Page 70 of Ruined By the Northern Duke

A hand touched hers to steady her. “No, Your Grace,Ibeg your pardon.”

She straightened, blinking to find herself staring at a familiar face.

“Lord Halbridge,” he said helpfully with a brief nod. “We met outside the chapel before your nuptials.”

“I remember, though I believe we should have someone else do the introduction,” she noted.

He offered her a sly smile. “It’s a crowded ballroom. There are plenty of kind souls who could do us the favor. But it could take some time, and I would rather use that time enjoying a dance with you. Would you do me the honor?”

That hardly seemed proper. But Verity had enjoyed her drinks and her dances and similar company for the past two hours, so she saw little need in worrying about such a small matter now.

“I would be delighted,” she replied.

His eyes widened imperceptibly before his smile widened. A slight giggle escaped her as he led her toward the dance floor, and she felt the bubbly emotions rising in her chest. It seemed she had drunk enough, she told herself, even as they took their positions.

The music began, and she took the first step. But she missed the second as Lord Halbridge shifted to the side, revealing Tristan.

Her husband stared at her from a short distance away. There was a shadow on his face that made him look fierce.

Verity turned, telling herself it meant nothing. She moved through the steps with her partner all the while. Concentrating on the movement always helped clear her mind.

She put Tristan to the side as she whirled around the dance floor, smiling politely at those she passed.

And then the dance was over.

Lord Halbridge stepped forward to take her hand. “What a pleasure it was to have this dance with you,” he told her with a smile.

“Thank you,” Verity returned, feeling warm and giddy.

Then, they both turned to find Tristan standing before them, blocking their path. Verity let go of Lord Halbridge’s hand and looked up at her husband.

“Halbridge,” he uttered shortly.

Lord Halbridge hesitated, glancing at Verity and then Tristan. Tension crackled between them, leaving her off-kilter. Verity shifted uneasily, wanting to ask her dance partner what was wrong.

“Halewood,” Lord Halbridge said, before looking at her. “Your Grace, it was a pleasure.”

She took a step forward as he took his leave, then focused her attention on Tristan. There was no reason for her husband to scare a dance partner off.

“What are you doing?”

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked instead, ignoring her question.

Putting her hands on her hips, she forced a smile. “I was, actually. Thank you for asking. I just finished a dance with a fine partner.”

Tristan’s nostrils flared. A tiny detail, but she noticed it.

An odd feeling washed over her as she wondered why it mattered.

“Halbridge? He’s much too eager to please. And far too free with his hands.”

As she thought back to the dance, Verity couldn’t find fault with the man. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Then perhaps you should be more careful.”

She sucked in her lips, barely managing to keep from snapping at her husband. She inhaled deeply, with the intent to berate him for his behavior, but then she caught his dark gaze.

It was like a candle being lit. A light in the darkness that made her pause.