Page 67 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
Aurelia beamed, pleased that her efforts were appreciated. “It was my pleasure. I thought it would be nice to have a more intimate evening.”
At Aurelia’s signal, the maids stepped forward to guide the guests to their rooms for the night. Oliver, however, held up a hand. “I am afraid I must leave after dinner,” he said, his tone apologetic.
Aurelia’s smile dimmed slightly, though she did her best to hide her disappointment. “That is a shame,” she replied. “But we are glad to have you with us, even if it is only for a little while.”
Inside the dining room the long, beautifully set table glittered with crystal and silver, the soft candlelight casting a warm, welcoming glow over the room. The smell of roast meats and fragrant herbs wafted in the air, setting a festive tone as everyone took their seats.
The dinner began with light conversation, stories shared between the couples about their latest outings and experiences.
Laughter filled the room and the mood was lively and relaxed. Aurelia found herself thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere, something she had never before experienced. She had always been somewhat of a solitary figure, the only child in a family that had sheltered her from much of Society. Now, for the first time, she was surrounded by friends and felt a true sense of belonging.
“This is wonderful,” she said, her voice soft and sincere. “This is my first time hosting and it…it is really quite special. I never had anything like this growing up. Friends. Dinner parties. It is all so new and wonderful.”
Philip, seated beside her, leaned back and gave her an affectionate smile. “If you want to host a dinner party every night, my dear, I shall see to it that it is done,” he said, his tone half teasing and a genuine warmth infusing his words.
Their friends, however, couldn’t resist teasing them.
“My, my,” Kenneth drawled with a grin, “I never thought I would live to see the day Philip would be so openly affectionate.”
Thomas smirked. “Indeed. If anyone had told me, I would not have believed it.”
Philip, unfazed by their jests, leaned back in his chair with a casual air. “Neither would I,” he replied smoothly. “But yet, here we are.”
The men shared knowing looks and Aurelia couldn’t help but laugh at their lighthearted exchange. It was strange to see Philip so comfortable, but it warmed her heart.
As the evening wore on the conversations continued to flow, the clinking of glasses and the rich laughter of friends filling the room. Aurelia looked around at the scene with a full heart. She had been nervous about hosting her first dinner party, but nowshe felt a quiet sense of pride. She had done it and it had been a success.
Philip’s gaze lingered on her, his expression one of deep admiration. As their eyes met across the table he gave her a slow, meaningful smile and at that moment, Aurelia realized that this warmth, this companionship, was what she had missing for so long.
After dinner the men ventured outside for their evening smoke as while the women gathered in the cozy drawing room, the soft glow of candlelight setting the perfect atmosphere.
As per Aurelia’s instructions, Eilidh served them tea, moving about the room with quiet efficiency. The women settled, cups and saucers in hand as they exchanged light conversation.
Catherine leaned towards Aurelia with a teasing smile. “So, it seems your relationship with Philip has changed for the better since we last gathered,” she remarked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
A blush crept up Aurelia’s cheeks and she raised the teacup to her face in a futile attempt to hide it.
The memory of the past few days with Philip played in her mind; how they had grown closer and how their once-distant marriage had taken a turn she had not anticipated.
“I suppose it has,” she admitted softly, nodding. “I am his wife, after all. It would be unwise for me to focus on the difficult parts of our union, especially when…” she trailed off, before she let out a soft dramatic sigh. “Especially when I know there is no getting out of it.”
The women chuckled lightly at her words, but Beatrice’s face took on a more serious expression. Setting her teacup down on the table with a quiet clink, she leaned in.
“What about your father?” she asked, her voice low and cautious, as though wary of reopening old wounds.
Aurelia let out a deep breath, setting her cup down on its saucer; Beatrice’s inquiry had momentarily startled her.
“I still do not know,” she confessed, her tone tinged with frustration. “Philip has not told me anything as of yet.”
Catherine and Beatrice exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback.
“You mean, even now? After everything?” Catherine asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Aurelia shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. “He has his reasons, I suppose, although I still do not understand them. But I have come to realize that dwelling on it only creates more distance between us. I…I am ready to move on from it.”
Catherine tilted her head, studying her for a moment. “You have a good heart,” she said quietly. “Few women would be able to choose their husbands over their fathers.”
Aurelia shrugged, trying to conceal the turmoil that Catherine’s words stirred up inside her. “I am not certain that I have chosen one over the other,” she replied slowly. “At some point I still must find a way to speak with my father. There are too many unanswered questions. But for now, I want to focus on my marriage.”
