“You will hold your tongue, Haverford.” Austin cut him off, advancing on the man before he could finish his sentence.
He felt Deena’s arm fall away from his, and he instantly missed her warmth.
Lady Ann let go of Lord Haverford’s arm as Austin towered above him, blocking Deena from his view.
“Lady Ann, you should be careful of this man.” Austin’s eyes never left Haverford’s. “From what I hear, he has something of a record when it comes to placing ladies in…uncomfortable situations.”
“That is not true,” Haverford said nervously to Lady Ann, who was already backing away from him.
Austin tutted, drawing the man’s attention back to him. “I am just curious to know why none of these women were uncomfortable enough to marry you. I mean, I assume that was the plan?”
Lady Ann froze in realization, and Haverford’s color rose. “That’s?—”
“An observation,” Austin finished mildly. “Merely an observation.”
“I—I’m going to look for my mama,” Lady Ann stuttered nervously.
Austin’s glare shot towards her. “That’s a good idea, Lady Ann. Your mother has more sense than you.”
She let out a soft huff of breath but did not argue as she turned away and left. Deena looked at Austin, completely surprised, but he could not afford to be distracted by her. His attention snapped back to Haverford, who was scowling.
“You ruined my chances?—”
“If you’ll excuse us. My wife and I have some dancing to do.” Austin’s tone left no room for excuses.
He reached for Deena, guiding her with a firm hand on her lower back. Austin felt her body instantly relax against his touch. As they passed Haverford, Austin leaned in just enough for him to hear.
“Watch your step around my wife,” he warned him. “Because the next time you make her or any other lady feel uncomfortable, there will be consequences thatyouwill face, and I will personally see to it.”
Haverford went rigid.
Austin didn’t look back as he walked briskly away with his wife beside him.
Once they were out of Haverford’s sight, Deena let out a shaky breath. “You didn’t have to?—”
“I wanted to.” He glanced down at her. “And don’t deny that you enjoyed it.”
She bit her lip, fighting the smile that threatened to appear. “All right, I will admit that I enjoyed that…maybe a little.”
“Good.” Austin chuckled and steered her towards the dance floor. “Men like Haverford do not belong in Society.”
“And yet Society is filled with them,” Deena added sadly.
Austin felt a deep sense of obligation to remove her sadness completely.
Their marriage saved her from more than enough, so the urge to go above and beyond for Deena left him bewildered. She remained silent beside him as they took their places for the waltz in the heavily decorated ballroom. The orchestra struck up; Austin drew her close, his hand still firm at the small of her back while the other clasped her warm, slightly trembling fingers.
She looked up at him, wide-eyed. “At least I cannot hear the whispers here.”
Austin regretted bringing her to the Gala, but it was his duty to attend these events. Especially after gaining a new bride. The waltz began, and they moved together on the floor.
“How funny is this, Dee, only?—”
“I do not believe this situation is funny, Austin,” Deena cut him off with a sharp whisper.
Austin cleared his throat before he continued, “Only a few weeks ago, your grandmother forced us to dance, and you looked ready to stab me with a hairpin. The same way you look now.” His curious sense of humor was tickled by her expression.
Deena’s lips twitched despite herself. “I still might.”
