped in front of Beatrice before she could reach the crowds.

“I see there are a few stray dogs out here today,” Agnes snarled.