Page 27 of The Blind Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

For the first time in a long while, Allan was satisfied with his life, and it was all because he’d taken a chance in marrying a woman Mrs. Dove-Lyon had chosen for him… after copious amounts of coin had exchanged hands, of course.

Tonight, he would escort his wife to a ball in London society, hosted by one of his acquaintances within the beau monde and someone whom he’d met a few times at the Lyon’s Den as well at other events.

There were rumors that the Earl of Blackthorne had been a spy for England at one time, while still other bits of gossip said he was a smuggler.

“Your Grace.” His valet touched his shoulder then the thin, cool lawn of a shirt came over his head. “You are woolgathering again.”

He couldn’t help but grin, for he relied heavily on Collins’s friendship and assistance. “I suppose I’ve been doing much of that lately.”

“To say nothing of the fact you have been scarce of late.”

Allan frowned. “How do you mean? I haven’t gone out much.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of that, for you’ve been closeting yourself away with your new wife, and rightfully so. She is quite lovely, both in form and spirit.”

Heat rose up the back of Allan’s neck. “Thank you for telling me, but I think so as well, even if I am unable to see her with my eyes.” But then, he didn’t need to be sighted to know that every bit of Annette had seeped into his soul.

He’d worked long and hard to coax her into his life, and as far as he knew, she hadn’t hidden in her room since that day she’d ventured out.

“I never thought having a wife would be so… different from what I thought. It’s been like having the most darling companion, but more?

She’s inhabited every aspect of my life, enhanced it, came in to proverbially shine light onto everything. ”

“For you to say that, it carries much weight.” When Collins tapped his shoulder, Allan raised his arms so that the valet could slip a waistcoat onto his form. “I don’t know Her Grace all that well, but she does seem to personify light, and once she finds her courage? There will be no stopping her.”

“I think so too.” He grunted when the valet tightened the laces of the waist. “She is still fearful, though, and I don’t know how to help her overcome that.” As he drew his fingertips over the fabric of the waistcoat, he grinned. “You chose a brocade.”

“I did. It has swirls of purple and dark navy shot with silver thread. I thought it prudent since your wife is wearing a gown of deep, dark-purple silk with silver accents.”

“You wanted us to match?”

“There is no harm in it, and since this will be your first foray into society as a couple, I hope to have you both make a sensation.” As he spoke, Collins began his manipulation of the length of cravat silk.

“In any event, I’m proud to put you out into the beau monde as the duke I always knew you could be. ”

Allan frowned. “I wasn’t doing that before I married?”

A chuckle came from his friend. “Of course you were, but now? With Her Grace in your life? Well, I have the feeling you will do greater things than you already are, and I’m proud to know you.

” A few moments later, the cravat was finished.

“Tonight, you’ll look stunning in the tailcoat, so I hope you’ll do the suit justice and ask your wife to dance at least once. ”

The thought of having Annette in his arms on the dance floor, going about the ballroom with their hands touching and arms brushing sent blood rushing through his veins.

Yes, they had shared private dances between them, but doing so in public was a whole different beast. “If the mood strikes, perhaps I will.” Because he wanted to look as dashing as he could for her, he softly cleared his throat.

“I would like the sapphire stick pin within the folds of the cravat, please.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Briefly, Collins left him, presumably to fetch the piece of jewelry. “Might I ask you a personal question?”

“Don’t you always, without permission?”

“Indeed.” The valet returned, and his hands were on the cravat, inserting the stick pin. “However, I have known you for years, and I’ve grown rather protective of you.”

He nodded. “Continue.”

“Let me ask you this, Masterson. Are you in love with your wife or do you consider her a delightful companion that sometimes lets you bed her?” Though polite inquiry was in the tone, Allan detected a faint note of worry there as well.

“Fair enough, and thank you for putting the thought to the forefront.” As he slipped his arms into the sleeves of the evening coat, he sighed.

“I honestly believe that I’m falling in love with her.

However, I can’t let myself execute a complete free fall for fear she still fancies her dead first husband.

” It was difficult sharing something so personal of himself, but someone needed to know.

“I don’t wish to extend my feelings or even declare them if she won’t one hundred percent reciprocate.

