The image of Catherine dancing with some faceless man popped into his head, and Alaric’s fingers dug into his thighs. He forced himself to relax. “As important as it is for us to make an appearance, we need not stay any longer than needed. If it becomes too much for you, we can leave.”
“Perhaps we should have a code word.” Catherine smiled at him, making his heart throb in his chest.
“How about... pineapple?” Alaric suggested.
“I suspect Lady Haverward will have decorated the refreshment table with them.” Catherine frowned.
“Then it is perfect. No one will suspect what we mean.” Alaric grinned. “If you say pineapple, I will know that you wish to leave, and we can say our goodbyes and return to the castle.”
“And if you say it to me, I will know that you wish to leave.” Her eyes drifted to his forehead, and he knew she was thinking of the headaches that had seemed to plague him recently.
Alaric nodded, took Catherine’s hand in his, and squeezed it gently. “We have a plan.”
The sensation of her skin against his made his heart shudder. Every muscle tightened as a surge of energy flowed through him. He saw the familiar delicate flush spread across her skin and let go of her hand.
The carriage rolled to a stop, and the sound of voices and music drifted toward them. The door opened, and Alaric stepped out, offering her his arm. She took it, her head held high as she delicately took her place at his side.
The smell of lavender mingled with the evening air, and together they made their way into the great estate. Alaric could already feel the curious eyes on him. He straightened and smiled.
I can do this.
“Their Graces, Alaric and Catherine Deverell, the Duke and Duchess of Coldmere.” The voice boomed out as Alaric and Catherine entered the ballroom.
Beside him, he noticed Catherine stiffen just slightly as every eye in the room turned to them. Alaric looked down at her, subtly shifting his head behind them.
We do not have to do this if you do not want to.
Catherine met his gaze and shook her head, then stepped with him into the bustling crowd. He could hear the whispers and feel the intensity of the stares as they moved toward Lady Haverward.
The old woman looked down at them, a glass of champagne halfway to her lips. Alaric brightened his smile as he and Catherine approached her, tipping his head.
“Lady Haverward.” His voice carried through the room.
“Duke and Duchess Coldmere.” Lady Haverward dropped into a curtsy, flicking out her fan as she did and fanning herself. “How kind of you to join us. We were not expecting to see you.”
Where have you been? What are you doing here?That was the question Alaric knew she was really asking. “It is a pleasure to be here. We thought your ballroom a most fitting place to re-emerge from our extended honeymoon.”
That was the story he and Catherine had decided to settle on.Convince thetonwe are in love, play the part, and then these rumors will be put to bed.Alaric had not anticipated just how close they would have to be to one another to play their parts convincingly.
“Truly, a most magical occasion to return to society,” Catherine added, her smile practiced and polite. “An honor.”
“The honor is all mine, Your Grace.” Lady Haverward’s eyes glittered. “Please, enjoy the festivities.”
“I am sure we will.” Alaric inclined his head once more and led Catherine away from their host.
“She will be crowing about this for months.” Catherine’s lips barely moved.
“Good,” Alaric answered, his own mouth as still as possible. “I think we should get a drink.”
“Duke Coldmere, how excellent to finally see you out and about, ” a pompous man boomed as he pushed through to Alaric.
Panic flared in Alaric as he tried to recall the fellow’s name or at the very least his title. The smell of lavender filled his nostrils and he felt the warmth of Catherine’s touch against his arm.
“Lord Horsfield, so lovely to see you.” Catherine smiled at the man. “How is the Countess?”
Alaric gently rested his hands on Catherines’ squeezing her fingers in thanks.
Over the next hour, Catherine jumped in to save Alaric more than once. Theton’sinitial shock had turned into intense curiosity. Alaric found himself talking to what seemed like everyone in sight. His cheeks ached with the effort of smiling, and his head ached from trying to remember everyone’s name and title
