Page 48 of Three Scandals for the Wild Duke

Across from them, her parents’ glares bore into her. Her father’s gaze was particularly intense, almost murderous. Each bite she took felt like a chore, and swallowing was an ordeal. Dinner, under such scrutiny and tension, turned into the most uncomfortable experience she had ever endured, while every other guest seemed to be having the best moment of their lives.

Emma glanced at Alexander at the head of the table, and when their gazes met, he raised the glass he was holding toward her before taking a sip. After which, he said, “Miss Lovell, I have it on good authority that Francois took great care in roasting this lamb—exactly as you like it.”

Heavens! And I could not even taste it!Emma put on a bright smile, making sure her eyes sparkled. “Has my compliment reached him then, My Lord?”

“Indeed, it has.” Alexander beamed. “It is not every day an honored guest recognizes his talent.”

“And it is not every day one gets to walk away unscathed from a scandal,” George whispered, and she immediately tensed.

Her fingers tightened around her fork, and she didn’t dare turn to look at him. “What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing.” George smiled and raised his glass. “To Francois, then! For helping us host such a memorable party.” Everyone echoed the sentiment and drank, while Emma could barely raise her sherry to her lips.

“I should send him my compliments, as well,” Colette said as though to compete with the attention Emma had.

She felt George lean ever so slightly closer. “What is the matter, darling? Regretting the party has come to an end?”

Oh, he is cruel!

“Is your intention to punish me tonight, Your Grace?” she ground out through clenched teeth while maintaining her smile.

“Did you commit a crime that warrants it?”

Emma had to turn to look at him, and the mask he wore could put a seasoned actor to shame. His smile, although cold to Emma, would appear charming to everyone else. George raised a brow, waiting for her answer.

“No, I did not, and I suggest you examine your perception.” she replied confidently, because it was the truth. His eyes narrowed, however, and she knew nothing she would say would convince him otherwise. Turning, she took a slow sip of her sherry and ate her roasted lamb, trying very hard to taste and appreciate Francois’s work.

“My perception is intact, Miss Lovell.”

“Is that so? Why then can you not see that I would rather eat without conversing with you?”

“Trust me, that sentiment is shared.” He glanced at Lady Amberton. “However, someone is determined to thrust us in each other’s paths.”

“How fateful.”

“I wish it were fate.” There was a bitter edge in his voice that sent a shiver down her spine. Ignoring it, she forced her attention back to her meal. The relief that washed over her when the meal finally concluded was unlike anything she had ever felt.

As the guests began to disperse, moving off into the gardens to celebrate the last night of the house party, Emma felt a desperate need for fresh air and a respite from the oppressive atmosphere of the dining room. She did not wait for George to offer to escort her out to the gardens.

The air around her was filled with merriment as everyone seemed to be enjoying the final night of the house party. Emma found herself scanning the crowd, her eyes inadvertently searching for George despite her resolve not to.I am not looking for him, she silently insisted to herself, though a small, rebellious part of her heart seemed to disagree.

“Emma,” Alexander called, his face lit up with a warm, inviting smile when she turned in his direction. “Would you do me the honor of partnering with me for the country dance?” he asked when he reached her.

“Why, of course.” She took the arm he offered, ensuring her smile was as bright as the lanterns around them.

“Our music comes from the guests tonight,” Alexander noted as he gently led her toward the dance floor. Emma’s gaze followed his pointing finger, and she realized that the orchestra was indeed composed of various guests who had volunteered to play. “They decided to perform. In honor of the final night, you see.”

“How thoughtful of them,” Emma responded with a light chuckle, genuinely pleased by the spirit the guests displayed. It was a small solace, seeing others reveling in the moment, their joy so foreign to a mind such as hers. “You truly have hosted an unforgettable party, Alex.”

“I would not have done it without my family, and a dear friend such as yourself.”

Emma’s chest tightened. They truly had become friends, and she was glad her conscience had led her onto the right path. Despite that, her heart was breaking and the pain was only increasing. As the first strings of the country dance filled the air, Alexander’s expression turned somber, his eyes searching hers with concern. “Is everything all right, Emma?”

“With music, dance, food, and laughter, what could possibly be wrong, Alex?” she replied, forcing another chuckle, hoping her facade was convincing.

Emma released a silent sigh of relief when she saw a smile return to his face, reassured that her performance had allayed his concerns for the moment.

“I thought you looked a little pale.”

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