Page 81

And to Fiona, the viscountess said, “and I hope London is kinder to you this Season.”

“Thank you.”

After exchanging pleasantries, the trio moved on, but the whispers continued to follow them like an unwelcome shadow.

Killian’s patience snapped as they reached the edge of the ballroom. He turned to a group of nearby onlookers, his voice low and sharp.

“I will not tolerate insults toward my wife or my sister. Let this be yer only warning.”

The group froze, fear and shock clear on their faces. For a moment, the ballroom went quiet, save for the rustling of skirts and the clink of glasses. Then the orchestra struck up a lively waltz, the music filling the tense silence.

Yvette placed a hand on Killian’s arm. “It’s all right,” she murmured. “They’ll always talk.”

“They won’t talk long if I have anything to say about it,” Killian muttered, his jaw tight.

Before Yvette could respond, a man stepped into their line of sight. He was tall, with dark hair slicked back and a roguish smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. His tailored coat and polished boots screamed wealth and influence, but there was an unsettling sharpness in his gaze.

The man wasn’t looking at them directly but speaking to a small group nearby. His voice carried just enough to be heard.

“Quite the spectacle this evening, isn’t it? A duchess who prefers the countryside, a duke who rushes into marriage, and a sister whose reputation hangs by a thread. Such a scandalous family.”

Yvette stiffened glancing at Killian. His entire body was taut with restrained fury, and she knew it wouldn’t take much to set him off.

Before Killian could take a step, they were interrupted by two familiar faces. Edward and Georgiana.

“Yvette!” Edward’s voice boomed as he approached, his smile wide and genuine. “Sister, it’s been far too long.”

“Edward!” Yvette’s face lit up as she embraced her brother. “It has indeed.”

Georgiana curtsied gracefully before giving Yvette a warm smile.

“Yvette, you look lovely. It’s good to have you back.”

“Thank you, Georgiana, though I can’t say it’s good to be back,” Yvette replied, her voice soft with humor.

Edward’s gaze shifted to Killian, and his smile faltered slightly.

“Killian, old friend. How is married life treating you?”

Killian inclined his head. “Well enough.”

Edward’s brow lifted, and he sighed. “I see the two of you still have that delightful air of tension.”

Yvette opened her mouth to retort, but Georgiana cut in with a teasing grin.

“Oh, Edward, do hush. You’ve never had an ounce of tact, have you?”

Edward feigned offense. “Tact is overrated. Besides, what’s family for if not to point out each other’s flaws?”

Yvette laughed despite herself, and the tension eased slightly.

As the conversation waned, Yvette turned to Killian. “Shall we dance?”

Killian’s brow arched. “Dance?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. “It’s expected of us, isn’t it?”

Killian’s lips curved into the faintest smirk.