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“Your Grace, you’ve received what appears to be an invitation to attend a ball.”

Juliet raised her head as Worthington walked across the room carrying a silver platter that held a single envelope and held it out to Hector.

Juliet had just come down for breakfast, hoping that she could convince her husband to join her. She prayed that a response from the nunnery would arrive soon.

It had been a week since she’d sent her letter enquiring about the well-being of the girls and nuns and the current state of things at the convent, but she had yet to receive a response.

Juliet watched Hector open the envelope with a look of indifference although he became more interested as he read the invitation.

“Ah, it is an invitation from Lord Gainsbury. He occasionally hosts such events around this time of the year. Still, I have never really thought it beneficial to attend. However, this time we must,” he said, looking up at her.

“We?” Juliet sputtered, a little stunned by the prospect of making their first public appearance as a married couple.

“Yes, Juliet. Surely you do not expect me to leave you at home to attend a ball to which we have both been invited. Even if the invitation did not address you directly, I would rather stay behind than not take you along,” Hector stated incredulously.

His words felt like they meant more than he had intended, but Juliet did not wish to speculate and dash her hopes, so she nodded. “All right, then. I suppose we will go to this ball.”

“Indeed, we must. Lord Gainsbury would make an excellent business partner, and this ball will provide the best neutral territory to approach him with beneficial prospects.”

Oh. This was about business, not about wanting me with him. I was a fool to think otherwise.

Juliet felt disappointment well up within her but tried to hide how much his admission had hurt her.

There seems to be no way to win this man over.

“We will travel to our townhouse tomorrow and remain there after ball. You will need a new gown for this event, so I will arrange for a carriage to take you to the modiste,” he added.

“I do not think that will be necessary, Hector…”

“Nonsense,” Hector said sternly, stepping towards her. “You are my wife and the Duchess of Islington. Of course, you must have a new gown.”

Juliet did not know what his motivations were for wanting to buy her a new dress, but she refused to overthink it. “Thank you.”

Hector smiled at her acceptance. “You are welcome.”

As they stared at each other, the air became charged with their unfulfilled cravings. Hector stepped away as Juliet inhaled sharply.

Why do you always pull back? What is it about me that makes you want to run away every time?

“The ball is in a few days. Please attend the modiste tomorrow. Do not forget,” Hector instructed her.

“I will not forget,” she promised and sighed defeatedly as he turned and walked away.

The modiste was pleasantly surprised to see Juliet again.

“Your Grace! You have returned! You look radiant! Marriage must be treating you well.” Francesca beamed kindly.

“Well, I have not run away yet.” Juliet grinned, blinking innocently as the woman’s demeanor rapidly dimmed. “I jest, Miss Francesca. All is well, thank you.”

“Ahh,” the modiste sighed in relief “To what do I owe the pleasure of your patronage today, Your Grace?”

“I need a dress for an upcoming ball. You see, it is the first for the Duke and I as a married couple. And…”

“Oh! You must make a good, lasting impression on the Ton! Do not fret, Your Grace. I am sure we will find something that will leave onlookers speechless at the sight of you,” Francesca clapped excitedly.

“I hope so,” Juliet grinned, finding the other woman’s joy contagious.

The modiste asked her what fabric colors and patterns she preferred then remeasured Juliet in the event any of the dresses she chose needed alterations.