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He guided her through another turn, his gaze briefly meeting hers. "You need to understand this world."

"I understand it perfectly," Olivia replied, lifting her chin as the dance carried them apart and together again. "I simply think I ought to understand my husband as well."

James's chest tightened. There it was again, that inconvenient honesty of hers.

She did not merely want the title, the house, or the protection he offered.

She wants me to let her see the man beneath it all.

The problem was that James was no longer certain he wanted to keep that man hidden from her.

He said nothing for several moments, concentrating on the dance while his thoughts churned. Perhaps she was right. Maybe secrecy would eventually become more dangerous than the truth.

Yet not tonight. Tonight, she needed to smile, to laugh, to be seen as the Duchess of Glenmore rather than as a woman attached to a scandal.

He glanced at her and found her watching him, her expression questioning. "Another time," he said quietly, almost surprising himself with the promise.

Olivia's brows lifted. "Another time?"

James nodded once. "Yes, we shall speak."

He hoped he could keep that promise, though some part of him already knew that once he began telling Olivia the truth, there would be no way to stop the past from catching up with them both.

The dance set ended to a flourish of music, and James released Olivia's hand only when the final notes faded beneath the renewed murmur of conversation.

He escorted her from the dance floor, his palm resting lightly at the small of her back as they made their way toward the refreshment table. Olivia appeared calmer than she had when they first entered, though James could still see the questions in her eyes.

He had spent years keeping his past buried, and now his wife seemed determined to uncover every stone he had carefully placed over it.

They had barely reached the refreshments when Viscount Midton approached, smiling broadly as he bowed.

"Your Grace," Midton said, offering James a respectful inclination of his head. "A splendid dance. Your wife is already making quite an impression."

James glanced toward Olivia, who was reaching for a glass of punch.

"She seems to be surviving the evening," he replied dryly.

Midton laughed, then lowered his voice. "I wonder whether I might steal you away for a few minutes. I should value your advice on a matter, and I was hoping you might accompany me to the cigar room."

James considered him for a moment. He had little interest in whatever business problem Midton had encountered, but there were advantages to being seen in private conversation with men whose influence extended throughout the county.

"Of course," James agreed, straightening his cuffs. "I would be happy to, provided your wife accompanies mine. I should not like to leave the duchess unattended."

Midton's eyebrows rose slightly before his smile widened. "Naturally. I shall fetch her at once."

He turned toward the group of ladies gathered nearby, and James followed his gaze. Viscountess Midton stood at the center of a small circle of women, all of whom seemed eager to speak at once. Fans fluttered, jewelry glittered, and several pairs of eyes immediately turned toward James and Olivia.

James had the distinct impression that they had been discussing them. He was not surprised. The arrival of a new duchess was precisely the sort of event that gave society something to talk about for weeks, and Olivia's beauty, southern upbringing, and unusual marriage made her particularly interesting.

He glanced down at her and wondered whether she realized just how much attention she commanded. She probably did. Olivia noticed everything.

"My dear," Midton called, approaching his wife. "May I ask you to keep Her Grace company whilst I borrow the duke?"

Viscountess Midton smiled and immediately stepped away from her companions. "Of course," she replied, smoothing her gown before turning to Olivia. "Your Grace, you must come and sit with us. We have been discussing the most fascinating matters."

James suspected that meant gossip, but Olivia seemed relieved by the invitation.

"I should be delighted," she replied with a polite smile.