He took in the room—Gregory, seated comfortably, April looking composed but tight-lipped, and the mess being swept up in the corner.
“Gregory.”
“Theo,” Gregory rose and clapped him on the back. “Forgive the surprise. We returned from the continent a few days ago and only just heard of your marriage. We thought it a fine excuse to visit and make the acquaintance of your lovely Duchess.”
Theo’s eyes shifted to April then back. “You might have sent word.”
Gregory chuckled. “Would’ve ruined the spontaneity.”
Before Theo could reply, Loretta appeared in the doorway once more. She swept into the room and curtsied with a graceful smile.
“Theo,” she said sweetly, “I can hardly believe it. Married at last.”
She batted her lashes ever so subtly.
Gregory’s arm came around her waist, his smile fixed. “Come now, my dear. Let’s not overwhelm our hosts.”
April watched, unsettled. Gregory seemed charming, warm, even excessively friendly, but there was a strangeness in the way he drew Loretta to him—quick, firm, possessive. As if guarding her from Theo.
And Loretta… There was something beneath that smile. Something too perfect. Too rehearsed.
Why do I feel like the guest in my own home?
Twenty-Eight
April paused at the top of the staircase at the sound of laughter wafting up from the drawing room below.
“You have always been taciturn, Theodore,” came Loretta’s voice, light and airy, “but your smile is still golden.”
April descended slowly, her hand trailing the banister. Loretta sounded very familiar with Theo.
She stepped inside and found Loretta perched elegantly on the settee, clad in a deep red silk dress with a neckline that flirted shamelessly with the bounds of propriety. Theo stood across from her, hands clasped behind his back.
“Nice of you to join us, Your Grace,” Loretta said with a tilt of her head when she saw April, and her eyes moved over her as though she was determining her worth. “Theo and I were just reminiscing about our childhood.”
April’s brow lifted. “Oh? Did you grow up together?”
Theo moved toward April then and offered his arm. She accepted it, feeling the familiar warmth of his presence. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, his eyes holding hers. The contact sent a strange warmth down her spine.
He is always so composed. So still. And yet, one glance, and I forget how to breathe.
“We are the same age,” Loretta continued smoothly. “Our families were neighbors in Kent. When Theo went to live with Lady Darnell, she invited me often. We were—are—very good friends.”
April smiled politely and turned to her husband. “Is that so?”
Theo glanced at Loretta then back at April. “Indeed.”
And I am only just learning about it.April shifted her weight from one foot to the other, feeling disconcerted by the familiarity between this woman and her husband.
Gregory entered then with a bright smile. He approached April and bowed gallantly. “Your Grace, what a pleasure. I must ask. Does having us here improve the atmosphere? I imagine our presence is a welcome change from the dull company of our dear Theo. He’s the dullest of men, you know.”
April laughed softly. “We are glad to have your company, Mr. Roth.”
“Do not wound me in front of my wife, Gregory,” Theo muttered dryly.
Gregory laughed. “He knows it’s true.”
A footman appeared at the threshold. “Dinner is served.”
