Page 24 of The Duke’s Spinster Bride (A Duke’s Game #2)

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Y ou look beautiful.” Frederick’s voice was hoarse as Andrea walked towards him.

He took put a foot on the stairs, taking a step towards her before he even realised what he was doing. Her smile widened as he looked up at her. How have I been so lucky?

Her red ballgown shimmered as she moved down the stairs, the silver embroidery catching the light and reflecting it all around them. The dress was cut with a swooping neckline and short sleeves that showed off the gentle curve of her arm.

Her neck was an elegant line, framed with a delicate gold necklace. Her eyes met his and she blushed, but did not look away.

“Thank you.” She slipped an arm through his, chewing on her lip as they moved towards the door.

The warmth of her touch travelled through him like a bolt of lightning. Every muscle in him tensed and then relaxed, his breath hissing through his teeth. He shook himself and looked at her.

“Did you just accept my compliment, dear Duchess?” He canted his head towards her, trying to ignore the steady thundering of his heart in his chest.

She blushed and nodded. “Though I am not sure I will be able to do so again. It has taken rather a lot of practice to get to this stage.”

“Then perhaps I should give you more occasions to practice.” He chuckled.

Andrea shrugged and as they drew closer to the doors that would lead them into the ballroom, he felt her grow stiffer and more tense.

He paused. “Are you all right?”

“I… I have never had much luck at balls. And even though I know things are different now, I… I cannot help but remember. All those fumbling conversations and what it felt like to constantly be on the outside of things.” She looked down at the ground. “I cannot help but remember how all these people judged me, how they said awful things about me.”

His heart ached for her and he tightened his grip on her arm, reaching over and tilting her chin up so that she looked into his eyes. He heard her breath catch.

“I am sorry that you had to go through that.” He murmured. “But you are not the same woman that you were. You are a duchess now, and you do not have to do this alone.”

“I… I know that… But I am still getting used to the reality of it.” She gave him a small, nervous smile. “What if I get it all wrong?”

“You have me. And I have seen how you are when you do not have to worry about making a good impression. And if anyone is rude to you, they will have to deal with me.” His eyes met hers, reminding her of that same lit fuse at their wedding ball. “You are my Duchess, I am your Duke. The ton would do well to pay you the respect you deserve.”

Andrea swallowed, the intensity of his gaze feeling like a physical touch. Will I ever get used to being so protected. “Thank you.”

“You need never thank me for protecting you.” The serious expression faded and he winked at her. “Besides, we have already scandalised them rather thoroughly, it is not as though we can fall much further from grace.”

Her eyes widened and she laughed. “I suppose there is some truth to that.”

“Exactly. Let us take things one step at a time.” He nodded towards the door. “The first step is to enter – do you feel ready to do that.”

She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded. He gave her an encouraging smile and signalled for the steward to announce them.

“Announcing, their Graces, Frederick and Andrea Felton, the Duke and Duchess of Caverton.” The voice called as the doors swung open.

Frederick gave Andrea’s hand a small squeeze as he led her through the crowd. He could feel their eyes on him, feel the weight of their expectation. He straightened, standing tall and proud.

Beside him, Andrea followed suit.

Her lips barely moved as she said, “What is the next step?”

“We dance.” He moved in front of her, bowing low and holding out a hand. “If you would do me the honour?”

The memory of their wedding dance flooded his mind, the anger, the possessiveness. He pushed it aside, keeping his shoulders relaxed, his posture inviting as she slipped her hand into his.

He pulled her into the waltz position and the music began to play. “Just focus on me.”

She nodded.

“Just enjoy this moment. That is all you have to do.” He smiled at her as he twirled her across the dance floor. He dipped her with ease.

Their bodies moved as one. At the slightest adjustment of pressure on his part, Andrea changed course. He led and she followed, the music lifting them to dizzying heights as he twirled her across the dance floor.

“You are doing brilliantly.” He grinned at her, and she beamed back.

“Because of you.” She answered. “You make all of this seem easy.”

His heart swelled in his chest and he swore it would burst.

“It is easy, once you find the right course.” He gestured around them. “Talking to people, dancing, it is all very similar.”

“What do you mean?” She tilted her head at him.

“There is a formula to it. Just like there are steps to a waltz, and all you have to do is learn them.” He shrugged.

“I have had twenty six years to learn them and have had staggeringly little success.” She bit her bottom lip.

“That is because you have not had me.” The music finished, and Frederick stopped, catching Andrea and then dropping into a bow, lifting her hand to his mouth and brushing his lips across her knuckles.

The smell of jasmine filled his nose and when he looked up, there was a distinct flush on Andrea’s cheeks. He led her towards the crowd, searching for people he could introduce her to.

