Page 4 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke (Forbidden Lords #2)

Chapter Four

“ Y ou look stunning, dearest,” Judith told Veronica excitedly, leaning to look out of the window as other carriages passed them by, no doubt all heading to the Fernwell’s estate. “I have no doubt you shall have a line of visitors after tonight’s ball! I believe this shall be a very promising season for you.”

Outside, the mid spring breeze tried to slip into their closed carriage. Veronica did not mind, for with the spring and blossoming of London around them brought the prospect of new matches for the ton and the rife gossip about who shall dance with whom.

If it weren’t for the discomfort Veronica could not ignore, she might almost acknowledge that she missed the hub of activity in the city. Wintertime was beautiful, but it was rather quiet, especially as she and her mother had stayed in Grantham House for the duration and would have to hear the grand tales of everybody else’s travels.

Her mother talked excitedly, trying to guess what ladies would be debuting this season and what honorable gentlemen would catch Veronica’s eye.

In all honesty, she did not feel much like dancing, but her dance card hung on her wrist, empty and waiting, all for when she arrived at the ball.

According to mother, that card would be filled no longer than a minute of her arriving at the ball.

But Veronica could not ignore the thought of wondering if a man with sweeping hair and brown eyes would be in attendance.

I do hope not , she thought. Lest I feel his gaze on me all evening in that unnerving way. And then she paused. Why should I think I would be the object of his attention once again? He likely is not even attending! He said it himself that he detested the events. He would not have a reason to show his face.

She forced her thoughts to a halt and turned to her true discomfort that evening. Lord Barwicke had been in Grantham House once again since she had caught him sneaking out of the back gate several nights ago.

“Mama,” she said, gently interrupting her mother, “you have seen Lord Barwicke since we talked, have you not?”

“Oh, darling, do not concern yourself with those matters,” Judith shushed her. “I had a small moment of weakness when we met outside our chambers, but that is no concern of yours now. All I wish is for my beautiful daughter to enjoy herself tonight.”

Her mother’s gloved hands clasped Veronica’s face as she smiled at her. Despite her age showing around her eyes and the creases of her mouth and the start of white hairs in her elegant updo, Veronica thought her mother was beautiful.

“You are worth more than what Lord Barwicke is forcing you to be and do, Mama,” she whispered. She had not meant to say it in such a manner, but the words slipped free regardless. Judith’s expression shuttered, and she pulled away, swallowing. Turning her face to the carriage window, she composed herself quickly.

“Yes, well, as I said, that is not your concern.”

“It is, Mama,” Veronica insisted.

She held back from asking if her mother was aware of how the ton spoke about them now.

The Duke of Westley’s words rang in her mind. To the ton , who perhaps thought both Veronica and Judith were indulging in favors with Lord Barwicke, were they any better than the unfortunate women who worked at brothels, selling their bodies for coin?

“Mama, you must cease this nasty business with Lord Barwicke,” Veronica pleaded. “You must! Whatever he has holding over your head, it is not worth what you are enduring. Will you not listen to me?”

“No, Veronica, I will not,” she said sharply. “For it is the only way. I tried to beseech friends of our family. I reached out to your father’s family, but nobody would help. Lord Barwicke is flawed, yes, but the thing he holds over my head is destitution. With his money, I can provide you with a dowry. I can find you a husband. I can fund your courting, your new dresses, and anything you might need for a new life.”

“And what of your life?” Veronica whispered, feeling ill. “Mama, you should not sacrifice everything for me.”

“And you should not sully a beautiful evening with this talk.” Judith smoothed down her own, fine gown. “His money is the only way to find you a husband until Robert returns.”

Her tone held finality, and Veronica’s heart sank to the floor, as if it was cast aside and trampled beneath the carriage wheels. Her mother’s dismissals kept hurting, especially when Veronica sought only to protect her mother.

