Page 16 of The Duke’s Return (Dukes of the Compass Rose #2)

J ulian had never had trouble before entering the doors to a social event hosted in the countryside. Not until now.

Grumbling under his breath, he glanced out the window of their carriage to see what the fuss was about. On a matter of principle, he didn’t believe in waiting more than five minutes from stepping out of his carriage to entering the doors for a ball.

“There is quite a crush here.” Genevieve’s mild comment was tinged with amusement. She looked out the window as well before they turned to one another.

“You’re the one who read the invitation.

Is the Prince Regent here or some blasted guest?

” Julian asked and then caught his sour mood.

It had been a quiet and calm ride until they came to a halt nearly ten minutes ago.

He smoothed a hand through his hair. “And here I thought we would be the talk of the town.”

“Oh, we are,” she reassured him, unfazed by his quick mood shift. “I do believe everyone south of London may have come to attend this garden fete.”

He gave a short nod. “Ah. Very good, then.”

“It offers a very promising opportunity for us,” Genevieve said the truth of the matter out loud.

He didn’t think he should be so surprised she was taking the lead.

Every day, he was learning his wife was more experienced and equipped for any given challenge.

She clasped her hands neatly in her lap as she said, “Lord and Lady Kettering were gracious in sending us a last-minute invitation upon our arrival to the countryside.”

“You would appear to be right.” Julian settled his cheek on his fist, turning his gaze from the line of carriages to his wife. “A garden fete. We’re surrounded by fresh air already. What do you think we shall enjoy here?”

Curiosity filled her gaze when she glanced his way, but after a pause she clearly decided to take his question seriously.

“I suppose it is meant to be a daytime soiree, much more casual but definitely intended to allow plenty of time for gossip. Picnics are so much more private. But here we’ll surely enjoy the gardens, perhaps a conservatory or green house, and enjoy some music. And probably too much champagne.”

He jerked his head up. “Do you enjoy champagne?”

“It’s French,” she said dismissively.

Julian opened his mouth to protest that was hardly an excuse. Everyone in England was supposed to despise everything French because of the war. But that didn’t stop anyone from following past French fashions or enjoying French butter.

Before he could get a word out, their carriage started moving again. The carriages around them shifted about into two lanes. It was still awfully crowded, but Julian didn’t care. He’d told their driver to deliver them as close as possible and then they would sort it out from there.

Descending, Julian had to help Genevieve out and then squeeze between two other carriages. His wife sent him a pointed glance, but he paid it no mind.

They finally reached the front of the house. He relaxed at once. Yesterday and even last night had put in a lot of work to fry his nerves. But he’d promised himself once he was away from his bed chamber and his study, he could forget his worries to enjoy a social event.

“Garden fetes,” Julian mused while he led Genevieve down a hall toward wide open doors leading out to the private grounds. Their hosts stood in the way to welcome everyone. “Flowers and champagne and at least a hundred guests to speak to today.”

“Please tell me you know at least half of them,” she murmured.

He slowed down before their hosts to shoot her a smile. “What if I didn’t know any of them?”

It was a weak jest, but it garnered a sharp look from his wife.

And that alone was life force enough for Julian during the next hour.

They greeted their hosts, Lord and Lady Kettering, and were promptly sent around for introductions with Miss Alice Kettering, the eldest of five daughters and the only one old enough to be out.

“You’ve been so kind,” Genevieve told Alice when Julian beckoned to a wandering servant for three lemonades.

“We had best let you return to your mother now. I cannot imagine she meant for you to accompany us for so long. How indebted we are to your kindness, Miss Alice. Thank you for the thoughtful introductions. I hope to hear from you soon regarding your bluebird painting.”

One of the many topics they had enjoyed. Miss Alice blushed, accepting the praise and a lemonade before hastily taking her leave.

Finally. She’s a darling child but I think she might have glued herself to our sides if we weren’t more careful. Hardly of age and she knows every person here. That’s rather impressive.

“She’s a very kind young lady,” Genevieve whispered at his side, her lips pressed gently against her glass. “I hope you don’t mind her halting the introductions. I needed a minute of peace.”

