Page 40 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Kenneth’s suspicion deepened. “Really? And what did you find most fascinating about Alexander’s campaigns?”
Lady Bernmere’s interest was piqued. “Oh, do tell us more about this. It sounds riveting!”
“I do not wish to bore you with the details.”
“Oh no, Duchess. Please go ahead,” Kenneth insisted, noticing his wife’s uneasiness as she spoke. “I would love to hear your perspective on what you read. I am certain Lady Bernmere would too.”
His aunt nodded in agreement, much to his pleasure. He wanted to see what his wife would come up with.
Beatrice launched into an explanation, “Well, if you insist. I… um… I found it particularly fascinating when he used… um… giant eagles to scout enemy positions.”
Kenneth’s eyes narrowed further. “Giant eagles? That’s interesting, considering I do not remember reading about any kind of bird in that book which my aunt knows is one of my favorite historical accounts.”
“Oh, yes, indeed! Kenneth is rather fascinated by the Greek conqueror,” Lady Bernmere confirmed.
Beatrice faltered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Ah, well, I must have confused it with another book,” she mumbled, trying to recover.
Lady Bernmere waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, we can discuss the rest of the Greek general’s conquests later. I have much more exciting things to talk about.”
Kenneth noticed the look of relief that washed over Beatrice’s face.
Lady Bernmere continued, her tone animated, “I would like to officially invite both of you to a ball I’m hosting in two weeks at my London townhouse. I do apologize for the short notice. I got a bit caught up in the preparations and forgot to notify people until the beginning of the week.”
Kenneth rolled his eyes. “A ball? I have better things to do here than make small talk with inane lords.”
Beatrice, however, managed a polite smile. “Thank you for the invitation, Lady Bernmere. We would be delighted to attend.”
Kenneth shot her a glare, his eyes narrowing. “Delighted, are we?” he said, his tone icy.
“Oh, Kenneth, I do wish you would show more excitement,” Lady Bernmere chided him playfully. “It will be a grand event and a wonderful opportunity for you newlyweds to be seen together.”
Kenneth sighed, nodding begrudgingly. “I know you won’t relent until I agree, Aunt Marjorie. So yes, we will attend.”
Lady Bernmere clapped her hands together in delight. “Wonderful! I shall make sure it is an event to remember.”
Kenneth glanced at Beatrice, noting the subtle tension in her posture. He knew she was hiding something. The way she had fabricated that ridiculous story so effortlessly only heightened his suspicion.
Lady Bernmere’s gaze turned to Beatrice, her expression softening. “My dear, how are you finding everything? Adjusting well to your new role?”
Beatrice offered a polite smile, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “It’s been quite an adjustment, but I’m learning. The Duke has been very patient with me.”
Lady Bernmere’s lips twitched with amusement. “Oh, I’m sure he has been. Kenneth patient? Now that’s a sight I’d love to see.”
Beatrice couldn’t suppress a giggle at that, her eyes flicking to Kenneth. She saw the muscle in his jaw tick, a clear sign of his annoyance.
Lady Bernmere shifted in her chair and looked at them both with a twinkle in her eyes. “So, do you two have any happy news to share with me?”
Kenneth, in the middle of taking a sip of his brandy, nearly choked. “Happy news?” he repeated, his voice slightly strained. “I’m not quite sure what you’re asking, Aunt Marjorie.”
Lady Bernmere’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Oh, Kenneth, don’t be so dense. I mean, is there any chance of an heir on the way?”
Kenneth blinked, genuinely taken aback by her directness. “An heir? We’ve only been married a few weeks, Aunt Marjorie.”
Beatrice’s eyes widened. She quickly looked down at her hands but not before Kenneth caught the brief smile she tried to hide.
Lady Bernmere leaned forward, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Yes, Kenneth, an heir. Your mother was pregnant with you after only a month into her marriage to your father.”
Kenneth’s mood darkened instantly at the mention of his parents. He muttered under his breath, “And look how that turned out for them.”
