Page 62 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“Th-thank you, Your Grace. It is so lovely for you to notice the work that goes into something like this.” Her voice held surprise and uncertainty.

“Well, it’s the truth. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel as if this wasn’t impressive.” His eyes, full of remorse, found hers. She recalled when Hountshire told him about her event at the garden party. He made it seem as if her work was beneath him.

“I’m sorry if I made it sound insignificant, but the truth was even the most well established galas couldn’t hold a candle to this charity event put on by two young women just trying to help children in a hospital.” Graynor’s voice dipped, suddenly aware of all the eyes on him. “I can tell it means a lot to you.”

Eleanor felt her cheeks redden. “Thank you, Your Grace. It is something I hold dear to my heart.” For a moment she felt as if it were only the Duke and her in the room. That is, until she felt Simon shift at her side.

Before she could speak, Caroline appeared at Eleanor’s side.

“Eleanor!” Caroline’s arms wrapped around Eleanor, enveloping her in a consuming hug. “Everything looks perfect. You have such a great eye when it comes to design. And everyone can’t stop talking about the Stanley Quartet. This even may just be the highlight of the season!”

Eleanor blushed. “This was all your idea, Caroline. I merely?—”

“Did everything!” Caroline laughed. “It may have been my harebrained idea to have a charity event in the middle of the season, but you took it and ran with it. Between the food, the flowers, the musicians, the information…” She looked at the Viscount. “Did you see the drawings the children made? Eleanor visited them weekly to help them make pictures for tonight.”

Hountshire looked over his shoulder at the table that held the children’s artwork. He looked unimpressed. “It looks great, Caroline.”

Eleanor wasn’t proud to admit her heart sank at the Viscount’s dismissal. However, a lady must never show high emotion at an event, especially one she was hosting. She stood by his side with a small smile plastered to her face.

Her eyes met the Duke’s, and it was if the air of the room was sucked out. The Duke stood, his hands balled in fists at his sides, anger rolling off him in waves. His once blue eyes were dark and menacing.

Sensing tension, Eleanor turned to Hountshire. “Simon? Why don’t we go find our seats?” Eleanor looked at Caroline. “The quartet should be starting soon, correct?” Eleanor felt she had but mere moments before the Duke said something they’d both regret. She couldn’t say for certain what caused the change in the Duke’s mood, but she would bet it had something to do with Simon’s dismissal of her work.

Something deep within her whirled at the notion of the Duke caring about how others perceived and appreciated her.

Caroline, completely oblivious to the Duke’s change in demeanor, glanced at the standing clock in the corner of the foyer. “Oh yes, we should get everyone to their seats in the garden. I’m so glad you talked me into moving it outside. It is such a lovely night to sit and listen to the Stanley Quartet under the stars. Plus, now the ballroom can be set up for dancing afterward. Eleanor, you truly thought of everything.”

Eleanor smiled at her friend’s praise as she ushered the Viscount past Graynor, who stood there, his eyes dark as night as he watched them leave.

Eleanor blew out a breath. This was going to be a long evening.

Graynor watched them as they found their seats and Hountshire politely kissed Eleanor’s hand before she left to see to the last minute details.

Graynor cringed. Both of them played their roles impeccably. He saw the change in her when Hountshire dismissed the children’s artwork, but it was fleeting. Like the professional she was, she kept her kind smile plastered on her face as her pride took a hit. If they were anywhere but at an event she had planned, he would have laid the dandy out. But this event meant too muchto Eleanor for him to resort to fisticuffs to put Hountshire in his place.

Graynor took in the decorated garden. He could see Eleanor in the tiny details that accentuated the venue. He could see her effort in every floral arrangement, every chair placed just so in the garden, in every brushstroke on the children’s drawings. Eleanor put her heart and soul into this event, and that bastard had the audacity to ignore it.

Graynor made his way to the front of the seats. He paused before sitting, debating whether he should say something to Hountshire or leave it be. Eleanor came up behind him, her shoulder brushing his back as she walked by.

Surprised by the contact, Graynor’s eyes slid to Eleanor, who merely smiled at him and sat.

Following her lead, Graynor sat next to her.

Caroline stood in front of the waiting crowd.

“Before we start, I’d just like to thank everyone for coming during such a busy time for us all. Your support of the children at St. Stephen’s is greatly appreciated. I’d also be remiss in my duties if I didn’t give credit where credit is due.”

Eleanor straightened next to Graynor.

“Eleanor?” Caroline looked at her expectantly and reached out her arm, signaling Eleanor to stand up. Eleanor stood and slightly turned to the rows behind her, offering a small smile and wave.

She doesn’t want the recognition.

Graynor looked past the empty seat to Hountshire, who was looking at the applauding people as if he were receiving the praise. Graynor immediately regretted not putting him in his place earlier.

“Lady Eleanor is responsible for organizing this event tonight. Her expert eye has created a wonderful evening for us all to enjoy while doing some good for the children. And it is because of her that I have the honor of introducing the Stanley Quartet.”

The applause grew, and Eleanor shrank back down to her chair.

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