He gave a low chuckle. “Thank the lord.” Another point in his wife’s favor. How was she not a prize amongst the ton? It was unfathomable he’d managed to find such a clever wife.

This afternoon promised to be quite a splendid affair for their first public appearance. Shiny drippings sparkled in the daylight and blended in well with the colorful garden. Musicians played nearby, lighthearted music. Champagne indeed flowed alongside plenty of lemonade and desserts.

And my wife fits perfectly into all of it.

Hopefully, Julian thought, this event alone would allow the world to see he was not so elusive and his wife was not that mysterious. Seeing them, particularly together, would hopefully go a long way in clearing the family name.

“Shall we walk amongst the roses?” Genevieve said softly when they hadn’t spoken for a long minute. “I see a particular shade that has caught my interest. It’s a very particular pink.”

“But of course.” He set their glasses down on a nearby tray before dramatically flaring out his arm, seeing a few eyes on them. “My lady.”

She blinked a few times and then gripped his arm––tightly for a moment before she loosened––and then they began to walk.

Having dressed in a soft blue silk, Genevieve looked very much the part of a gentle lady today. The pearls in her hair appeared simpler compared to some of the more elaborate hairstyles, Julian noted, but this fit his wife much better. She looked determined and radiant.

And a touch nervous.

“Is something wrong?” he asked quietly as they moved along.

“Wrong? Why would you think that?”

Julian brought them to a halt before some pink roses. Genevieve was staring firmly at them and avoiding him. But as he shifted her hand into his own, he used it to tug her to face him so she couldn’t hide.

And there, just for a second, he could see the doubt. Movement caught his eye as she swallowed inaudibly.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s nothing.” She blinked again, her gaze flitting away before meeting his. He waited. A moment passed before she relented. He noticed the tightness around her lips that made her reluctant to say anything. But then she admitted, “Everyone is watching us.”

Slowly it occurred to Julian that Genevieve wasn’t used to such a thing.

From what he’d heard of his household, she was a fairly private woman who attended only a few events on occasion and never stayed for long.

There was never mention of her in the papers or gossip corners. Bold she might be, but not a performer.

Whereas I spent most of my life performing. If not for my parents, then for the ton.

His heart softened. Sliding his hand over hers, he carefully picked up her hand and bowed over it to lightly brush his lips over the top of her pale blue glove.

“We’ll give them something to watch,” he murmured, and kissed her again before straightening. “And we’ll give them something to talk about.”

Her brow furrowed as he tucked her hand back on his arm. “What do you mean?”

Leading her away from the crowd, Julian took Genevieve through the gardens.

They walked slowly but intentionally. Having visited on occasion in his childhood, he remembered the short maze and found the area empty.

Thick hedges surrounded them from free sides all the way up to his shoulders.

It wasn’t entirely private, but this space certainly felt that way.

“That was…” Genevieve pulled her hand free when they reached the center. Setting her hands over her waist, she cleared her throat and grudgingly added, “rather clever. But inappropriate.”

“Really?” He heard the scolding in her tone and couldn’t resist a grin. “Because I was flirting with you?”

“No. Yes. I mean, it wasn’t…”

Genevieve trailed off. Shaking her head, she stepped back and moved toward the sundial in the center. He gave her a moment to collect herself as she appeared to need it.

And so did he. His heartbeat had picked up speed, and it was bothering him.

“Julian, do you really think…” Genevieve turned back toward him and then froze as they heard footsteps nearby.

Both of them stilled. They listened to the footsteps draw near, impossibly close, before suddenly stopping.

Seeing no one, Julian glanced around and then frowned.

The maze wasn’t so tall that he was hidden.

But he was a large man, and most of the women here as well as the men might well disappear in the hedges.

Giggles burst forth on the other side of the hedges. Julian jerked and shared a glance with his wife who nodded. Neither of them said a word.

“Wasn’t that romantic?” said a woman with a sigh.

“Perhaps you were right after all, Jane, dear. Goodness me. If only I were thirty years younger. My Gerald, too. The Duke and Duchess of Southwick in love indeed. What nonsense is London spouting? They clearly don’t know these two.”

Julian bit back a smirk. His plan was working.