Page 10 of The Marquess’s Stolen Bride (Dukes Gone Dirty #3)

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I f it weren’t for her husband’s hand on her back, Madeline was certain she’d be swept away by the crowd.

William’s voice was low and right next to her ear as he leaned over her protectively. “Are you all right?”

She nodded, but couldn’t quite say ‘yes.’ Would he even hear her if she were to speak anyway? She doubted it.

The lobby of the opera house was packed with lords and ladies, their laughter and chatter filling the air until it seemed the high, arched ceiling might explode from it all.

Or perhaps she was the only one who would explode. Or be crushed.

It was a toss-up.

“We just have to make our way over there,” William said, nudging her toward an archway leading to a set of stairs. “That’s the way to Raff’s box.”

Nodding, she gritted her teeth. She could do this. It was important to William. And to her, she supposed. He was right about her needing to attend society events at some point or another. And the opera, he’d decided, would be the best way to start.

She wouldn’t need to speak to many people, he’d informed her. It would only be Raff and Evangeline in the box with them, and the rest of society would be kept at bay.

“They will gape and stare, I’m afraid,” he’d warned her tonight before they set out, holding her gloved hand in his so gently, as if she were made of glass. “But at least you will not be forced to make endless small talk and answer their ill-disguised questions.”

“Ill-disguised questions?” she’d echoed.

He winced. “I’m afraid there will be much speculation about you. And your father,” he’d said slowly.

She’d told him that staring she could handle, and if they could just make it to the duke’s box without her being crushed or fainting over the sheer amount of people and voices, she planned to prove just that.

Soon enough, they reached the stairway, but not before she’d overheard Hayden’s title spoken dozens of times. Whispers and stares followed in their wake and she did not miss the myriad of questions that seemed to whirl about her.

Who is she? When did they wed? How did they meet?

Is she really the mad earl’s daughter?

I was told she didn’t exist.

William paused just beyond a curtain that separated them from most of the crowd in the lobby. “How are you faring?” His gaze raked over her before she could respond.

She managed a nod and what she hoped to be a smile.

It might have been more like a grimace. But it was enough to have the line of tension easing from between his brows. “That’s my girl,” he murmured as he lifted her gloved hands to his lips. “Raff’s box is just through there,” he said. “And from here on out, if they whisper, we won’t be able to hear it.”

She laughed despite her tension. “That sounds lovely.”

But it did make her wonder how long the whispers would last, and if perhaps there was something she ought to be doing to put them to rest.

With her brother away and her father bedridden, it fell to her to make excuses for her upbringing—to explain why she’d been hidden away. Hayden and his friends had offered up options. That she’d been unwell as a child, or off traveling with an aunt.

She’d opted for the former. It was closer to the truth and would require less imaginative responses than if anyone were to ask where she’d traveled and what she’d seen.

If she merely said she’d been unwell and kept to her chambers, it wasn’t as though anyone would refute that. Hayden assured her the countess wouldn’t. And besides, the countess was nearly as isolated from society as her father had been these last few years. Aside from her newfound friendship with that snake Mr. Foley, of course—a man Madeline had since learned knew no limits to his knavery.

She did not think the countess would be so bitter as to reveal her illegitimate status now after all these years. But then again, she’d never claimed her as her daughter to the rest of the world, only to their father when he’d demanded it.

“What are you fretting about, love?” William asked.

She tried to smile. “Just wondering about the countess and…” She waved a hand. “About what people will say…”

He stopped walking to turn and face her, his fingers pinching her chin gently as he brought her face up to meet his gaze. “You need not worry about what that woman says. Nor what people whisper or assume.” He smiled broadly. “There are some perks to marrying a marquess, you know. And a wealthy one at that.”

She laughed at his teasing. It was impossible not to when his eyes gleamed with amusement as they did now.

“Your troubles are mine now,” he said. “She can’t hurt you or me so long as we stand together. Do you understand?”

