Never would he fall in love again, and never would he forget the pain of Frankie’s fickleness. When he decided to marry it would be to produce an heir and a spare—nothing more. Once his wife had performed that duty, her life was her own, if she was discreet.
Focus man, it’s just one night.Even though the Duke of Clarence’s ball held nothing but painful memories, he would do his duty as the chivalrous family escort. He would dance with Paula and Katie, escort his family to dinner, and spend the rest of the time in the card room.
“Ah! There you are, my darling son,” his mother said, approaching him with his sister, aunt, and cousin in tow. “It is quite a turnout is it not?”
“Indeed, it is.Good evening, Mother, Aunt Jane, Paula, Katie,” he said. Moving to his sister, he kissed her on the cheek and whispered in her ear. “I’ll expect the first dance,Pest.”
She swatted him with her fan. “Thomas, you promised to chaperone, not run the men off,” Katie said. “Please don’t call me that nickname where others can hear you. I’ll grant you the first dance, but only if you promise not to scowl at my prospects and frighten them away!”
He gave a shocked look. “Me? Scowl? I would never!” he teased.
Katie rolled her eyes and turned to their cousin. “Paula, don’t let him give his fierce protective look, or you’ll have no flowers tomorrow.”
“I’m only protecting the unmarried ladies of the family from those who might not be worthy.”
“Pish!” a familiar voice said. “You two young ladies will have no shortage of flowers tomorrow or any day after.”
“Your Grace, it is an honor to see you again.” Thomas’ mother smiled.
“Marianna, lovely to see you, my dear. Do introduce me to your entourage.”
“My sister, Lady Jane Gowans, and her daughter, Miss Paula Gowans. Jane, this is a dear friend, the Dowager Duchess of Clarence.”
The dowager tapped her cane and inclined her head. “Ah, Viscount Gowans’ family. He was much admired and will be missed by many in thehaute ton. My deepest condolences, dear ladies, for your loss.”
His aunt wiped her eyes. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Thomas, I hope you are well,” the dowager said, turning to him.
“Well enough, Your Grace.” He smiled. “You are looking as vibrant as ever this evening.”
“Pish posh! You’re still as charming a rogue as there ever was, I see.” She thumped her cane and winked. “Enjoy yourselves, my dears.”
The orchestra strummed the first few notes of the first waltz, and he reached for Katie’s hand. “Come, dear sister, let me show you off to all these young swains.” He smiled at the look of excitement on the faces of his sister and cousin. He was reminded of what he once was—someone who believed in the possibility of love. But now, all that had changed for him. Still, he would not spoil the evening for his family.
Katie placed her hand on his sleeve, as he led her onto the ballroom floor. “You seem preoccupied,” she commented, as he whirled her about.
“I suppose it’s because this was the last place I saw Frankie,” he murmured. Even after five years, it was hard not to think of her every day. Her betrayal had hardened his heart—that’s how he justified the roguish behavior his mother often complained about.
“Mother and I appreciate how difficult this must be for you,” she whispered. “We did try to find out the truth behind her hasty marriage to Lord Gallwey. If you remember, we told you about that horrid gossip column that insinuated impropriety between the two of you in the duke’s garden—which made no sense since everyone knows the duke keeps it well-lit during parties, and there are always heaps of people milling about out there getting air.”
“I appreciate that you and Mother looked into the matter on my behalf, Katie, but what’s done is done and cannot be undone.”
His sister squeezed his hand. “Did you ever speak with the dowager duchess as Mama and I suggested? The woman knows everything that goes on in this town. She is a kind soul and quite engaging. And she is so forthright, I am certain she would tell you if you asked her. Mama felt it would be overstepping if she’d reached out to the dowager. But it wouldn’t be if you did.”
“I have not yet reached out to her,” he said to end the discussion. He needed time to ponder this revelation. As the final strains of the music faded away, he escorted Katie back to their mother and gave a cheeky smile to his cousin. “It appears to be the perfect opening, dear cousin.” He bowed. “May I have this dance?”
Paula rolled her eyes at his teasing. “Of course!”
Just as they walked out onto the dance floor, Thomas noticed his business partner, Slade Mason, now the Marquess of Hertford, and his lovely wife, Lady Isabella Hertford, arrive. He hadn’t seen his friend in an age, having spent most of the last five years on a ship. He was anxious to speak with Slade and Isabella. He would walk over as soon as the dance ended.
“Her Grace likes you, Thomas,” Paula said. “She mentioned she had something to tell you, but someone next to us gained her attention before you returned with Katie.”
He nodded. “I will make it a point to seek her out this evening.” Both Paula and Katie thought he needed to speak with the dowager. But to what end?
To finally get at the truth, man!his inner voice declared.
Did the dowager know the truth about Frankie’s marriage five years ago? And if she did, would it make a difference now?
