The woman laughed. “Did you know my cousin was avoiding me until the marriage?”
“The Duke is your cousin?” Isobel’s cheeks warmed. “I’m sorry. He didn’t introduce me to anyone here. I must admit that the people I know are limited to my father and my sister.”
“And now me.” The woman grinned and reached for a glass of water, taking a sip before setting it back down. “Eleanor Brooking, Duchess of Stormglen. You may call me Eleanor though, since you and I are to be family and I suspect you will need an ally while dealing with my cousin.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Isobel.” Isobel forced a smile of her own, even though her entire being felt like it was on fire from the humiliation of yet another jilted bride comment being made at a table close by.
“Do not worry about the opinions of the people gathered here.” The Duchess of Stormglen hummed and glowered at another woman. “You should scold Andrew for leaving you alone like this. How dare he leave you on the day of your wedding to fend for yourself against theton?”
Isobel bristled a little, looking around the room only to see her husband talking with another simpering young lady.
I wonder if I should castrate him as a precautionary measure.
While she wanted to believe that he would remain faithful, she was no stranger to his reputation. Though, she wished to believe he would keep his word.
“I don’t need his help,” Isobel said, turning her attention back to Eleanor.
The look Eleanor gave her was skeptical at best. “Are you certain? I know that this can be difficult and navigating thetonis odious at best some days.”
There was a loud crash, glass shattering. Isobel looked up, hoping that the cause of the glass breaking wouldn't be Father, but sure enough, there he was in the middle of the mess, drunk and swaying on his feet more than he had been in the church. It was hardly even noon.
Before Isobel could move, Andrew was already striding across the room, his expression cold and controlled. He reached Lord Leyton in seconds, gripping him firmly by the arm.
"Lord Leyton." The Duke’s voice carried just enough to be heard by those nearby, but not enough to cause further scene. "I believe you've had enough refreshment for one day. Allow me to arrange transport home for you."
"Unhand me!" Father tried to pull away, but Andrew's grip was made of iron.
"You have two choices," Andrew said quietly, leaning close so only Father, Isobel, and presumably Joan and Eleanor were able to catch the words. "You leave now, quietly, with dignity intact. Or I have my footmen carry you out like the drunk you are and ensure every person in this room knows exactly how you've treated your daughters. Your choice."
Father's face went pale, then red with impotent fury. But he nodded jerkily.
Andrew signaled to a footman. "Please escort Lord Leyton to a carriage and see him safely home. Miss Joan, would you accompany your father? I'll send additional staff to ensure he causes no further trouble."
Joan stood, relief evident on her face. She leaned toward Isobel and squeezed her hand.
"Thank you," she whispered, though her gratitude was clearly directed at Andrew as well.
As Father was led away, Andrew returned to Isobel's side. His hand rested on the small of her back in a gesture that was both possessive and comforting.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
Isobel nodded, throat tight with unexpected emotion. He'd handled it. Smoothly, efficiently, without letting it become the disaster it could have been.
"Thank you," she managed.
"He'll not ruin another moment of your day," Andrew promised. "Not while I'm here to prevent it."
As Joan walked away, Isobel felt a little piece of her heart slipping away with her sister. She didn’t know what to do without being able to see Joan every day and ensuring that she was fine. She didn’t like the feeling of not knowing what was going to happen to Joan now that she was gone.
At least the Duke’s threat will keep Father subdued for a while.
Eleanor took her by the hand again and gave it a comforting squeeze. “I know this might not be the way you intended your wedding to go, but I hope the present I got you more than makes up for it.”
“You got us a present?” the Duke of Foxdrey smiled charmingly at his cousin.
Isobel didn’t look at him, instead focusing on Eleanor. Though, from the corner of her eye she could see the Duke staring at her, making her blood rush through her body. There was something that pulled her to him, whether she liked it or not, and when she finally met his gaze, it seemed like everything around them started to slow.
She hated the tingle that crawled across her skin as he moved closer to her, his hand brushing further up her back as he gripped the back of her chair.