She nodded, but her lungs hitched with newfound emotions. She ought to be used to it by now. They’d been married a week, and each day she was struck anew with these waves of gratitude and happiness and…the fear that always accompanied them both. The whisper in her ear that told her this new life was too good to be true.

And tonight, she was able to put a name and face to her fears. It was the countess’s voice she heard. It was the countess’s cold eyes she imagined each time she felt too happy.

Because surely the countess would not stand idly by and allow her illegitimate daughter who she despised to have so much joy. Not when her plans had been thwarted by Madeline’s happy match.

She’d learned enough from William to know that he had not given her all she’d asked. And what the countess had asked wasn’t even close to the amount she’d hoped to gain by auctioning Madeline off to the highest bidder.

William smiled down at her and offered his arm. “Ready?”

She nodded, and indeed some of her tension eased at the thought of being alone with William and his friends.

His friends who were starting to become her friends as well.

And so yes, perhaps William had a point. She wasn’t alone anymore. And she wasn’t the hated, unwanted girl stuck in a tower either. She was a marchioness now, and she could count a duchess as one of her friends in life.

Surely that was something.

And besides, when Albert returned, he’d know how to speak to the countess. The two didn’t exactly have a warm, familial bond—Madeline wasn’t sure the countess was capable of such a thing—but if she cared about anyone, it was Albert. So, he alone could persuade her.

Once inside the box, she was too distracted by Evangeline’s embrace and Raff’s warm greeting to worry about anything at all. And when William helped her to her seat and sat beside her, explaining to her the different instruments in the orchestra below the stage, and the story behind the opera they were about to see, she was far too entertained to care.

And then the music swelled and the curtain rose, and Madeline…

Madeline was transported.

She’d heard about operas from Albert, and he’d even read her some plays he’d found in her father’s study. But she’d never dreamed it could be like this.

William squeezed her hand when the first opera singer opened her mouth…and then the magic truly began. Madeline’s heart was lost as the sound swept over her. The voice, the music, the emotions that struck her deep inside even though she did not know the words.

She could not look away even as the scenery was being changed. Indeed, even the set and the workers seemed to be a part of this magic. All combined, the people and the music and the stage…

“It’s a miracle,” she whispered.

She turned to see if William was just as smitten, but his gaze was fixed on her. She realized during the next scene that his attention was more on her, and his gaze was filled with affection. Never in her life had she felt more cherished.

Emotions got the best of her, and she swiped away a tear when the intermission came about.

“What do you think, darling?” William asked.

“Thank you.” She reached for his arm and squeezed. “Thank you for bringing me here. For showing me this…”

She trailed off as she shook her head. She didn’t even have the words.

His chuckle was low in his throat. “It is my pleasure, love. Trust me, I have never been more entertained during a night at the theater.”

She grinned at his teasing. “Am I making a spectacle of myself?”

“Not at all.” He reached out and brushed away the last of her tears. “I’m honored that I could be here for your first time.” His grin grew wolfish. “For all your first times.”

She gasped, clasping her lips together tight as her cheeks filled with heat, which made William laugh all over again.

“Raff and I will go fetch you ladies something to drink,” he said. “Stay here and let all those preening peacocks below wonder at what has you blushing so.”

She giggled. “You’re terrible.”

But he and Raff were soon gone and she made the mistake of looking out at the aforementioned preening peacocks. “Oh dear,” she whispered.

Evangeline shifted closer. “Just ignore them, dear. Better yet, look at me and smile.”

“Like this?” Madeline’s smile turned genuine when she met Evangeline’s laughing gaze.

“Yes, just like that,” she said. “Now wave your fan and pretend I said something amusing.”

Madeline didn’t have to pretend to laugh. Her laughter helped to ease her fears. “Thank you, Evangeline. I’m so grateful for you, Raff, and the others.”

