Page 98 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“Well, I rather believe I was remade out there. I am ready to do as I must—both as your brother, Madeleine, and as the Viscount of Halthorpe. I am sorry I have not been ready, and I am sorry for the consequences my cowardly actions have brought upon you.”
“Anytime you wish to make it up to my wife, you may,” Alexander jested but John nodded solemnly.
“I will. Starting with?—”
“A ball,” Alexander suggested, seeing an opportunity. “We must have you attend a ball with us.”
John winced. “Then again, the battlefield wasratherpleasant?—”
“Oh, come now, Halthorpe,” Alexander chuckled. “Will you not attend a ball with your sister and brother-in-law?”
John glowered at him but continued to fork pieces of venison into his mouth aggravated vigor.
But Alexander thought: if her brother had returned, the addition of his title and power would solidify Madeleine’s confidence back into society and she would not have to fear anything again.
If he could remove every ounce of fear from her, he would.
Starting with the gossip.
Chapter Thirty-One
“You have decided,” Alexander said, leaning back into the settee, referring to a conversation they’d had the evening John had returned.
Two days later, everybody had heard of the return of the Viscount of Halthorpe.
When Alexander had first suggested attending a ball, Madeleine had tried to refuse, as she had several times.
However, when an invitation came from the Duke and Duchess of Kingswell, it was Madeleine who brought it to Alexander.
“I have,” she said, “and I wish to stay in London for another few days. At least until we attend the ball with him. Besides, I know you enjoy being nearer your business.”
“I can attend to my business regardless. If you wish to return to the countryside, only say the word.”
Madeleine shook her head. “I wish to face the things I have run from, too.”
“The Dunby siblings are quite a fearsome pair,” Alexander teased her. “But I like that he has inspired your confidence.”
“It is only bolstered by the foundation you helped me create,” she told him. “I would like to attend the Kingswell ball.”
“Then we shall.” Alexander was already standing, likely ready to correspond their attendance. “I will have you fitted with a new gown.” He looked over her, his eyes searing and intent on her. “Although I far prefer you as you woke up this morning in my arms.”
“I can hardly parade myself around the Kingswell estate bare as the day I was born,” she laughed.
“I am a duke, I shall grant you a pardon.” His smile flashed teasingly. “I shall keep such views for myself, however. Right now?” He moved closer, his hands slipping down to her waist.
“We promised John he would not have a risk of running into such?—”
“I do not care,” Alexander murmured, pressing his mouth to hers. Yet at the sound of shoes coming down the hallway, a heavy, confident tread, he pulled away. “As I was saying, the Kingswell ball will be grand.” His eyes watched the doorway,gesturing a greeting to John, who glanced suspiciously between them.
“Kingswell ball?” he asked. “I know the Kingswells.”
“We are to attend their residence, brother,” Madeleine told him, smiling broadly. “I shall help you get reintroduced to society. Alexander will have you fitted properly.”
John shook his head. “No need. I can provide my own attire, but thank you.”
“Please?” she pressed. “Think of it as a returning gift from me.”
John frowned. “I shall think about it. For now, I shall simply attend the tailor with Alexander. So, shall we go?”
