Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

"D id you really plan this? All by yourself?"

Nancy grinned, pleased by the impressed expression on Beatrice's face, pride flashing through her as she nodded.

"I did have a lot of help and support. I could not have done all of this by myself. But… yes. I organized the entire event, planned out the decorations, reviewed the guest list as well as the refreshments to be served for the evening."

Anne stepped forward, glancing around the room in awe, looking a little breathless as a result of her unbridled excitement.

"You are amazing, Nancy!" she gushed, eyes glittering happily. "This is amazing."

Nancy felt inclined to agree.

It had turned out even better than she had expected. Everything had come together perfectly with the Nancy gold-themed decorations she had chosen turning out to be the best option she could have agreed upon as they wonderfully accentuated the elegance of the ballroom.

The paintings, priceless vases, flowers, and cutlery—all of them seemed to shine brightly beneath the light of the sparkling chandelier, and the music filled the atmosphere with merry anticipation.

The guests in attendance were made up of London's elite, filling up the room with anyone and everyone that bore some level of relevance and importance, reassuring Nancy even more that her efforts would be better recognized.

"Oh, I have truly missed you all," she admitted, opening her arms for another hug, giggling when her sisters wasted no time embracing her.

It filled her with no small joy to see her family again. She felt relieved to see them again, happy that they were in good health—something she knew she had her husband to thank for.

"We've missed you too! So much! You should visit us soon!" Beatrice demanded.

"Yes!" Anne agreed with her, a feat so rare that it made Nancy understand the severity of their request. "Our new house is wonderful! Mama and I love the garden, and there is a sunroom that is always so warm during the day, and Beatrice loves to paint in that one. Please visit us so that we can show you around. We've missed you so much, Sister. Or… wait, do we have to call you ‘ Your Grace ' now?"

Nancy giggled. "No, you do not. I'm still your sister, regardless of who I married or what my title is. I am still your Nancy."

"Our Nancy." Anne grinned. "I like that."

"As do I," Beatrice concurred.

"Our Nancy looks breathtaking today," their mother spoke softly, her eyes brimming with pride as she marveled at Nancy's dress.

It had been one of the details of the ball Nancy had painstakingly arranged. The modiste had been summoned to the estate, and Nancy had sat down with her to expressly state what she desired to be made for her.

She had not forgotten what had been weighing down on her shoulders, how important it was to gain the Duke's favor for the sake of her family's livelihood. But now, with the ball, she also needed to look like the prime example of a perfect duchess, not just for her family's sake but also for her husband's.

Such feelings intensified when she recalled how he had expressed that he knew the ton viewed him as nothing more than a joke, incomparable to his late older brother, despite all the effort he was putting into being a good duke.

She wanted to show that even though they did not have any faith in him, she did. Her husband had been good to her. Things were uncertain between them, but he had shown her family kindness, and that was more than enough for her.

"You look precisely like a duchess," her mother added, making her heart swell.

Nancy had chosen lilac fabric for her dress, the soft material flowing around her as she walked around, with a bodice that gleamed brightly, thanks to the countless gemstones that had been affixed to it.

Paula had been especially thrilled to do her hair for the ball, letting her blonde strands cascade down her shoulders in soft, light waves, on top of which rested a gorgeous diamond tiara. Mrs. Silverstone had delivered it to her before she had begun to prepare for the ball, stating that it had belonged to the former Duchess.

"It is yours now, Your Grace," she had said kindly, holding out the box to Nancy.

"Thank you, Mama." Nancy smiled at her mother now. "I certainly feel like one."

The Dowager Marchioness warmly held onto Nancy's hands, speaking softly, "You have made me really proud, Nancy. You might not fully understand just how much, but let me tell you that you have greatly helped us. All that is left is for you to secure our finances as well, and everything will be fine."

Nancy squeezed her mother's hands reassuringly. "Do not worry, Mama. I will handle it. We will be all right in due time."

Lady Suttington nodded then glanced around the ballroom, her expression turning slightly wary as she took in the masses that filled up the space. "I have not seen your husband yet. I would like to thank him in person."

Nancy ignored the heat flooding her cheeks at the mention of her husband. Unsurprisingly, they had yet to really speak to each other since the night they had…been intimate in his study. Just thinking about him left her feeling hot and bothered, craving more .

