Page 55 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

“I believe a night at home would be just the thing. You have been busy since our arrival and could use a night off.”

She stared at him in her mirror as Polly fixed her hair. “For goodness’ sake, this is the first event we’ll attend since we’ve arrived. We’ve been here less than a week, and since I was forced to spend those days being poked and prodded by the modiste and her staff, and judged and found wanting by your mother’s peers, I feel as though I could use a little bit of entertainment.”

Alex rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes, you’re right. I am sorry.”

“Polly, you may leave now. His Grace can help me with my jewelry.”

The maid scurried from the room. Patience stood and walked to Alex. “What is the matter?”

He gave her what he hoped was a guileless smile. “Nothing. I fear I am a bit tired and had hoped to make a short night of it.”

She reached up and touched his cheek, making him feel guiltier for lying to her. But it was certainly in her best interests to keep her from worry and fear. It was a husband’s job to protect his wife. Not alert her to danger and make her sick with anxiety.

“We can certainly leave early. I was looking forward to this since it is not a huge event, and no one should question our attendance so soon after Cyrus’s death.”

Alex snorted. “I feel no need to pretend to mourn the man I loathed, and who treated you so shamefully.”

She gave him a soft smile that twisted his heart at how disgraceful his brother had dealt with the woman whom he should have held in high esteem and treated with nothing but respect. He had loathed the bastard, almost from the time he’d been in short pants.

Once Alex had reached a size where he was more powerful than Cyrus, his brother then had turned to other methods to torture him. False tales of Alex’s doings to their parents and cutting remarks in company had worked wonders for a young man trying to find his elusive place in life.

“I understand Lord and Lady Hampton recently returned from their wedding trip and will be there,” Patience continued. “I missed their wedding, and would so love to see Marie once again.” Her eyes sparkled with humor. “You see, I have gained some interesting tidbits by making all these dreadful afternoon calls.”

There was nothing to be had for it. He would speak with the driver and then make sure two burly footmen were with them. He had also checked the pistols stored under his seat in the carriage. There wasn’t much else he could do at this point except tie Patience up and secure her to the bed until Loverly was off the streets.

“An evening of enjoyment shall be ours, then, sweeting.” He held his arm out, and she took it.

Alex scanned the area as they stepped out the front door into the cool night air. The two footmen stood at the ready next to the carriage. Alex helped Patience in and then gave instructions to the driver.

Feeling as safe as he could under the circumstances, he entered the carriage and settled across from his wife.

…

As Patience had had a shortened Season, and Alex had spent almost all the years between university and gaining his title away from London, neither of them had extensive experience with ton affairs.

A flicker of excitement began in Patience’s stomach as the butler announced them and they descended the stairs. Their arrival turned more than a few heads in their direction. She was proud of how they looked together as a couple. Alex—tall, handsome, broad shouldered, and garbed in a ruffled shirt, with a black and silver waistcoat, starched cravat, and black satin knee breeches—took her breath away. Based on the looks cast in their direction, most of the women in the ballroom felt the same reaction.

He is mine.

Despite her scant involvement with Society, she was aware of how many bored matrons and anxious widows would love to lure Alex into their beds. Not only his dark looks held appeal, but his lofty title, along with the way he entered a room with his commanding presence, all spoke of power—a true aphrodisiac.

Alex seemed to be steering her in the direction of his three friends, Mr. Templeton, Lord Hawkins, and Lord Campbell. Their progress was slow, as they were continuously stopped by those offering their condolences and felicitations. Alex handled it all with aplomb, which made her even more proud of him. No one would ever guess he had not been raised to be the Duke of Bedford.

Unfortunately, that demeanor was also a magnet for every woman they passed. Too many, in fact, who felt no compunction at touching his arm or speaking so low he found it necessary to dip is head to hear them. By the look on his face, he was none too pleased with their comments.

She, on the other hand, squelched the desire to snatch the hair from their heads. She merely kept her chin raised while also warding off the men who paid her undue attention, as well. What a world they lived in!

“Your Grace, you are looking lovely, as ever.” Lord Hawkins gave her a gentlemanly bow as she and Alex finally made it across the room.

“Thank you.”

The other two men offered their greetings and spent so much time slapping her husband on the back, she marveled he was still standing erect. They chatted for a few minutes, Patience taking note of all the young ladies and their mamas who cast hungry glances in their direction. She currently stood with three of the most sought-after bachelors in the ton. Though, Mr. Templeton was desired by the young ladies, the mamas who wanted a title for their daughters were quick to dismiss his good looks and charm.

It didn’t take long for Hawk to let out a groan. “I hope you appreciate our attendance here tonight, Bedford, because we are about to be inundated by mamas dragging their lovely and not-so-lovely daughters in our direction.”

Mr. Templeton turned to her. “Will Miss Blake be attending this evening, Your Grace?”

This was not the first time Alex’s friend had asked after Suzanna. “I have not spoken with her since our arrival in London. I do hope she is here, because I would love to see her again.”