His throat cinched at her heartfelt declaration. At the glowing sincerity in her eyes.
“I am proud,” he managed. “Very proud to be your husband.”
He bent his head and kissed her.
Everything is going as planned,Fiona thought happily.
Her first public appearance as the Countess of Hawksmoor was a smashing success. As she’d descended into the ballroom on Hawk’s arm, wearing an elegant gown of cerulean taffeta and her spectacular new necklace, she saw a mix of admiration and envy on the faces around her. Her hard work had paid off: she had secured her place in Society. In truth, she was happier than she could ever remember being. All because of Hawk.
Their waltz had been the highlight of her evening. Dancing was definitely her second favorite activity to do with her husband. Yet even when they were apart, she felt his presence. Several times, she and Hawk had locked gazes across the crowded ballroom. The proud approval in his eyes made the rest of the room—nay theworld—seem to fade. Their connection filled her with exhilarating confidence.
For the first time, she wasn’t just playing the role of a dazzling lady, she was living it.
Maybe I am not an impostor after all,she thought with wonder.Maybe I’ve found a place where I truly belong…by Hawk’s side.
“You are absolutely glowing this eve, Fiona.”
The Duchess of Strathaven’s voice dispelled Fi’s reverie. Her Grace was a lovely brunette with a warm smile. She was accompanied by Fi’s mama-in-law.
Fi curtsied to both ladies. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Your dress is divine.” The duchess’s eyes had a lively acuity that she’d passed on to her daughter Livy. “And is that a new necklace?”
“It was a gift from Hawksmoor,” Fi said with pride.
“He has very fine taste.” The duchess shared a conspiratorial look with Lady Helena. “In jewelry as well as in his choice of a bride.”
The ladies laughed while Fi blushed.
“I am glad my son is showing his appreciation, my dear,” Lady Helena said. “I have heard through the grapevine that you’ve done wonders with the town house. I’m all agog to see the changes.”
“Would you like to come over for tea?” Fi asked.
“How about Wednesday?”
Fi hid a grin at her mama-in-law’s prompt reply. “That would be lovely.”
After chatting a while longer, Fi excused herself to use the necessary. On her way, she spotted Hawk talking with his brother Jeremiah, the twins a virile pair in their stark evening clothes. While Jeremiah seemed to be doing most of the talking, the faint curve of Hawk’s lips conveyed that he was enjoying the brotherly bonding. Fi made note to invite Jeremiah and his wife Effie over for supper soon.
Passing the checkered marble dance floor, Fi saw Livy whirling around with Hadleigh. The pair was laughing at some private joke. Fi’s parents were also dancing, gazing into each other’s eyes as they moved as one. For the first time, Fi had an inkling of what the couples were feeling.
I feel that same connection…with Hawk.
Giddy with that insight, Fiona entered the plush retiring room. In addition to the dressing tables and carpeted seating areas, there were two modern water closets. She had just shut herself in the nearest one when she heard newcomers enter.
Familiar accents filtered through the walls of the closet. “I cannot take another moment of that ill-bred hussy flaunting herself!”
Her nape chilling, Fi recognized the voice of Lady Melinda Ayles, Hawk’s ex-lover.
“She is no better than she ought to be,” a woman with nasal accents agreed. “Marrying a title doesn’t erase the fact that her family came from the gutter.”
“And we all know why Hawksmoor married her.” The third female had an affected lisp. “Her dowry would tempt Croesus himself.”
“Money is not the only reason, my dears.”
Melinda’s nasty tone caused Fi to brace.
“You are forgetting the bride and groom’s hasty wedding. While their families have tried to make it look like an impetuous love match, I know the truth. Hawksmoor does not believe in love or emotional entanglements; he told me so when we were together. In fact, he never had the courtesy to stay the night—thatis how cold and insensitive he is.”