Instead, she looked down at her gown. It was a silver so fine it was almost pale blue with delicate embroidery and beautiful lace work around the collar. A nestle of jewels adorned her hair, which had been pinned artfully, and her neck and wrists were decorated with the same opal stones.

She looked exquisite—the dress was and the jewels were—but it all made her feel sick, as if she had indulged too much on chocolate. The truth that all of this had been purchased with Barwicke’s money left her feeling uneasy and uncomfortable.

The carriage clattered closer, and Veronica fell silent.

She had not told her mama about her fruitless visit to the Duke of Westley. It seemed they would both keep their secrets.

Judith’s hand took Veronica’s, drawing her attention back.

“Veronica, you must be on your best behavior tonight. Can you do that for me?” Her voice was desperately sincere. “If you find a good match then all of this shall be over. Your husband shall provide for us, and I shall not have to see Lord Barwicke again. Heavens knows he might not go so easily out of our lives, but we will have better means of being provided for.”

This is all a ploy , Veronica thought sourly. And I do not wish for my future marriage to be borne solely from duty, even though I must agree .

She swallowed past her discomfort and nodded.

“Of course, Mama,” she said. “I shall do anything I can.”

Fernwell House’s ballroom was decorated opulently, dazzling chandeliers illuminated the polished floor, and candles in glass casings lit up the terraced area outside where more suitors milled about, drinks in hand, discussing the night’s eligible ladies.

A dance was in full swing, hopeful matches paired up on the floor, while eager mamas and other hopeful ladies watched in jealousy.

But as Veronica and Judith entered, the whispers began.

Desperately, Veronica searched the crowd for Evelina, finding her in a small group of other eligible young ladies on the hunt for a husband.

“It is so nice to have been missed, is it not?” Judith said to Veronica, her voice full of false cheer.

They both knew quite well the stares were not one of missing the Granthams, but they were stares of judgment.

From the staircase’s end, Veronica found herself at the brunt of scrutiny. All eyes were on them, and even the dancers turned to watch as they continued.

Fans snapped out, eyes flickering back and forth, and chins lifted, as if people were too good to be seen associating with the Granthams.

“I heard the Earl of Grantham gambled away all their money,” one whisper came, and Veronica stiffened. “And when nothing could be done, he left town out of shame.”

“Nonsense,” another murmured. “It was that he met a French ballerina and became rather smitten and sought new pastures to marry her.”

“It was an actress,” a third joined. “And I believe he caused her to be with child, and Lady Grantham herself ordered him out. How unsightly for her to be parading about even though she is destitute! She certainly does not look it tonight.”

Veronica’s chest tightened as they continued into the fray of elegance and wealth.

“I heard the Earl vanished off the coast,” a man said, not bothering to whisper. “He stole a rather priceless painting from a gallery and took off with it. Rumor says he is trying to find a buyer.”

“Was it a painting? The stories I overheard was that he…” His voice lowered. “He took a male lover who was the painter and stole away with him.”

“Quite unsightly!” the first man said, disgusted.

Veronica withdrew from their direction, trying to control her urge to glower at them. Such rumors could bring even further ruination onto their family. It was hard, of course, but that was not Robert’s reason for disappearing.

“Perhaps Lord Ashley was right when he said the Earl left the ton to join a wandering troupe.”

Raucous laughter spiraled from the group of young lords who watched Veronica with intent.

“Look, dearest,” Judith whispered, clearly in denial of the whispers and stares. “It appears you already have some admirers!”

But dancing with any of the men present was the last thing on Veronica’s mind. She wished not to surround herself with any of them, not when they spoke ill of her brother. Not when they saw her as a pitiful rescue rather than a good match.

I shall do what I must for my mother’s sake . For her, I shall endure anything.

Mercifully, Veronica soon grew close to the one person in the ton who did not give into spiteful, vicious gossip, but even the other ladies of Evelina’s party melted away as soon as Veronica came closer.

