She felt Leo move behind her and place his hand on the small of her back, an open sign of support and a united front. The heat of his body made her heart settle a little.
“We will handle this,” Leo said firmly. “As for the promised funds, those will be allocated shortly.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” her father said, looking at both of them.
“We will leave you to it. You must be having a lot to… handle,” her mother mumbled.
Prim didn’t know what her parents thought that they would accomplice by coming to her this glorious morning, but walking out shamed wouldn’t even be on the list. She watched as they left the room ina quiet hurry.
The moment the door closed, Prim collapsed on her armchair, the sheets scattered on the floor.
Leo moved and brought her a small glass of brandy.
“Drink.”
“I think it’s too early in the morning for that.”
“In emergency situations it is warranted.”
“Well, if it’s the law,” Prim took one sip.
She was shaking, trembling, the aftershock of what she had done hit her hard. She had taken her family’s dynamics and took a swing at them with a hammer. It was devastating and created anew reality, unknown and uncharted. At the same time, it was liberating, the shackles of her patience and restraint broken.
“Well,” Leo said, nursing his own glass, “I believe I was vindicated on the lack oflovely disposition.”
“You are not helping.”
“I believeDuchess with a tongue sharp enough to flay a man at twenty paceshas a certain ring to it.”
“Leo.”
“Oh, oh,” he smiled. “I must appease my Duchess to avoid a scolding like that. I am rather attached to my skin.”
She chuckled, and she took another sip. He leaned, one hand on the back of her armchair, his eyes filled with pride.
“You were magnificent.”
“I scolded my parents!”
“Magnificently.”
She looked up at him. While her parents didn’t even pause to think of her, he got furious on her behalf. When they came to accuse, he fought for her. He protected and cared about herreputation, her feelings. Prim raised her arm and caressed his face.
“Something tells me,” he leaned even closer, “I got away with the scolding.”
“Not yet,” she teased.
“I can be very persuasive.”
His lips took hers in a soft kiss, and she responded, tying her arms around his neck. Whatever the future will bring, she felt that she could deal with it if they were together.
CHAPTER 25
Charity Bazaar
Perhaps it would be prudent for a woman in Prim’s situation to stay silent, obscure, and downright hidden. But Prim was not prepared to do any of these things. Instead, she decided to do the exact opposite. She was the Duchess of Mildenhall, so it was virtually impossible to be denied any invitation. Especially as a newlywed.
Prim made herself seen. In two weeks' time, she had attended three balls with Leo and two tea parties, one of which was in the royal drawing room. Leo seemed to fully support her campaign and provided the funds needed. Needless to say, Prim made an impression. The invitation by the Princess in the royal palace was an absolute success.