She had ached to converse with someone about it, wishing she had friends to write to or that there was more of an opportunity to speak to either the housekeeper or Paula, but she had ultimately kept her overwhelming feelings to herself because they had been busy with the preparations for the ball.

"I suppose he is busy greeting some of the guests. I will have to join him soon, so we might do it together," Nancy replied vacantly, also glancing around in search of Richard. "I'd be happy to relay your gratitude."

But the Dowager Marchioness shook her head. "The honorable thing would be to tell him in person." She furrowed her brow in concern moments later. "Is something wrong? Are you having issues in your marriage?"

"What? No, Mama?—"

For a moment, Nancy thought of telling her mother. She ached to share her worries, to ask her mother for some advice—after all, her parents' marriage had been the very one that fueled all of her dreams of a love match. Dreams she had to abandon when she married Richard for the sake of her family's survival.

And suddenly, she realized that she could not just… tell her mother of her marital situation, not when so much depended on her being the perfect wife. Not to mention, this was neither the time nor the place to make such a grave admission.

"We are fine, Mama. Do not worry," she said, feeling a little guilty for her lying.

"Are you sure? He is a man—men have a variety of needs that should be addressed and satisfied as quickly as possible. Have you been attentive towards him? I've heard more about that dog than I have about your husband tonight, my dear."

Nancy stiffened, wanting to complain that surely, it should be saying something that she was more willing to talk about Dash than her marriage, but she was also hurt that her mother was barely enquiring about her well-being either.

"I am doing my best, Mama?—"

"That might not be enough, Nancy. Do not forget what is at stake, how much we have lost and how troubled we would be without his generosity," her mother pressed.

"It is a little hard to forget that detail—not when you bring it up every other moment," Nancy snapped, immediately feeling bad as the words left her mouth, glancing nervously at the guests who looked in their direction.

"I beg your pardon?—"

"I apologize, Mama." She swallowed thickly. "What I meant was… I understand. I haven't forgotten my objective."

Lady Suttington's expression was stern for a moment then she sighed.

"That is good. It matters not what must be done to keep him happy and in our good graces—just do it. As long as he is happy and satisfied, we will overcome this storm."

Nancy nodded, ignoring the ache of loneliness in her chest. "Yes, Mama."

* * *

"You have a lovely home, Your Grace."

Richard's jaw hurt with how much he had to smile, but he kept his smile fixed in place, nodding at the Baroness' compliment, barely expressing his gratitude over her words before she began talking again.

"Many had their doubts about you, but I was not one of them, Your Grace. Where they saw a mistake, I saw endless possibilities. You are a whirlpool of opportunities, all of which could be unlocked if you were to invest in my husband's business."

It was almost pathetic how there was no longer any originality in their approach anymore. They were all the same—these opportunistic people, each of them repeating what the others had done before, showering him with compliments before they stated their true intentions.

"I apologize, but I am not interested in exploring any ventures as of now. I have my hands full with other duties already."

The Baroness frowned as though she had not imagined he would refuse her. "But, Your Grace, this is a rare opportunity! One I guarantee you will not find elsewhere!"

Richard had lost the ability to feel offended because he was barely listening to them anyway. He had stopped half an hour ago when his wife appeared into his line of sight.

"Still, I am not interested. Enjoy the rest of your night," he told the woman and then walked away, his mind already wiping away the image of her face and painting the picture of his wife over every nook and cranny.

Nancy looked… stunning tonight, glittering from head to toe. She looked just like a star, burning far too brightly to be in a room filled with unworthy people, himself included.

And yet, he wanted her. Richard desired to be by her side, to have her hang on his arm, so he could make it apparent just who she belonged to.

It terrified him how deeply rooted his desires were, how much he ached to pick up where they had left off last time, practically rendered hopeless with the need to have her writhing beneath him, with nothing but his name on her lips.

She was not the first woman he had been intimate with, yet he had never felt so strongly about anyone else before. And that was what scared him.

So, even though he wanted nothing more than to bask in her beauty, he stayed away, sticking to the primary goal that he had set for the evening: to find her father's cousin and settle the matter of securing funds for her family.

The new Lord Suttington was definitely in attendance—Richard had heard the master of ceremonies announce his arrival. Additionally, thanks to Nancy's planning skills, their ball had turned out to be the event of the Season with only the crème de la crème of high society present. The issue the Duke seemed to be facing was tracking the slippery bastard.

