Page 45 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“Men like me manage well.”
Madeleine gave a small laugh.
“Lord Banbury is over by the wine table,” Colin said. “Your Grace, would you like to congratulate him with me? Courting Lady Anna Mortimer has been a rather good feat of his.”
Alexander narrowed his eyes at Colin, “I am not interested in the private affairs of others, Lord Easthall.”
Colin blinked and gulped, taken aback by the Duke’s cold response, “Well, I merely meant?—”
“I understand what you meant. You meant to give our wives privacy. I can appreciate that,” Alexander cut him off and turned to Madeleine and Tessa, bowing, “Enjoy your time, my ladies.”
The two men retreated, leaving Tessa and Madeleine stood together.
“So… How is married life treating you, my friend?” Tessa asked, cocking her head.
“Well,” Madeleine answered.
“That is all you will tell me?” Tessa laughed.
All Madeleine could see were the bent, close heads oftonmembers moments before they all looked at her. Whispers floated through the ballroom, eyes sliding to her before fingers were pointed at Alexander.
Madeleine’s throat tightened.
“You know, I have half a mind to think that Colin will interrogate His Grace about your future children.”
Madeleine was glad to not be drinking, for she would have choked.
“He has asked me about it. He knows we are close, of course, so I think he wishes to have us birth our children at the same time. You know, so we may raise them together.”
Madeleine was barely listening to Tessa, although she should have done so. Her eyes found Alexander, his broad shoulders, and his hair brushing his collar. He stood so powerfully, utterly unphased by the whispers and stares.
“... only days after Lord Kinsfeld was found.”
The words drifted to her from a passing couple, the woman whispering too loudly. She sneered at Madeleine, who looked at her, wide-eyed.
Before she could answer Tessa, a woman arrived at her side. Madeleine immediately recognized the Dowager Countess of Easthall, Tessa’s mother-in-law.
“Your Grace. Tessa,” the dowager greeted.
Tessa’s eyes brightened. “Lady Easthall. It is lovely to see you at the ball tonight. Colin was not sure if you would make it. He says you have felt rather ill as of late.”
“I have, but I did not wish to pass up the chance to see my son and daughter-in-law.” Her kind smile made Madeleine ache. “May we take a turn around the room?”
Tessa looked at Madeleine, her question already forming, but Madeleine spoke first. “Please, go with her. I will be fine.”
“You are sure?”
“Of course,” she said quickly. “And I am sure Alexander will return shortly.”
Tessa didn’t look convinced but the Dowager Countess pulled her away regardless, already discussing an upcoming family ball.
Madeleine stood alone, feeling awkward and hating how she felt as though everybody’s eyes were on her.
“Your Grace?” Madeleine turned to find Lady Bastian and her trio of friends. There was a faux smile on her face.
“My friends and I have been discussing the mostunfortunateevents that have plagued your week. Even now, as an esteemed Duchess, you cannot possibly hide from the shame of your late husband’s deeds. Howshamefulit must be for you to endure such disgraces.”
Madeleine was shocked at the open meanness coming from the lady, tonight’s host or not. Her throat tightened but a shadow fell over Lady Bastian before Madeleine could think of a retort.
