Yes, he had pursued her once, been rejected, and then started the rumors that had ruined her and forced her into relative exile. But he was also Harriet’s true father, likely unaware of the fact, and certainly not someone who ought to be told as if he might be good for the girl.
Worse still, from what Ophelia knew, most of thetonadmired and respected him. Despite his wicked actions, he had managed to maintain a veneer or honor that had most assuming him to be a most wonderful fellow. It was infuriating!
“He knows you are coming,” Adelaide said. “But surely, in a small setting like this, he will behave himself. Best that you avoid him, I think.”
“Yes…” Ophelia’s stomach clenched. “For the best.”
“He should not be here,” Adrian growled, still glaring at Lord Hallbridge. “He should be…” He clenched his jaw, a look on his face that suggested he was considering all the things he might do to the man.
Ophelia watched her husband, and she felt a small stab of pride. Even as he tried his best to pretend that he cared for nobody, that he was an island unto himself, the rage that Lord Hallbridge forced on him was proof that such assertions were not entirely true.
But was it Ophelia’s past that had Adrian so infuriated, or was it to do with Harriet and his role in her life? She could not say.
“Adrian…” Ophelia touched her husband gently on the arm. “It is not worth it. Leave him be.”
Adrian breathed in deeply. “I will do and say nothing. But if he looks at you the wrong way or… or if he says anything at all…” A growl rose from his lips.
And once again, the conflict that Ophelia felt was impossible to deny. She wished it were as simple as Adrian having no feelings for her, but that just was not the case. And as such, that he was so determined to pretend otherwise…even he does not know how he feels.
Yet, Ophelia was done fighting for him. She was done waiting in hope. If anything was to change, it would be on Adrian to do it. And that, she knew, was as likely as Lord Hallbridge falling on his knees in apology.
“Come.” Adelaide took her by the hand again. “Let us mingle. Your Grace, are you going to join us?”
“He is fine,” Ophelia said quickly, even scowling at Adrian in warning. “I am sure my husband is capable of mingling on his own.”
Adrian almost looked insulted, even hurt. But she maintained her scowl and he looked away as if in shame. “I will find you before supper, so that we sit together.”
“If you must,” Ophelia said.
Ophelia spent the next ten minutes being led by the hand as Adelaide introduced her to the various guests. Mostly, she just stood there and smiled, saying little where she could. What made it difficult, however, was how often she was forced to lie.
Every time that Adrian was mentioned, whenever she was quizzed on her marriage, she did her duty and told of a wondrous marriage that she was thrilled to have found herself in. Oh yes, and always, she assured them, that she loved Adrian as the moon loved the stars.
Why do I bother? Who cares about another scandal when I have nothing to live for anyway…
Time and again, she found herself searching for Adrian. He stood mostly alone, looking sorrowful and sad. And while it broke her heart to see him that way, she reminded herself that was his choice. He wanted to be alone. He wanted to be forgotten. He wanted to live in a state of depression because… well, that’s just who he was.
“I must visit the retiring area before supper.” Adelaide led Ophelia to the corner of the room. “Would you like to join me?”
“Oh, I will be fine,” she sighed.
“Are you sure?” Adelaide pressed, glancing across the room at Lord Hallbridge. “Being alone, maybe that is not such a good idea.”
Ophelia smiled. “As you said, he will not try anything in such a small setting. Why, I doubt he will notice me at all.”
Adelaide did not look convinced, just as she looked worried about leaving her alone. But Ophelia held her smile and then waved her away. The truth was, Ophelia needed to get used to being on her own, so why not start as soon as possible?
The moment that Adelaide left the room, Ophelia realized the mistake she had made, because no sooner was she alone did Lord Hallbridge see her, smile that wicked smile, and approach her.
Ophelia braced…
“Miss Ophelia,” he purred as he came on her, standing as if to block her retreat. “Oh no, wait, it is Her Grace now, is it not? How far we have come.”
“Lord Hallbridge.” Ophelia stood as tall as she could and as proudly. She was a duchess, and she needed to make it knownthat Lord Hallbridge had no power over her. “It is nice to see you again.”
“I could not agree more,” he said, smirking all the while. And those green eyes, they roamed over her as if hungry. “Truly, I was so pleased to hear that you would be here this evening. It has been so long since we have had the chance to speak.”
“I doubt that we have anything to speak of.”