“I am so happy you could make it, Veronica!” Evelina cried, pulling her friend close. “And do not listen to those nasty rumors as?—”

“As they could be true?” Lady Fernwell’s voice cut in, and she appeared from the crowd of ladies and suitors, dressed in her trademark pink.

Her gown was elegant and draped over her figure, her cane finished with a pink bird in flight. It was fine craftsmanship.

“Mama,” Evelina whispered. Eyes continued to linger too long, making the back of Veronica’s neck prickle. “Please do not make anything unpleasant for your guests.”

“I shall not,” Lady Fernwell sniffed. “I am a woman of society, Evelina, as you should be. Listen to those around you.”

“Veronica is also around me. And I shall listen to her.”

Lady Fernwell had the same hesitance to address Veronica and her mother as she had the day Veronica had dined here earlier in the week.

“Thank you both for attending my ball to start what I hope to be a glorious season! Evelina was quite insistent on your attendance.” She gave an awkward laugh that said enough.

Her eyes flickered around them, as if not wanting to be known to be speaking with them. She stepped back.

She had not wanted to invite us at all , Veronica realized.

She smiled and curtsied.

“We are most grateful for your hospitality, Lady Fernwell,” Judith said. “Are we not, Veronica?”

“Certainly,” she answered, smiling. “I do hope those gossip sheets are keeping you busy. You must see many things about many people.”

Do not focus solely on our downfall was what she meant.

“Indeed,” Lady Fernwell answered, her smile far too polite. “If you will excuse me, I believe I see Lady Ashley and I must speak with her about…”

Her words trailed off, and Veronica winced as the woman swanned away in that way of hers. The guests parted for their host, and moments later, laughter was heard, tinkling over the music.

Evelina grasped Veronica’s hands, turning her attention back to her. “I am sorry for my mother’s behavior,” she apologized, her delicate brows furrowing.

“It is quite all right,” Veronica assured her. “I understand.”

Judith looked troubled for a moment as she listened, as if she truly did manage to delude herself into thinking that nobody noticed their downfall or noticed her goings-on with Lord Barwicke.

Veronica’s nerves frayed, hoping she would not see the Lord tonight. If she had to witness his smarmy smile, knowing exactly what he was doing to her mother…

She could not bear it.

“Well, time shall not wait for two young ladies!” Judith encouraged. “Veronica, darling, please do mingle. Do not linger on the outskirts on my account. It would make me ever so happy to see you have at least one dance tonight.”

Judith’s eyes looked over Veronica’s dress, and she thought to herself, do not waste the money your mother has endured such atrocities to secure in order to buy this gown.

And as much as the truth speared her heart to accept, Veronica knew there was nothing she could do about the dress now. It had been bargained for in a terrible deal, bought, but the deal would not end at a dress. No, her mother would not give up this awful bargain until their fortunes were secured.

Evelina linked her arm through Veronica’s. “Come! Your mother speaks wisely.” She smiled prettily at Judith and began to tug Veronica away. “We shall not rest tonight until we have spoken to every eligible suitor here!”

Veronica mustered a smile.

More chatter surrounded them, finally moving away from the Granthams’ downfall onto who might pair up tonight for a dance.

Gentleman laughed about having skipped a few dance lessons, and yet they still sought a lady who knew every dance known to man. Veronica despised it so as Evelina took her for a turn around the room.

“How are you faring?” Evelina asked, and Veronica realized, with a start, that she had still not told her friend of her mother’s dealings with Lord Barwicke, and Evelina was graciously not speaking of the gossip sheet.

Veronica still could not find words for the situation at hand.

“I am tired,” she admitted. “I am well, but… I must find a husband before the rumors about Robert get out of hand. Do you hear everything they are saying? It is awful!”

Distress withered her voice, and she could only avoid the searching gazes of those around her. “Am I to conclude I shall simply be a spinster forever? I cannot fathom the thought.”

She pinched her brow, smoothing out the frown. Evelina patted her arm still linked through hers.

