Page 11 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
The carriage clattered closer, and Veronica fell silent.
She had not told her mama about her fruitless visit to the Duke of Westley. It seemed they would both keep their secrets.
Judith’s hand took Veronica’s, drawing her attention back.
“Veronica, you must be on your best behavior tonight. Can you do that for me?” Her voice was desperately sincere. “If you find a good match then all of this shall be over. Your husband shall provide for us, and I shall not have to see Lord Barwicke again. Heavens knows he might not go so easily out of our lives, but we will have better means of being provided for.”
This is all a ploy, Veronica thought sourly.And I do not wish for my future marriage to be borne solely from duty, even though I must agree.
She swallowed past her discomfort and nodded.
“Of course, Mama,” she said. “I shall do anything I can.”
Fernwell House’s ballroom was decorated opulently, dazzling chandeliers illuminated the polished floor, and candles in glass casings lit up the terraced area outside where more suitorsmilled about, drinks in hand, discussing the night’s eligible ladies.
A dance was in full swing, hopeful matches paired up on the floor, while eager mamas and other hopeful ladies watched in jealousy.
But as Veronica and Judith entered, the whispers began.
Desperately, Veronica searched the crowd for Evelina, finding her in a small group of other eligible young ladies on the hunt for a husband.
“It is so nice to have been missed, is it not?” Judith said to Veronica, her voice full of false cheer.
They both knew quite well the stares were not one of missing the Granthams, but they were stares of judgment.
From the staircase’s end, Veronica found herself at the brunt of scrutiny. All eyes were on them, and even the dancers turned to watch as they continued.
Fans snapped out, eyes flickering back and forth, and chins lifted, as if people were too good to be seen associating with the Granthams.
“I heard the Earl of Grantham gambled away all their money,” one whisper came, and Veronica stiffened. “And when nothing could be done, he left town out of shame.”
“Nonsense,” another murmured. “It was that he met a French ballerina and became rather smitten and sought new pastures to marry her.”
“It was an actress,” a third joined. “And I believe he caused her to be with child, and Lady Grantham herself ordered him out. How unsightly for her to be parading about even though she is destitute! She certainly does not look it tonight.”
Veronica’s chest tightened as they continued into the fray of elegance and wealth.
“I heard the Earl vanished off the coast,” a man said, not bothering to whisper. “He stole a rather priceless painting from a gallery and took off with it. Rumor says he is trying to find a buyer.”
“Was it a painting? The stories I overheard was that he…” His voice lowered. “He took a male lover whowasthe painter and stole away with him.”
“Quite unsightly!” the first man said, disgusted.
Veronica withdrew from their direction, trying to control her urge to glower at them. Such rumors could bring even further ruination onto their family. It was hard, of course, but that was not Robert’s reason for disappearing.
“Perhaps Lord Ashley was right when he said the Earl left thetonto join a wandering troupe.”
Raucous laughter spiraled from the group of young lords who watched Veronica with intent.
“Look, dearest,” Judith whispered, clearly in denial of the whispers and stares. “It appears you already have some admirers!”
But dancing with any of the men present was the last thing on Veronica’s mind. She wished not to surround herself with any of them, not when they spoke ill of her brother. Not when they saw her as a pitiful rescue rather than a good match.
I shall do what I must for my mother’s sake.For her, I shall endure anything.
Mercifully, Veronica soon grew close to the one person in thetonwho did not give into spiteful, vicious gossip, but even the other ladies of Evelina’s party melted away as soon as Veronica came closer.
“I am so happy you could make it, Veronica!” Evelina cried, pulling her friend close. “And do not listen to those nasty rumors as?—”
