"Is this the gown prepared for tomorrow’s ball?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, Your Grace," the butler said, holding out the package in front of him.
Ethan paused for a moment, considering whether he should go see Meredith with the excuse of delivering her the gown, and try to resolve the situation, or at the very least, make any sort of headway before tomorrow night. Perhaps if he tried to engage her in civil whiskers, it would make for the situation to be a lot less awkward when they finally arrived arm in arm at the Skeffington ball. Blast, he didn’t even know why he cared so much. She was destined to leave in less than a fortnight, regardless. But at the same time, the thought of being trapped in the castle with a nervous minx didn’t sound that appealing either.
Smoothly, he took the bundle from the butler and nodded his thanks before dismissing him. He hesitated for a moment before firming his resolve and deciding to take it to her himself after all.
As he made his way to Meredith's room, his mind grew conflicted. On the one hand, he was eager to relinquish that aura of awkwardness that surrounded both of them, but on the other, he felt foolish for even contemplating building on a relationship he had sworn to her he’d discard. What if she chose to shut the door and refused to face him?
Blast, stop being a coward.
When he arrived at her bedchamber, he drew a deep breath and composed himself. His hand drifted for the handle before he thought better of it and rapped softly at the polished wooden door instead. Meredith opened the door and looked at him in question.
As he stepped into her room, the Duke felt a rush of conflicting emotions. He couldn't help but notice how breathtaking she looked, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, her brown eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gazed unwaveringly at him. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say or do, before holding out the bundle in his hands.
"This is for you," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "It is your gown, for the ball."
Meredith’s bare feet tread lightly in his direction, and he almost flinched from the memory of a few nights ago. Her eyes flicked from the gown to him at his hesitation, and she grew a beautiful hue of rosy before she took it in her hands and made to open it. It was wrapped in exquisite silk, the color of deep navy blue. The ribbon that held it together was a bright gold, a stark contrast to the dark fabric. Meredith carefully untied the ribbon, seeming to revel in the feeling of the smooth fabric slipping through her fingers.
She lifted her gaze to meet his, a tender smile blooming on her lips. “Thank you.” Her appreciation seemed genuine and it caused him to feel some sort of satisfaction he hadn’t felt in a long time.
He cleared his throat, having not expected himself to be so affected by her mere presence. "I'm glad you like it," he said, trying to sound as casual as possible.
Quietness prevailed once more. He had to remind himself of why he was here in the first place.
"At the ball tomorrow night,” he started, “It would be shrewd for us to behave as a married couple should. It would do much to convince people that our marriage is more than just an act."
Meredith’s brown eyes glistened as she nodded. “I understand. I was thinking something similar.”
"Splendid… I suppose I will see you tomorrow then," he said with a disarming grin.
“You shall.”
A thought snapped to Ethan’s mind just then. “Oh. And I have been hearing from my servants that you do not seem to feel comfortable using their services borne from your more economical upbringing.” He paused, hoping for an explanation, but when he was not met with one, he continued, “If you would like any assistance with the gown tomorrow evening, I would ask—”
Meredith’s head perked up suddenly and her face flushed. “Oh, that would not be necessary,” she quickly interrupted. “I’m sure you have more pressing matters to attend to.”
Ethan’s brows furrowed in confusion at her comment. However, as the meaning of her words sank in, his eyes widened in surprise. “No, no! I was merely suggesting you should request the aid of dear Lucinda,” he rushed.
Meredith locked gazes with him, her expression one of confusion. After a small moment of silence, she seemed to catch up too, and abruptly burst into laughter. Her innocently contagious mirth tugged at the corners of Ethan’s lips as he struggled to hold together his composed demeanor.
“Good Heavens, I must seem quite the fool,” she managed, catching her breath between words. “Of course, thank you, Ethan.”
This unguarded display from Meredith was new to him, and he found himself hoping to see this side of her more often.
CHAPTER5
Meredith stepped out of the carriage and onto the winding path that led through the fragrant rose gardens, her heart pounding against her chest like a frantic drum. The weight of the occasion hung heavy in the air, and she struggled to maintain her composure. The ball was already underway and her gloved hands were trembling at the chill in the air and the uncertainty of the forthcoming night. She glanced over at Ethan. His tall frame towered over her, and his handsome features betrayed no hint of the anxiety she harbored.
As they approached a white stone arch bespeaking the entrance to the ballroom, Meredith's palms grew clammy. She took a deep breath, willing herself to keep her nerves at bay. Ethan seemed to sense her nervousness. Without a word, he draped his arm around her waist, pulling her protectively into his embrace. Meredith flinched at his unexpected gesture, uncertain of how to react.
Her confidence was further elevated thanks to the gown Ethan chose for her. The cream silk of the ball gown had a subtle sheen to it. The embroidery was done in a soft, golden thread that complemented the creamy hue of the silk, while the tiny pearls that adorned the lace skirt were a pure, shimmering white.
Upon reaching the entrance of the grand estate, they were greeted by tall double doors, their dark wood starkly contrasting the dimly lit entrance room and the brightly illuminated ballroom that lay beyond. A few more steps and their shoes would touch the gleaming marble floor, where a soft light mingled with the golden glow of a chandelier and an assortment of fragrances mixed at the entrance to a temple of music.
As they were introduced to the ballroom, Ethan’s grasp on Meredith’s waist tightened. Heat tingled under her skin there, prickling outward from her face. She could sense the dozens of eyes immediately fall upon her, feel their gazes graze across her skin. It was their first real outing as a married couple and reservation pricked at her at all the expectations that now lay upon her as a duchess. A group of women murmured behind their fans a little to her right, and she felt compelled to try to listen, afraid they might be speaking of her.
“Truly, you are the belle of the ball,” Ethan whispered as they ventured deeper into the crowd. “Quite a fortunate man I am to be on the arm of a sight that could draw so many eyes.”