Evangeline tsked. “It’s our pleasure. You are a lovely addition to our little circle. And, I must confess…” She leaned forward, and Madeline did the same. “We’ve all found it quite diverting to watch dear Hayden fall in love.”

Madeline drew back with a start. “Oh, but...but it’s not like that.”

Evangeline bit her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. “Is it not? Do you know, Benedict said that Hayden has barely touched a drink since he discovered you.”

Hadn’t he? Come to think of it, Madeline hadn’t seen him imbibe much either, aside from some wine with dinner. “Is that so very odd?”

Evangeline studied her. “Perhaps not. If you’ll forgive me, your husband always struck me as rather a…” She shrugged. “A lost soul, I suppose. He had his friends, of course, but he seemed rather lonely all the same. You’ve been good for him.”

Madeline knew she ought to drop it. But she heard herself say, “How?”

Evangeline’s eyes widened. “Well…” She tilted her head to the side as if giving it serious thought. “I think sometimes a man needs a purpose in life. He needs responsibilities and…and someone to take care of.”

Madeline nodded slowly, the words sifting and sorting in her mind as she turned them over.

Evangeline winced. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right.”

“No, no,” Madeline said. “I think I know what you meant.” She’d seen it too, of course. The way William had seemed to come into his own right before her eyes. How he’d gained a sense of determination and…and calm. Like he was content.

Was that because of her?

Had he needed someone to love? Someone to take care of?

The thought made her chest ache in a way that was bittersweet. She liked the way he cared for her. She loved it, really. Never in her life had she known such affection and tenderness. Never had anyone looked after her like she was worthy of being loved.

She swallowed hard, realizing that Evangeline still watched her.

“He has been wonderful to me,” she said slowly. “Kind and patient and…I do not know that I deserve him.”

I do not trust that it will last.

She didn’t say it aloud, but she could have sworn Evageline heard it, because her friend reached out and grasped her hand, squeezing it tight.

“You deserve happiness, just as he does,” she said.

Madeline smiled. She believed that William deserved all the best. And she wanted that for him. She wished she could take care of him like he did her. But how?

She hadn’t the training to help him manage his marquesate. She was no fine lady nor a beguiling hostess. So far, she’d brought him little but trouble.

Her thoughts scattered as she turned back to the crowded seats below. Oh goodness. For a moment there she’d forgotten how much attention she’d drawn.

So many stares.

She wet her lips, ignoring the rapid beat of her heart as nerves swept over her. She ought to just ignore the stares like William and Evangeline said.

But a nagging sensation had her turning in her seat. She could feel a set of eyes on her, and the moment she caught the man staring, her stomach turned with a violent jolt.

It was him. The man with the oily beard who’d been there that night.

His lips curved in a sneer as he met her gaze with a dark glower.

A shudder of horror rippled through her as all the memories she’d thought to forget came rushing back. This man and his calloused hands pawing at her. Him and the other men squeezing her breasts like she was fruit at the market. The foul stench of cigar smoke and the coarse, lewd words they used to describe parts of her body.

Bile rose up and burned the back of her mouth. She clapped a hand over her lips just in time. How had it not occurred to her that she might see them again? That they would see her?

It had been wishful thinking at its worst. She’d gotten too comfortable in Hayden’s home, had started to believe his words that her past was well behind her.

It wasn’t. It was here. Now.

And it was staring right at her.

“Madeline, are you all right?” Evangeline’s voice seemed to carry from far away.

And then Madeline was rushing toward the curtains and into the hallway. She just needed a moment of privacy. A second away from that awful leer.

“Aw, if it isn’t the little damsel in distress herself.” Foley’s voice greeted her in the hallway.

She stopped short with a gasp. “What are you doing here?”

“Why, enjoying the opera, of course.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Madeline looked toward the lobby, the sounds from which were loud even from here.

