“Who fears your devotion and attraction?”
Lucien sharply turned at the gentle voice on his other side, his heart pounding when he realized the company he had now found himself in.
Elinor stood next to him, atop the stairs, and by Jove, had he truly been so distracted by thinking of their kiss and searching for her that he neglected to notice either of them approaching him?
“You, I believe, Lady Elinor,” Dominic answered before Lucien could wave her question away.
When Lucien could only look between the two of them, dumbfounded, not wanting them to meet so soon, at least not like this, Dominic coughed.
“Well, then, Fairmont? Are you not going to introduce me to your prey?—”
Lucien made a choked noise, hoping Elinor had not caught the teasing.
He would surely find a way of getting revenge for that one later.
“Of course.” Pushing away how off kilter he felt, how he could not straighten out his thoughts when seeing his friend alongside Elinor, trying not to think about how, in a way, the dynamic was all too familiar, he composed himself. “Lady Elinor, this is His Grace, Dominic Barrow, the Duke of Silverford. Silverford, this is Lady Elinor, my fiancée.”
Dominic reached forward to take Elinor’s hand and kissed her knuckles. Lucien swore to himself that a flare of envy did not go through him.
“It is an honor to finally meet you, Lady Elinor. I would love to say I have heard a lot about you from Fairmont, but I confess I have not. Everything I know about you has admittedly come from ton gossip, if you do not mind me saying so.”
Elinor laughed gently, retracting her hand. “I am aware of what the ton says, Your Grace, do not worry. Although, it is refreshing to meet two men now who do not seem to judge me for what they all say.”
“Nobody ought to judge anybody,” Dominic snorted, and Lucien had to look away from their easy introduction.
It reminded him too much of another time, another scenario. Even if Elinor wasn’t truly his betrothed, they were playing their parts well.
“Besides,” Lucien purred, finding himself back in his usual role, far more composed once more. “The only thing they ought to judge is your beauty, my darling Elinor, and they should judgewell,for you have outdone every lady here.”
Elinor covered her mouth with her gloved hand, pretending to preen. “You truly think so? I got this new gown for tonight specifically.”
In truth, Lucien had gifted it to her, making sure to be seen the day before, dropping the parcel box off at Morland House. Now, Elinor had turned up in a new gown, and he knew that, from the eyes that flicked in their direction, people were putting the two together.
“I think you will findIgot you that gown for tonight,” Lucien chuckled, pulling her close. Elinor tucked her hand into his elbow.
“Of course,” Elinor sighed, smiling.
“I am certain you can think of a way to thank me later on.”
“Heavens, Fairmont,” Dominic muttered. “You speak so brashly in public?”
“Oh, let us not pretend as though you have not said worse. Besides, I am to marry this lady. Although your mind is filthy, Silverford, I was merely thinking of a dance with my betrothed.”
Dominic gave him an unconvinced look, and Lucien just flashed him that grin again.
“So, as Fairmont here has been rather quiet on how the two of you came to be engaged, I am most curious to hear about it from you, Lady Elinor,” Dominic said, and Lucien tensed.
“I am certain I already told you,” Lucien answered clearly.
“And I am asking Lady Elinor.” His friend only returned a beaming smile that looked far too innocent.
“We met in Hyde Park, like I said,” Lucien said.
But Elinor said at the same time, “Lady Morrow’s ball, I was rather entranced upon first sight.”
At once, they both sharply looked at one another, Elinor’s eyes wide, while Lucien’s mouth set grimly.
Her story was thin, anyway, for she had not attended Lady Morrow’s ball, and Dominic already knew that.
