Page 53 of An Arranged Marriage with a Mad Marquess
“Neil is getting worse, and I… I can’t bear it,” Patrina whispered. “I knew his health was bad before I married him, but now Iknowhim, and I just can’t…” she trailed off, aware that thesubject was not proper for a soiree. Swallowing hard, she forced a smile onto her face. Lady Ashworth was looking at her with palpable pity, and Agatha looked grim.
“I’m sorry,” Patrina murmured. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
Lady Ashworth laid a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be forced to mingle soon enough. But I promise you, Lady Morendale, we’ll discuss this more at a later date, when you are ready. Whatever can be done to help,willbe done to help.”
Patrina nodded. “Thank you. It is appreciated.”
Their conversation ended after that, with the approach of a knot of guests, all talking and laughing and eager to meet the new Lady Morendale.
More and more guests arrived, and she was forced to put her worries aside and concentrate on being charming and amusing and remembering an endless list of names. However, Agatha Simms remained at the back of Patrina’s mind.
Am I being foolish? Am I seeking refuge in the most tenuous of hopes?
Patrina could not shake off the feeling of being watched. Silly, in such a crowded ballroom. But the feeling of malevolent eyes on her would not be shaken away, no matter how hard she tried.
I am missing something. Something serious.
