Page 180 of Adored
Everyone clapped.
When they stopped, Poe continued.
“On a personal note, later, we invite you to stay for cocktails on the patio. We’re going to celebrate something I never thought would happen. My Dukedom. Everyone here isfrom nobility, and you understand the responsibility that comes with the titles.”
There were murmurs again.
“While I won’t be the kind of man my father was, since I believe he was one of the best men ever born, I do promise to uphold the Gordon name, and keep the Seville family alive.”
People were dabbing their eyes, and women were staring.
So, Poe did the deed.
“I’m sure some of you are wondering why I’m standing here with an American Marine,” he offered.
There were nods and plenty of speculation.
“Well, let me introduce him to all of you. This is Captain Arthur Doyle, my husband.”
And that was what got the most response.
The ladies gasped and looked around, and then there were more murmurs.
Why?
They didn’t see that coming, now did they?
Oh, and that ruined more than a few of the ladies’ hopes and dreams. He was off the market now that he was married.
“So, thank you for coming, and let’s celebrate my family, and have a good afternoon. I ask you to remember one thing.”
They waited.
“May God save the King.”
There was clapping, and Poe headed down the stairs, on Gamble’s arm.
And it was about to be a very long afternoon.
As they were both about to see.
* * * Poe & Gamble * * *
Three Hours
Later
Post Tea Memorial
They had spoken to just about everyone there, and that wasn’t an exaggeration. Poe made the rounds, and Gamble joined him, unwilling to leave his side.
They made small talk, and it was exhausting.
If this was what the duke life was like, Gamble wanted to get the hell out of there. He’d never met a bigger group of pretentious, stuffy asshats in his whole life.
They smiled at Poe’s face, and talked about him being gay behind his back.
That pissed him off.
