That went about as badly as she could have hoped. Worse, too, she could see the amusement in her husband’s eyes, for he no doubt understood well enough what she was doing. Forcing the decision onto him so that she would not be responsible for whatever happened.
Sebastian did not answer immediately. He continued to study her, smirking boldly, seeing through her ruse in a way she should have expected. Not that it mattered, because now he would have to decide what to do, and that would hopefully make things simpler for both of them.
“You are right,” he said finally. “If you attend without me, it will look strange. What is more, considering how our marriage came to be, it would no doubt cause unwanted gossip.”
“It’s settled then,” she said quickly. “We won’t go.”
“I did not say that,” he parried.
She blinked. “Wh – what?”
He laughed at her awkwardness. “Perhaps it is time that we got out of this house. Despite the circumstances of our marriage, we are man and wife, are we not?” He raised an eyebrow at her for an answer.
“Yes…”
“And were we to hide away here, it would invite gossip – which is what we are trying to avoid.” He kept that eyebrow raised. “Are we not?”
“Y – yes,” she stammered. “Of course.”
“Good. Then it is decided. We will attend together. Let the ton see us. Let them make of us what they will.” Then he shrugged and went back to his plate. “To be honest, I might even go so far as to say that I am looking forward to it.”
“You are?” she frowned, certain he was making fun.
“It is not my way to stay cooped up indoors all Season, Margot. I rather enjoy socializing, and I don’t intend to stop now just because I am married. You are not one of those sorts of wiveswho want to change their husbands, are you?” He winked coyly. “Surely, you would not wish such a thing on me.”
“I don’t care what you do,” she said sharply. “Just as you should not care what I do.”
He chuckled at the response. “Just promise me that you won’t do anything to embarrass us. For example, tripping over, dropping expensive vases, tearing your dress, so some poor lord is forced to save you.”
She glared at him. “That is not… You are the one who I should be making sure to behave.”
“Is that right?”
“I think we both knowwhyyou enjoy socializing as you do.” She cocked an eyebrow at him and scoffed. “I will remind you that you will be there with your wife, so please keep your hands to yourself.”
“I would say the same to you,” he shot back, the smile on his lips reaching his eyes so that she knew he was teasing her. It made her stomach flutter and her pulse quicken, which had her clearing her throat to try to compose herself.
“I think I will be perfectly fine with that directive. In fact, I know I will be.” She attempted to fix him in a flat glare of disinterest, but her pulse continued to race so that her cheeks flushed slightly.
“As you say…” He laughed to himself and shook his head as he speared a pork chop onto his fork and took a bite.
So it was that she and Sebastian would be attending a garden party together. To many, it might seem a small thing, but to Margot, it felt hugely consequential. In the public eye, they would be forced to behave themselves and treat each other as any happily married couple might. No bickering. No avoidance. Walking arm-in-arm so all could see them together.
The danger of such a thing was obvious, and yet…I can’t help but be curious, even excited to see what happens. A part of me hopes he tries something just so I can deny him. Another part hopes he does so that I might not…
Thirteen
They walked into the back garden of Marlow Estate arm-in-arm, appearing in public as man and wife for the first time since their wedding day.
“Be honest with me,” Sebastian spoke out the side of his mouth. “You’re nervous, aren’t you?”
She rolled her eyes. “Is there a reason I should be?”
“Not that I can think,” he said. “But the way you shake is suggestive of the fact.”
“I am not shaking,” she said, even though she was. It was a warm afternoon, and although she wore a thin gown of pale blue with exposed shoulders and arms, there was no reason for her to shiver as she was doing. But then again, she knew too that it had nothing to do with the weather.
“Is that right?” he laughed. As the duke spoke, he looked ahead, walking with his chest puffed out and his chin pointed high. “I suppose I am imagining it.”