“My husband will be returning any moment, and if he catches you?—”

“I would not make threats if I were you. You are in no position to see them through.” His voice was cold, and he did not even feign a smile any longer. “Besides, I was sent here by your mother.”

She is not my mother. Madeline just barely swallowed the words. No one could know that, could they? She certainly couldn’t be heard admitting it. Not if she didn’t want to bring even more scandal upon William and his title.

Foley tsked and wagged a finger. “Naughty, naughty girl. I’m still not sure how you managed to win over a marquess while locked away in that tower, but mark my words, the countess will not forgive and forget.”

“I didn’t?—”

“You think to cheat her—and me—out of the fortune we were promised by those wealthy gentlemen, but you are mistaken.”

Madeline shook her head, her stomach churning dangerously. “She had no authority to…to sell me like I was some?—”

“Illegitimate bastard?” he finished, his voice cruel and cold. “But that’s precisely what you are. And since the countess was good enough to raise you as a daughter, she is your guardian. She had every right to sell you off to whoever she wanted you.” His smile was salacious and awful. “And they surely wanted you, Madeline, could you not tell?”

She backed away but ended up running into the wall.

His gaze flickered toward the lobby. “Now, we haven’t much time. But rest assured, your mother has devised a way for you to make this up to her.”

“But I haven’t?—”

“Hush, child,” he scolded. “After all, you wouldn’t want your new husband to know what loose morals you have, would you?”

Her lips parted but nothing came out.

“No, of course not,” he finished with a smug smirk.

“Loose morals,” she finally sputtered. “But I did nothing?—”

“Didn’t you?” he said idly. “Why, dirty little whore that you are, you let all those men see you naked.” He looked horrified. “You let them touch you.”

She recoiled at the harsh words, her stomach churning with guilt and shame as the memories reared up. “I did not condone?—”

“You didn’t protest either, though, now did you?”

“I—I—” She wanted to say she had, but she’d been too frightened, and all too aware that her mother was standing there sanctioning their horrid acts.

She’d been powerless.

“Besides, who would believe you? You’re just as mad as your father.” He leaned in. “Everyone knows the marquess doesn't trust women, especially not loose ones like you.”

“But I never?—”

“I’ve got plenty of men who will say that you wanted it. That you were a tease and a whore and a?—”

The slap of her hand across his cheek sounded sickeningly loud. But as her hand dropped and a red mark appeared on his cheek, he merely smiled.

“You think a slap will stop me? Or the countess? Stupid, foolish little girl. You have no idea how much I’d love to tear the marquess’s world apart. He and his friends have laughed at me and scorned me and…” He broke off with an oath. “I assure you it would be a pleasure to destroy his marriage. But—” He held his hands out meekly, with a pale imitation of an indulgent smile. “I’m afraid your mother wants his money more than revenge.”

“Money? But he’s already?—”

They both stopped speaking when they heard voices coming toward the box.

“I’ll be in touch, girl. Don’t weep and whine to the marquess, if you please. I’ll only have to destroy the marriage and then your mother would be very unhappy indeed.”

He flashed her a wicked grin before turning and disappearing into an alcove a little ways down.

“Why, Madeline, what are you doing out here?” William smiled at her a moment later as he handed her a glass of champagne.

“I…I…” Her head whirled as Foley’s words raced in her head. “I just needed some air.”

He smiled kindly and caught her arm. “Come, let’s have a seat before the second act begins.”

She nodded, following blindly.

Would William believe Foley if we carried through with his threat? Or would William threaten the man and end up in a duel? Scenario after scenario played out, ones in which William believed Foley’s lies and ones in which he didn’t.

None were good, though.

William deserved so much better than any of them. Even if he believed her, she dreaded the look in his eyes when he looked at her knowing how she’d been touched.

How she’d let them touch her. Because Foley was right. She hadn’t protested. She hadn’t fought back.

The second act was nothing but a blur.

And by the time they left, she knew one thing for certain. She could not tell her husband about that night.