To be blunt, there is simply no way for me to compete with a ghost, and neither do I want to.

” He huffed out a breath. “Yet I won’t make a decision until I know where her affections lie. ”

“Fair enough.” Collins did up the buttons on the jacket. Then he used a small brush to remove lint and other items from the fabric. “It won’t do to send you out into the world with orange cat hair stuck to your coat.”

A chuckle left Allan’s throat. “Romeo does tend to leave an impression.”

“The buttons tonight are pearl set in silver. They will catch the candlelight and draw attention to your waistcoat.” Then he rested a hand on Allan’s shoulder.

“Enjoy yourself tonight, Your Grace. After everything, you deserve to grasp happiness and love. Up until now, you have been fearless if conservative in how you live your life. Perhaps it’s time to throw caution to the wind to give yourself a little push into that next level you so clearly want. ”

That made sense. He pushed his spectacles up onto the bridge of his nose. “I will bear that in mind, my friend, and thank you.”

A soft knock sounded on the door.

Allan blew out a breath. “Will you please answer that?”

“Of course.” The sound of the door being opened reached Allan’s ears, quickly followed by the faint inhalation from Collins. “Good evening, Your Grace,” the valet said. “And might I add, you are quite lovely tonight.”

“You are very sweet, Mr. Collins. Thank you. Is, uh, the duke ready? The butler told me in passing that his carriage is waiting.”

“He is, just needs gloves and his top hat. Please, come in.”

“Thank you.” The faint scent of pears and vanilla wafted to Allan’s nose as Annette drifted close. “You are stunning in the evening wear, Peregrine,” she blurted with a hint of breathlessness in her voice.

At his side, Collins cleared his throat.

He must have sneaked over while Annette had entered the room.

“Her Grace is splendid in a gown of deep purple silk with simple lines. The bodice and bottom hem is lined with silver embroidery designs of scrolls and paisleys. She wears delicate matching slippers, and her upswept hair features a silver butterfly broach set with small amethysts.” With a hand on Allan’s shoulder, he gave it a good squeeze.

“In short, she is a vision, and the perfect personified of a duchess.” Then he put a pair of kid gloves into Allan’s hand.

“Do stop, Mr. Collins. You’re embarrassing me.”

Allan would have wagered his whole fortune that there was a healthy blush in her cheeks. “Thank you, Collins, but my wife could be dressed his sackcloth and ashes, and she would be every inch a duchess, for her soul is pure.”

“Shall I go down and tell the driver you are on your way?”

“That would be kind. Thank you.” Once the door softly snicked closed, Allan turned to his wife. When she grasped his hands, he offered a grin. “I appreciate my valet’s willingness to describe your toilette.”

“I adore the gown. The modiste made quick work of it, and she said the remainder of the clothing I ordered will be finished in a week or so.”

“Well, a duchess does need to be outfitted to perfection.” He bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. “Are you nervous?”

“A bit. It’s taking all my strength not to flee behind my closed bedchamber door, but somehow, with you, that edge is blurred, and it feels as if I can conquer the fear.”

“I know you will.” As he cupped her cheek, drew his thumb along her chin. “If you find the ball too taxing, we will leave early. After all, I’m a duke. Who will complain?”

For then, he would have her all to himself once more, and perhaps they could have an honest yet deep conversation.

Colfax House

St. James Place

Mayfair, London

Allan stood near a wall in the Earl of Blackthorne’s ballroom with Annette at his side.

In fact, she had her hand tucked securely into the crook of his elbow as the sounds of a country reel filled the air.

Nearby, the low buzz of excited conversation reached his ears, but he ignored it all in favor of slightly tilting his head toward his wife’s as she quietly described the layout and decorations throughout the room.

“There is a beautiful crystal chandelier on the ceiling, sparkling with candlelight. Other candles and sconces are about the room, giving everything a soft, golden illumination.” Wonder wove through her voice as the warmth of her breath skated over the underside of his jaw and the side of his neck above his cravat.

“Large urns are filled with summer hothouse flowers; potted ferns are in two corners to give privacy if a couple wishes to talk away from the crowds. Colorful skirts swirl across the floor as the dances switch. The black suits of the male guests provide stark contrast to the softness and feminine fabrics.”