“Fear not, Veronica,” she said, ever optimistic. “I shall help you out!”

Just as I wish to help Mama out.

“Thank you,” Veronica answered, her head still held high.

But before she could hope for a second, a group of ladies stepped forward, false smiles already plastered on their faces.

“Lady Veronica,” greeted one of the young women, whom Veronica recognized as Miss Garland, a daughter of a Lord Garland, who lived about the square. “How brave of you to show your face tonight.”

“It is not bravery, Miss Garland, I assure you,” Veronica answered politely. “If you will excuse?—”

“I cannot help but notice you did not frequent many trips to the modiste ahead of the season,” the lady said, basking in the giggles of her two friends either side of her. “And I must be the one to tell you, Veronica, that it shows.”

She pouted condescendingly, looking at the blue-silver gown Veronica wore. “Honestly, it is rather simple, is it not? You would have been far better to show your face in an old dress than… this .” Her lip curled, her glass gesturing towards Veronica’s gown.

“If you cannot afford a new one that is of splendid quality, then I am sure we could help you out,” Miss Garland said. “Evelina, you have some old tattered gowns, do you not? Perhaps Lady Grantham could afford to buy those from you.”

“Miss Garland, I would ask you to be polite to my guest,” Evelina said, her eyes narrowing.

“I am merely stating facts, Miss Stapleton,” she sniffed. “Do you know how the rest of us feel when we must be among those who are practically commoners? Do you not understand how dire your finances are, now that the Earl of Grantham has abandoned you?”

“He has not ?—”

“Miss Garland, I shall have you removed from my mother’s ball if you do not respect my guests!” Evelina insisted firmly while Veronica seethed. At all the insults! A commoner and abandonment? Miss Garland had some nerve.

“If Lady Veronica cannot handle a little light teasing at the season’s first ball, then how is she to endure the whispers on the square in public, Miss Stapleton?” Miss Garland asked sweetly, smiling ever so innocently. “The gossip sheets are abuzz, and the parks are teeming with rumors during people’s daily walks. Lady Veronica will not be safe anywhere. I am merely warning her.”

Veronica tried to tamper her rage down, trying to re-center her mind on her true purpose she was there: to find a husband. She would do herself no good by getting into petty arguments started by a woman who was clearly itching for a reaction from her. Well, she would not grant it.

“Thank you,” Veronica murmured to Evelina. “However, I find Miss Garland unworthy of a moment more of either of our time.”

Then, she turned to Miss Garland, “Enjoy the ball, Miss Garland. I do hope you do not use such a strong tongue on a gentleman tonight, lest you find yourself with no visitors tomorrow. Then again, can one really help one’s upbringing of vanity and nastiness?”

Miss Garland blinked, stifled by Veronica’s comment, as she and Evelina walked away.

But as they did, a voice was raised over the music, loudly announcing the newest guest to arrive.

“The Duke of Westley,” the usher called out, and Veronica’s heart stopped as all eyes turned to the stairwell where the Duke emerged.

He lifted a brow as he surveyed the ballroom below him.

Evelina gasped at her side, but Veronica’s eyes locked onto the Duke’s. His gaze pierced her for a moment, and the ballroom positively melted away. A fluttering in her chest began, and she could feel a flush of heat curl through her.

She tamped it down right as the Duke flicked his gaze away from her, disinterested. He tucked his hands behind his back as he descended the grand staircase in a fine dark jacket, his presence growing bigger and bigger as whispers started up.

Heaven help me , she thought. But at least I am not the only one enduring whispers tonight.

“I did not realize he had accepted my mother’s invitation,” Evelina whispered. “I am surprised. His Grace is not a sociable man. Whatever could he be here for?”

Veronica’s eyes could not leave the Duke as he walked onto the floor and was immediately accosted by two women she recognized as Lady Sheridan and Lady Lindbury. They had often been in similar social circles as her mother.

“No,” she agreed. “He certainly is not a sociable man at all.”