The duke harrumphed, his eyes narrowing at Edward, clearly expecting more. Lord Cromwell and the other guests looked between the two of them, excepting, that is, Lord Bowcott, who looked only at his still-full glass of port.
Edward cleared his throat. “The household likes her a great deal.”
The man’s eyes narrowed even more, but thankfully he did not continue his line of questioning.
The conversation turned to the current debates in Lords, and Edward could only be grateful he and His Grace were members of the same political party, elsewise the discussion would likely have been far more heated. Even still, Edward felt the man’s disapproval of him.
Though whether it was because he had married the duke’s daughter or some other reason, Edward could not say.
After half an hour, Edward was just as grateful to rejoin the ladies as he had been to see them—or more specifically, Lady Edith—leave.
“Ah, the gentlemen have returned!” Lady Edith’s high voice greeted them immediately upon stepping into the drawing room.
Edward felt his mood plummet yet again.
The willowy dark-haired woman stepped between him and her father and took each of their arms, guiding them toward the women.
With only minimal resistance, and the most genuine smile he could manage for the girl, he allowed himself to be pulled along. His eyes searched the room, finding Amelia in a chair near the south windows, speaking with Lady Bowcott. He nodded his head at her.
She glanced between him and Lady Edith, her expression unreadable as she returned the nod. At least she hadn’t ignored him outright.
“What enjoyment do you have planned for us this evening, Lord Norwich?” Lady Edith had yet to release his arm, and Edward reluctantly removed his eyes from Amelia.
He hadn’t even realized he’d been staring.
“I had thought we might have a few readings,” he responded, proud of his steady, pleasant tone. But his pride dropped when he saw the dowager’s disagreeable gaze. He shot her an inquisitive look, and she pointedly turned her head in Amelia’s direction.
Amelia was looking out the window, now alone. Was Lady Cromwell suggesting he go to her? He returned his gaze to Lady Cromwell with a raise of his brows. She appeared to roll her eyes.
Edward grit his teeth. He could not very well be in trouble for not managing to read the woman’s mind!
“If you will excuse me a moment, Lady Edith.”
“Certainly. I shall gather anyone who wishes to perform a reading.”
Nowthatwould be helpful. “Splendid idea. I thank you.” Once he reached Lady Cromwell, who, thankfully, was sitting apart from the group, he spoke quietly. “What have I done to gain your disappointment?”
She pinched her lips. “You truly cannot see?”
“See what?”
“The disservice you have shown your wife just now!”
Edward blinked. “I have done no such thing.”
Lady Cromwell sighed. “It is a lady’s prerogative to host an event in her home. Not only have you not deferred to her once this evening, but you have now handed the reins of the entertainment over to her sister, the sister who clearly enjoys lording her few extra years over your wife. I am disappointed you could be so blind to this.”
He had not intended any such thing.
“What am I to do?”
“Be a husband.”
That was hardly helpful, and Lady Cromwell seemed to realize that. She sighed again. “Stop giving all your attention to Lady Edith and bestow it on your wife. Talk to her, seek her opinion, defer to her. And for heaven’s sake, stop complimenting anything with legs.”
Edward scowled but nodded. Why was everyone suddenly so interested in his compliments? Regardless, he obediently took his leave of Lady Cromwell, who was immediately approached by His Grace, and walked with steady steps to his wife.
“It occurs to me you might have planned another form of entertainment.”
