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Ava was beginning to feel uncomfortable when her husband let out a laugh.

“What more could a man want when he has a wife who would defend him in the presence of his friends?” Edwin flashed her a beaming smile.

“She certainly sees something in you,” Magnus quipped, “while the rest of us don’t.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Ava could not quite understand why they were laughing. They seemed to find joy and humor in poking fun at each other and saying unkind things.

“It is no wonder they say that love is blind,” Theo snorted.

Ava pressed her lips into a tight line. She could not help but feel insulted by his words.

“What do you mean, love is blind?” she asked.

He shrugged. “It is only a jest. I am simply saying that Gillingham does not deserve you due to his lack of charm and grace, and you are only with him because you truly love him.”

“I suppose we have different ideas of what jesting means,” Ava muttered, furrowing her brow. Then, she turned to her husband. “I suppose I will come back when your guests have left, so I can dress your wound.”

William quickly stood up. “Duchess, I hope you are not offended by Blackmore and Emerton’s words.”

Ava gave a polite smile. “It truly is all right. I have duties to attend to anyway.”

With that, she left the study.

CHAPTER 17

“You have scared off my wife,” Edwin joked as he watched her leave the study.

“She does not seem to appreciate our sense of humor.” Theo tutted, shaking his head.

“Then perhaps do not jest like that in her presence. She certainly does not like it when people make fun of me,” Edwin said proudly as he took his seat.

Magnus smiled. “She is quite principled.”

“Indeed, she is,” Edwin agreed. “And I adore her for it. No lady is as perfect as she is for me.”

“You seem completely enamored with her. That is a good thing,” William observed. “I feel the same about my wife.”

“Did I inform you that she charmed the Italian dignitaries so smoothly at the masquerade ball that they were immediately ready to do business with me?”

Magnus’s eyes widened. “Are you telling me that more doors would open for my business if I marry?”

Theo laughed. “Now, watch him try to ensnare a poor, unsuspecting lady into marriage.”

“Speaking of the masquerade ball, it is rather scary that you were attacked. We must find the culprit before he strikes again, don’t you think?” William asked.

Edwin nodded.

“You are right,” Magus said. “It is rather unusual for it to be a robbery. After all, people rarely get robbed at a ball where hundreds of people are in attendance. It is simply absurd.”

“If you will listen, I suppose I have an idea who attacked me—or rather, the man who ordered the attack.”

Theo’s eyes darkened. “Do you mean that the man who attacked you might have been sent by another?”

Edwin nodded. “I know how it must sound, but after discussing with my wife, I believe that my attacker was merely paid by another man—a far more influential man.”

“How?” William asked.