Page 51 of The Duchess and the Beast
As he handed Virtue a glass of red wine, he noticed a figure approaching them. A man, slightly shorter than Sebastian, with a nervous energy about him. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Sebastian's instincts, honed from years of vigilance, tensed, but he kept his expression neutral.
“Your—Your Grace,” the man stammered, bowing with great deference. “I am Lord Tarrow, Baron of Selwich. It is indeed a profound honor to make your acquaintance.”
Sebastian acknowledged the man with a nod, his grip on the punch glass tightening slightly. “Lord Tarrow,” he responded, his voice even yet cautious.
Virtue, sensing Sebastian's unease, stepped in smoothly. “Lord Tarrow, how lovely to see you again. We met briefly at Lady Abernathy's ball.”
Recognition flickered in Tarrow's eyes. “Ah, yes! The unfortunate affair with the wine.” Tarrow waved a hand dismissively. “Think nothing of it. We all have our moments ofclumsiness, do we not?” He turned back to Sebastian, wringing his hands suddenly, his composure faltering. “ I—I just wanted to say what an honor it is to meet you, Your Grace. The tales of your valor during the war… well, they are held in the highest esteem within my family.”
Sebastian’s initial wariness began to soften. “Oh. Thank you, Lord Tarrow. Your words are greatly appreciated.”
The baron's relief was palpable, and his smile, though tentative, was genuinely warm. “Indeed, Your Grace. I must confess, I have studied your military strategies in great depth too. Your leadership of the Royal Dragoons at the Battle of Salamanca was truly exemplary. I long to accomplish a similar feat someday!”
Sebastian's features hardened for a moment, memories of the battlefield flashing before his eyes. “The war is behind us, Lord Tarrow. Tonight, let us focus on more... peaceful endeavors.”
“My apologies, Your Grace,” the Baron laughed awkwardly. “I sometimes let my enthusiasm carry me away. Well, I shall not take up much more of your time, I just wanted to say, it is a privilege to see you here tonight.”
Sebastian nodded, still somewhat stiff. Before he could offer a reply, another figure approached—a tall, distinguished man with silver hair and a commanding presence. He bowed respectfully. “Your Graces, Lord Tarrow. May I have the honor of introducing myself? I am Lord Fitzwilliam, Earl of Kimberley.”
Sebastian inclined his head, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sudden attention. “My Lord.”
Fitzwilliam smiled warmly. “It is a pleasure to see you among us, Your Grace. I had the pleasure of knowing your father. We once spent a memorable summer foxhunting when you were but a lad. I recall you were quite fearless, even then.”
“Oh, you must tell me more—my husband rarely indulges in recounting tales from his youth,” Virtue interjected with an eager smile.
As they conversed, another couple joined the group, exchanging introductions and warm greetings. Sebastian felt the knot of tension in his chest begin to loosen. Virtue, ever graceful, facilitated the conversations, her presence a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.
Throughout the evening, more guests approached, each one offering kind words and expressing their admiration. Sebastian found himself relaxing, if only slightly, as the night wore on. The warmth of the room, the gentle hum of conversation, and the supportive presence of his wife by his side all worked together to create a sense of acceptance he had long thought impossible.
“Come!” Virtue cried excitedly, clutching her husband’s hand and dragging him through the quiet corridors of the Rochester Estate. “Or I might just leave you behind.”
It was well into the night now, and the ballroom, alive with music and dancing, was now a floor below them. After mingling with a host of guests and sharing a few more dances, Virtue and Sebastian had decided to slip away to the balcony for a breath of fresh air. Presently, they found themselves playfully lost within the labyrinthine manor, a delightful adventure in itself.
“You wouldn’t dare!” Sebastian chuckled deeply as he trailed behind her.
“Dare I would!” she widened her eyes at him, laughing the whole while. “It is not as though I am without my admirers."
He glared at her, but it was all in good fun. “Careful, Virtue.”
“It is not to say you are without your own. Did you see the way the Baron of Tarrow was eyeing you for the last half hour!” she giggled, tugging him along.
Sebastian burst into a fit of laughter once more.
Oh, what a wonderful night! Virtue could scarcely believe it. Though she would not admit it now, she had been nervous about tonight, worried that bringing her husband to such an event might be a bridge too far. That it was too early for them, too soon. That one wrong thing said, or one awkward moment might undo him.
He did not enjoy crowds. He did not enjoy people. He had spent half a lifetime hiding from them, for fear that he might bejudged. But she had needed him here tonight, as much for her as for him. Yes, she wished to show thetonthat their marriage was a happy one and the things people had once said were far from the truth. Yes, she had wanted to show off in a way, to prove herself as much as anything. But she had also wanted it for Sebastian’s sake, knowing that if he could make it through tonight, then anything was possible.
As it happened, her worries were utterly unfounded.
“Where are you taking me?” he chuckled as she led him.
“Away. Forever!” she laughed, tripping, only to catch herself and draw him closer in a single fluid motion.
“As long as you return me by sun-up,” Sebastian joked. “For you know of the perils that await me if I am out past dawn.”
“Ah, yes, the sun burns your skin and you melt.”
“Quite so.”