Page 51 of A Gamble with the Rakish Duke
Oliver knew that he would do everything to keep it that way between them.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Our arrival had caused a stir again, Duchess. We are still in season,” Oliver whispered in his wife’s ear.
A few days later, they arrived at the soirée hosted by their neighbor, the Dowager Countess of Layton. The elderly woman had expressed her dismay that the couple had not been visiting her as often when they lived within walking distance.
Lady Layton was well-known for hosting parties that fueled gossip. Because of that reputation, most notable members of thetonwould attend them, and anyone would be grateful for an invitation.
Tonight, Alexandra was excited about the soirée. It had been a pleasure to go anywhere with her husband.
She watched the room with undisguised glee. The townhouse was elegant, but she was more focused on her art and her husband to truly mingle. She vowed to see what she could doto improve the décor at their home. Lady Layton certainly knew what she was doing.
Crystal chandeliers made the candlelight dance, casting a warm glow over the guests. Loud chatter, laughter, and murmurs blended. Alexandra could only imagine the gossip and scandals that were brewing at that moment.
“We are still the latest diversion. I can imagine, though, that there will be new couples to focus on soon enough. The place is a gossip haven,” Alexandra remarked, her eyes scanning the smiling faces greeting them.
As they mingled with theton, Alexandra spotted the Countess of Laverton, the lady who had given her that scandalous book. The older woman smirked at her, eyes lighting up with mischief.
Alexandra recalled readingFanny Hillfor the first time. It shocked and titillated her. She knew that reading it and any other book like it would now have her seeking out her husband, as she now knew what pleasures the bedroom could provide.
“Ah, Your Grace!” Lady Laverton did not walk toward her, but she glided over to her. Her gown was elegant and understated, shimmering like the crystals in the chandeliers. “It’s good to see you and the Duke.”
“You are most kind, Lady Laverton,” Alexandra responded while casting a quick glance at Oliver.
She was happy to see him looking so entertained. The haunted look on his face after he had returned from Devil’s Draw was gone—at least for now.
Lady Laverton leaned in conspiratorially, flicking her fan open as if to shield them from the others’ view. “Tell me, my dear. Was the book I lent you, uh, enlightening?”
Alexandra blushed but kept her composure. “It was certainly informative, My Lady.”
The older woman chuckled. She fanned herself as if the room had gotten hotter—and perhaps it had.
“I knew you’d find the book entertaining. I believe we should meet with the other ladies to discuss it in great detail.”
“Lady Laverton,” Oliver began, wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist protectively. “I trust that you have been recommending some appropriate reading material to my wife?”
“Oh certainly, Your Grace,” Lady Laverton replied. “I’m all for broadening the horizons and feeding the intellectual mind.”
Alexandra stifled a giggle, both embarrassed and intrigued by the exchange. She was certain her husband knew that she and the Countess were talking about the book he caught her reading.
A new arrival gave her a respite.
“Well, if it isn’t my good friend and boxing partner,” said the Duke of Oakdale as he strode toward them.
His grin was disarming, reminding Alexandra that he was atonfavorite.
“Philip.” Oliver clapped his friend on the back, returning his smile. “Good to see that you are here with no bruises.”
“Duchess,” Philip greeted Alexandra with a respectful nod, before chuckling. “I seem to have better luck lately, but I also have not seen much of you at the ring.”
“I had been thoroughly occupied,” Oliver responded, casting a teasing glance at his wife.
“Ah, better yet. I believe you owe her enough of your time. However, do you know, Duchess, that your husband is a force of nature during a match?” Philip asked. “Any boxing match.”
Alexandra’s eyes danced with mischief as they darted between her husband and his friend.
“Is he now?” she asked, although she knew full well how her husband was in a fight.
