Page 44 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“There they are.”
“You will greet them. I will meet with my associates.”
“I would like to meet them with you.”
Alexander stilled, the two of them lingering on the edge of the dancefloor. “No.”
“I am your wife. I would like to know who you are, and what you do.”
She kept her secret reason behind her heart: she had enjoyed the power he exerted over others, and she wanted to see it again.
Madeleine tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and he reluctantly led her over to a lord who stood with a lady.
“Lord Bastian,” Alexander said, clearing his throat. “It is good to see you.”
“Your Grace!” Lord Bastian greeted, his friendly smile spreading. Madeleine did not miss the way the lady at his side looked her up and down.
“Lord Bastian, may I introduce you to my wife, the Duchess of Silverton?” Alexander pressed a hand into the small of her back, guiding her closer.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.” Lord Bastian bowed deeply.
“And to you, Lord Bastian.”
“This is Lady Bastian.”
“What an honor to finally meet you, Your Graces.” She curtsied but her gaze lingered on Alexander before turning to Madeleine herself. “I have heardmuchabout you, Duchess.”
“I am sure that whatever you have heard is nonconsequential.” Alexander’s voice cut through what was about to become gossip, a snide comment. “The Duchess has a new life at Silverton.” His gaze was knowing as he looked at the lady. “I trust you will respect her as a woman befitting her title.”
“Of course,” Lady Bastian purred, yet she whispered something to Lord Bastian before she gracefully pulled away, a girlish giggle on her lips.
Madeleine looked at her as she inserted herself into a group of other women. Her chest tightened as she watched the lady speak, and her friends all turned to look at her.
“Lord Bastian.” Alexander’s voice was low, threatening. “I trust you can discipline your lady against mindlesstongossip.”
“I—I am not of a place to do so, Your Grace.”
“I am sure you can. You would not wish to lose business with me over such a small matter.”
“O-of course, Your Grace.”
“Good. We shall conduct a meeting tomorrow morning at the usual place.”
Alexander led Madeleine away but it was too late. Lady Bastian’s whispers had spread through the ballroom.
“I tire of this party already,” Alexander muttered.
“I told you it was a bad idea to come.”
The Duke spared her a withering glance before he pulled her further into the ballroom, closer to the open doors that led out into the dark gardens.
The fresh, cool air wafted through the space, and Tessa finally noticed Madeleine, pulling Colin over.
“Madeleine!” Tessa cried, pulling her into an embrace. “You are here! I am so glad you came.” She pulled away and curtsied to Alexander. “Your Grace. It is very good to meet you once again. I am sorry we did not get more of a chance at the wedding.”
Alexander made a noise of acknowledgement at her. “Yes, well, men are busy, are we not, Lord Easthall?”
“Indeed, Your Grace. What with the estate you own, it is rather impressive how you keep up with it all.”
