Page 40 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
“Lady Sheridan,” the Duke said, striding into the room with Veronica keeping pace.
She kept her face pleasant, open.
“I would like to introduce you to the Duchess of Westley, Veronica Banfield.”
Lady Sheridan turned around from where she had been surveying the gardens, a bright smile on her face.
“Your Grace,” she answered, bowing. “It is an honor to properly be introduced to you.”
“It was a hasty wedding,” Veronica said. “I am sorry you could not attend.”
Lady Sheridan cut a glare to the Duke. “Somebodycouldhave arranged for me to be there, I assure you.”
The Duke cleared his throat, and Veronica swore she saw a hint of a smile on his face.
How strange, she thought.Strange but nice.
“Duchess, I would like you to meet Lady Sheridan, my aunt, and the Dowager Viscountess.”
Veronica curtsied to the older woman, who had kind eyes, unlike the Duke, whose gaze was often narrowed in distaste.
“I believe I saw you in passing at the Fernwell ball earlier this month.” She remembered the two befeathered women who had accosted the Duke as soon as he’d entered the ballroom.
“I regretfully must admit I do not remember seeing you, Your Grace. Did you dance a lot?”
“I did not dance at all,” she admitted.
“When one’s night still ends in a proposal,” the Duke interrupted, “then one should consider their night still advantageous, no?”
“Oh, do not get me started on that!” Lady Sheridan exclaimed. “I have not quite forgiven you for not telling me of your plans or giving me the whole story. I was quite upset. Imagine, my own nephew, depriving me of such a tale of how he proposed to his Duchess!”
“That is a private matter. I thought I had made that rather clear.”
Lady Sheridan waved him off, tutting, as they all took their seats and cakes were called to be served.
“I see you have redone the manor,” Lady Sheridan said, looking around. “It is quite different. The late Duke’s tastes wereeccentric, but I did not expect you to uphold your uncle’s tastes. Certainly not because he was your father’s brother, Henry.”
“I honored his life,” he said, clearing his throat. “That is all. It is the Duchess who has been overseeing the refurbishments.”
“I do hope it is all right,” Veronica quickly cut in. “As His Grace said, it is respect we hold for the late Duke. I do hope it is not overstepping.”
“Nonsense!” Lady Sheridan smiled warmly at her. “It also helps that I am not the late Duke’s wife, of course.”
She gave her a wink, and Veronica realized her mistake of thinking that.
“The manor needed a woman’s touch, and the former Duchess was not one to have much of a say in those matters. Whenever I visit Henry, I findsomeof the rooms a little too overwhelming on one’s senses.”
“A little?” the Duke muttered, sparing a laugh that he shared with his aunt, who gave him a fond laugh in return. “Your rooms have been prepared for your stay tonight. I hope you find them comfortable.”
“Indeed, I shall,” she said, waving him off. “Do not concern yourself about me, Henry. I am eager to know about your life. How are you finding married life, Your Graces?”
“All is well,” the Duke answered her.
“Positively lovely!” Veronica cheerily said at the same time.
His response, closed-off and noncommittal, and hers, over falsifying the situation.
She exchanged a glance of uncertainty with him while Lady Sheridan looked on in amusement.
