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“Well, not to be indelicate, but that you might be suffering from the kind of sickness that sometimes accompanies new life,” the old woman said, disappointment etched in her weathered brow.

All the heat of a fever came rushing back into Marina’s face, but it was Anthony who jumped in ahead of any response she could make.

“Grandmother, we have discussed this,” he said bluntly. “Your hopes are not our intentions. Please, do not embarrass my wife.”

Harriet wafted a dismissive hand. “Embarrass who? It is nothing to be embarrassed about, although I suppose it would be rather too early to know.”

“There is no knowing, Grandmother,” Anthony urged, his tone razor sharp. “Do not mention it again.”

Marina observed the tension in her husband’s face, uncertain of whether to be grateful for his defense or disheartened by the reminder that she would never have children of her own.

She had never really thought about having children of her own until she had come to Knotgill, taking over the care of dear William. Before all of this, children had seemed like nothing more than a distraction to her important work, a shackle to an institution that wanted to keep women from being and doing more.

Instead, William had shown her that a child, especially an inquisitive, lively one, could be a complement to her work. Not to mention, she got such tremendous satisfaction from imparting her knowledge to him and seeing his excitement about everything she loved.

Harriet put up her hands in a gesture of defeat. “Very well, I shall keep my lips sealed on the matter.” She huffed out a breath. “Are you feeling better, dear?”

Her keen eyes settled on Marina.

“I am.”

The old woman smiled. “That is excellent news! Very timely indeed.”

“And why is that?” Anthony asked roughly.

“Well, our invitation to the Summer Ball at Kensington Palace Gardens arrived just yesterday,” Harriet replied. “I was going to write to tell you both to return to London at once, but then I remembered that I had my best gown at the Dower House, so I made the journey myself.”

Anthony raised an eyebrow. “You mean, you did not think we would agree to attend if you did not bother us directly?”

“Is that not what I said?” Harriet’s eyes glittered with mischief. “But really, you must attend. Your honeymoon is practically over. Society needs to see you together, to have their proper introduction to the new Duchess of Knotgill.”

A tremor of unease rippled through Marina. She had thought that marriage would be the end to her social endeavors, since finding a husband appeared to be the sole purpose of attending events.

Must I really be introduced again? Her debut had been bad enough, when she had been at least five years older than the rest of the debutantes. The gossip and ridicule had been particularly unpleasant that day.

“Now, do not worry about dresses,” Harriet continued, as if everything had already been agreed upon. “I took the liberty of ordering you a gown from the modiste.”

Marina cocked her head. “But you only received the invitation yesterday. How could a dress be made so quickly?”

“I… had the modiste make some more for you, after your wedding,” Harriet admitted. “There were such beautiful fabrics there and I thought you might have need of a new wardrobe once your honeymoon was over. It was meant to be a surprise when I returned to the Dower House… so, surprise!”

Marina attempted to catch Anthony’s eye, but he was not looking at her, clearly having some silent conversation with his grandmother. Surely, he would not make her attend a ball. That was not part of their arrangement, at least as far as she could remember.

But I do have to be a duchess…

“My wife needs more time to settle,” Anthony said, at last. “Considering she has been unwell, we cannot be expected to return to society yet.”

Marina blushed at the sound of him calling her ‘my wife’ again. Somehow, he had grown accustomed to it, saying those words with such ease, such comfort.

“But this is a royal ball,” Harriet pointed out. “Your presence will be expected. If you are not there, it will be noted. Besides, Marina said she felt better and the ball is not for a few days. Plenty of time to recover enough to attend.”

Marina drew in a resigned breath. “It is quite all right, Anthony. We should go.” She paused. “Once we have been seen by society, we need not attend another event for a long while. I can resume my work and preparing my study and my workshop afterward.”

He finally met her gaze. “Are you sure?”

“I am,” she replied. “Best to get it out of the way.”

He gave a small nod. “Very well.” He looked back at Harriet. “You win, Grandmother.”