Page 78 of Duke in Darkness

The group went silent, and fans whipped into action as Gabriel inclined his head and moved toward her. He walked with his cane, which somehow made him look even more dashing. Or perhaps it was the gray jacket, elaborate cravat, and black trousers he wore, a combination that made his hair and skin and eyes look even darker and more rakish.

“Ah, Exton,” said Grandmother with a cool smile. “What a pity you missed the first set. Charming gel.”

“Humblest apologies. I had a meeting. Lawyers.”

“Hmmm. The fine gentlemen from Ormsby, Kane, and Vesper. Always so courteous and kind.”

Lilian and Gabriel exchanged a speaking glance, and he made a non-committal sound.

“How lovely to see you out and about, Your Grace,” said Joy, bravely changing the subject. “I hear you were shopping recently. Hoby’s and Rundell’s. Is lucky Lilian shortly to have something fabulous sparkling about her neck?”

Gabriel’s eyes widened slightly. “Your sources are correct, Lady Joy. And the answer is yes.”

“It’s truly lovely,” said Lilian, smiling as she remembered the sketch that Mr. Rundell had made, and Gabriel had approved. “Three strands of stones, with a single, larger oval-shaped stone in the middle.”

Lady Kingsford’s brow furrowed, and she smoothed the single strand of matched pearls around her neck. “Not too large, I hope. One never wants to be vulgar, when displaying one’s wealth.”

“Er…” she replied, flustered. “No. Of course not.”

“I can’t imagine my beautiful wife…ever looking vulgar,” said Gabriel firmly.

The women around him cooed, and the fans began fluttering once again. But her grandmother’s smile went from cool to cold; she did not like being contradicted about anything. Even as children, the Nash siblings had learned that the dowager Lady Kingsford made statements, and that was that. Father rarely spoke against her, although Mama often had. Probably another reason why Grandmother had disliked her so.

“Newlyweds,” said Grandmother, in the kind of tone usually reserved for discussing unpleasant things like rats.

Leah stepped forward and grinned at Gabriel. “Do tell us, Your Grace. You can’t keep it a secret any longer. When will you and Lilian be hosting your first ball? I’m sure it will be the event of the Season.”

“I’m not sure, Miss Fenwick. Ask my duchess.”

Lilian smiled and patted Gabriel on the arm. “We haven’t quite decided yet. I think perhaps to do a little decorating first. But I shall look forward to hosting such events at Exton House when the time is right.”

Grandmother let out a tinkling laugh. “Without fisticuffs, one hopes. What a naughty boy you were, Exton. Poor Sir Roger still has the remnants of a black eye. Actually, I believe it would be best if the two of you made amends right this minute. My poor heart would be much eased. Sir Roger!”

Oh God.

As though she stood in the path of a runaway cart, her slippers nailed to the ground, Lilian could only watch in horror as Gabriel went as rigid as a statue. Another group of women moved closer, their eyes bright with anticipation of a most entertaining situation. And Sir Roger, that damned dandy with a brain made of cabbage, appeared next to Grandmother in a flurry of lace sleeves, peach jacket, and a cloud of heavy floral fragrance.

“You called, my lady?” he drawled, bowing with a dramatic flourish.

“I did,” the dowager replied. “Because I am quite, quite downcast at the thought of bad blood between you and Exton after that unfortunate ballroom incident. Do shake hands and be friends henceforth. I command it!”

No. Oh no.

Lilian’s mouth went bone dry, and a sort of squeak escaped that on another occasion might have been amusing. But not today. Not when her blasted grandmother had just ordered Gabriel to forget those terrible insults that had cut him to the core. And in such a way that if he refused, would make him look boorish. How could she be so awful?

“Grandmother,” she croaked. “I think—”

“What you think is irrelevant, Lilian. This is a matter of honor between gentlemen. Sir Roger said some silly things, and Exton quite forgot himself, but the matter will be done and dusted and spoken of no more once the two of them shake hands.”

Sir Roger smiled triumphantly, and held out his hand like a king expecting an old-fashioned oath of fealty. Gabriel didn’t move.

Oh God.

If her husband shook the proffered hand, it made light of the repugnant words that had been said. But if he didn’t, it would create another scandal and the ugly whispers and gossip about him would never cease. Grandmother would be furious. Xavier, Pippa, and Georgiana would be the ones to suffer living under the same roof, and it might hurt Georgiana’s budding romance.

More miserable than she’d ever been in her life, Lilian looked up at Gabriel beseechingly. “Please,” she whispered. “For me.”

For a moment he looked as though she’d slapped him. Then his gaze iced over. But he reached out his hand, clasped Sir Roger’s for the barest moment, and dropped it back to his side.