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“Lord Gainsbury,” Hector held his hand out for a handshake. “The pleasure is mine. I was pleased to receive an invitation as I have been wanting to make your acquaintance for a while now.”

“Ah! I am truly honored,” the man grinned, turning to Juliet and bowing. “You must be the Duchess of Islington. It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. I do hope this small soiree in my humble abode will provide you with a good night of entertainment, Your Grace.”

Juliet smiled, and Hector was struck again by how effortlessly beautiful she was. “I am sure it will, thank you.”

Hector cleared his throat, immediately calling the Earl’s attention.

“I wish to discuss a few matters with you, Lord Gainsbury. Do you mind conversing with me now? I do not wish to become too distracted by tonight’s activities.”

“Certainly, Your Grace. Right this way,” Lord Gainsbury gestured ahead of them.

As Hector turned to address Juliet, her arm slipped from his. Hector pretended that the insignificant action did not offend him although he did not understand why it bothered him.

“I must speak with Lord Gainsbury privately on a serious matter. You may enjoy the ball without me until I return.”

He could swear he heard her scoff, but she was already walking away by the time he thought of asking her about it.

“Your Grace?”

Hector shifted his attention to the Earl once more. “Right. After you, Lord Gainsbury.”

The host began to lead the way, but before he followed along, Hector sent one last lingering look in the direction Juliet had walked.

“Isn’t that…”

“The Duchess of Islington, as I live and breathe.”

“Just look at her, the poor lamb. The finest garments cannot turn a duckling into a swan, no matter how hard they try.”

“Really, what was the Duke thinking?”

For Juliet, the challenge did not lay in pretending that she did not hear the rude statements being whispered about her. It lay in her desperation to convince them that she was unaffected by it all.

She felt uncomfortable, nervously moving through the sea of people, wondering if there would ever be a moment when she would not doubt herself in this new life she was living.

Even Hector had abandoned her without a second thought for her well-being, further verifying Juliet’s fears that the night they had shared together had meant nothing to him.

Days ago, she had been excited for this ball, excited to attach herself to her husband and share a dance or two with him.

Now, she wished she was anywhere else.

“Your Grace!”

Juliet stopped walking and looked around wildly in search of the face that belonged to the voice. Moments later, she spotted Lady Anne a few feet away and heaved a sigh of relief.

“Lady Anne! How do you do? My goodness, you look lovely tonight!” She beamed at her friend, gently holding onto her hands.

“Me?” Anne gasped. “I am truly flattered, Your Grace, but you are much worthier of such wonderful compliments! You look absolutely beautiful!”

Juliet blushed, lightly running her hands along the skirt of her dress. She, too, had been surprised when it had arrived the previous day and had been completely stunned by the sheer beauty of the dress. Miss Francesca had outdone herself in creating a masterpiece with so little time.

“Thank You, Lady Anne. Now tell me, how have you been? I had hoped that you would visit again, but you did not.”

Anne pouted apologetically.

“I am sorry, Your Grace. I really wanted to, but my brother has kept me occupied as of late. But…” She glanced around, then moved closer to whisper to Juliet. “…I have met a lord whom I fancy.”

Juliet grinned in excitement. “Who is he? Is he here?”