It needs to be someone amenable. Preferably not one of the gossips. He adjusted course when he spotted one such gossip and made a beeline towards a group of older people, many of whom he had known since he was a child.

As he approached them, he murmured in Andrea’s ear, “the trick is just to ask them questions. People love talking about themselves and if you are struggling to think of something to say, ask them about something.”

“Like what?”

“Anything. Their children. Their dogs – dogs are probably a safer bet, people are always far more keen to talk about their pets.” Frederick shrugged as they drew level with the group.

“Duke Caverton, how wonderful to see you!” A tall woman with a warm smile beamed at him. “How is your grandmother? I thought I might see her here tonight, but apparently it is not to be.”

“Oh I expect she will make an entrance later, you know what she is like.” Frederick made a vague gesture, still holding Andrea’s arm in his own. “Have you met my wife, Andrea Felton? Duchess of Caverton.”

“No, I do not think I have had the pleasure. After all, you got married so quickly very few of us could make the wedding. Naughty boy!” She pointed a finger at him before turning her attention to Andrea. “I am Lady Edwina Peregrine, Marchioness of Arlham, and this is my husband Lord Michael Peregrine, Marquess of Arlham.”

“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace.” Lord Arlham bowed to Andrea.

“And you, Lord and Lady Arlham.” Andrea curtseyed. “Have you had a good evening?”

“Oh yes, splendid.” Lord Arlham grabbed a drink from a nearby servant and offered one to his wife.

“The Cotswalts know how to host a good soiree. Though, not quite as grand as a Caverton event.” Lady Arlham gave Frederick a meaningful look.

“I think there is something rather nice about a more intimate affair.” Frederick shrugged, grabbing a drink for himself and for Andrea, while he kept his smile bright and airy.

“Oh I quite agree. More opportunity to get to know people and make introductions.” Lord Arlham chimed in.

Frederick clapped him on the back. “And less people I am related to!”

The group burst into laughter. “Which reminds me, have I remembered correctly, Lady Arlham, that you are quite the artist?” Frederick canted his head towards her.

Lady Arlham fanned herself, playfully batting at him with the object. “Oh, you flattererer! I have some middling talent but I am by no means an artist!”

“That is exactly what my wife says when I say that to her, though by all accounts you are both rather talented.” He grinned at Andrea, whose cheeks were pink.

“You paint?” Lady Arlham turned to Andrea, her eyes wide.

She shifted from foot to foot. “A little, mostly landscapes, occasionally some portraiture.”

“She is being modest,” Frederick interjected. “She is very talented.”

“I would love to see some of your work.”

“And I yours.” Andrea flashed Frederick a grateful look.

Lady Arlham leaned towards her. “Have you managed to capture much of Caverton? There is some truly wonderful scenery in the area.”

“Not as much as I would like.”

Lady Arlham made a sympathetic noise. “I imagine with being so newly married, there have been other things to occupy you.”

Frederick, who had just taken a sip of his wine spluttered and coughed. Both Andrea and Lady Arlham looked at him, their eyebrows raised.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. Fine. Just… Swallowed wrong.” He beckoned for the two women to continu talking.

Every so often, he would interject in the conversation, highlighting some achievement or another of Andrea’s or flattering one of the other members of their group.

But as they moved between the circles, he found he needed to do so less and less. A finger tugged at his sleeve and he turned to find a servant looking at him expectantly. “A note for you , Your Grace.”

Frederick took it and frowned, his heart thundering as he realised who it was from . “The man who gave you this. Where is he?”

“On the veranda, Your Grace.” The servant jerked his head in the direction of the veranda.

“Thank you.” Frederick slipped a hand into his pocket and then shook the servant’s hand, slipping him a ￡10 note as he did. “I trust you will forget that you have seen him.”

The man nodded and Frederick was about to step away and make his way towards the veranda when Andrea grabbed his wrist. “Where are you going?”

“I am just stepping out for some air.” He gently pulled free of her grip.

Her eyes went wide. “You are leaving me?”

“Only for a moment, but you do not need to worry. You have scarcely needed me for the last half hour.” He smiled at her.

“But-”

“- Andrea, you can do this.” He gave her arm a squeeze. “I would not leave if I thought you could not.”

“You swear?”

“On my honour.” He placed a hand over his chest. “You can do this. Remember, you are the Duchess.”

She nodded, and he left, striding onto the veranda. As soon as he emerged into the cool night air, he spotted Mr. Langley. The man scurried over to him and placed an envelope in his hand.

“Everything you wanted. And more.”

Frederick nodded and opened the envelope. As soon as he read what was inside it, he gasped. Wordlessly, he handed Mr. Langley the rest of the money he was owed, and then turned to face the ballroom.

“I think it is high time I gave my wife another gift.”