He wasn't particularly looking forward to their pending conversation, still able to recall how eager the man had been to marry Nancy off after her father's death—clearly trying to be rid of anyone who might pose a threat to his new title and fortune.

Just as he was about to resume his search once more, an earl approached him, already grinning as though they were long-time friends, even though Richard had never seen the man before.

"Ah, Your Grace!"

"Pardon me, Your Grace."

Richard frowned as someone else called for him, surprised to find none other than his mother-in-law walking towards him.

Immediately, he turned his back on the Earl, walking towards the Dowager Marchioness, who had an expression of relief etched on her features—features, he realized, his wife also possessed.

Nancy definitely had her mother's looks, clearly a younger version of her. Georgiana Lockhart's eyes were a warm brown as they regarded him, telling him that Nancy must have gotten her father's eyes.

"I am so happy to have found you," the Dowager Marchioness sighed, momentarily distracted by the retreating form of someone behind him. "I'm sorry. Did I interrupt you?"

Richard quickly shook his head. "No, Lady Suttington. He wasn't important. No one here is more important than you."

"Oh my." She grinned, flustered. "Nancy did not tell me her husband was such a charmer. I am honored that you view me as important, Your Grace."

"I do not think there is any other way to regard you. After all, you are my wife's mother." Richard shrugged slightly. "Are you enjoying your stay at Bluebird Hall?"

"I certainly am! We all are, Your Grace. It is such a lovely house you have given us, Your Grace. A far more generous offer than we could have ever expected. Are you sure it is all right for us to stay in such a nice home?"

"If you do not stay in it, no one will. I've had it for so long, but I hardly stay there. In a way, you are doing me a favor by living there—at least, it will be put to good use."

"You are too kind," Georgiana sputtered. "I have barely thanked you for this favor, yet you are offering more. Thank you, Your Grace, for your generosity towards my family and for taking care of my daughter. She looks as though she is doing very well here. Seeing her blossoming has greatly put my mind at ease."

The older woman stared off into the distance, and when Richard followed her gaze, he found her looking at her daughters, Nancy included. The younger ones were enthralled by whatever it was the Duchess was telling them, their expressions ones of pure awe.

Nancy looked so at ease, much more than she did in his presence, telling him that she felt the most comfortable around her family, still. Somehow, she looked even more beautiful, raising her hand to hide her laughter at whatever her sister was telling her.

"You have nothing to thank me for," Richard replied simply. "She's… exceptional. All that you have seen tonight has been her doing, solely hers. She works hard as a duchess… and a wife. And I am fortunate… to have married her, I suppose."

He had been unable to forget the reassurance she had given him in his study a few nights ago. Her words had stuck with him, echoing in his mind almost constantly, dispelling the doubt that had seemingly taken root within him. Nancy had sounded so sincere as she had spoken to him, and it filled him with dismay how he had stubbornly refused to give her a chance.

He was still not sure he could afford to, sure that she deserved better than the mess that he was.

"I am sure that she believes that she is just as fortunate. I know that we certainly are—her sisters and me. We were urging her moments ago to visit us soon, and it would be an honor if you were to join her as well."

"Oh, I do not think that is a good idea?—"

"Nonsense," the Dowager Marchioness said firmly. "We are quite literally living in your house. You are welcome to come and go as you please."

"That is very kind," Richard acknowledged, his insides twisting into uncomfortable knots. "But I do not think that is necessary. Besides, that house is your home now. My presence there is not required."

"But it would be appreciated, Your Grace. I did not get to say this at the wedding because it seemed as though you were in a hurry, but you are a part of our family now. You have married my daughter which makes you like a son to me. And sons are expected to come home as often as possible to ease the worries of their mothers."

Georgiana hesitated for a moment. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to sound so presumptuous. I apologize if I offended you."

Richard swallowed past the lump in his throat, inhaling shakily. "No…. you did not. It is all right. I appreciate the thought. I really do."

It was unexpected, the pleasant burn in his chest at her kind words. They spurned an ache that he hadn't thought of in years, concerning the absence of his own mother.

He used to wonder what she would have been like if she had lived, and a part of him now hoped she would have been as warm and as caring as the Dowager Marchioness.

Richard was startled out of his thoughts when his mother-in-law brightened up and said, "I am glad you feel that way. So… you will visit?"

He couldn't find it in himself to say no.

"As soon as I can."