Page 99 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
Veronica merely smiled at her mother, hoping it was not too false and bright. “Nonsense. His Grace is merely unwell at the moment. I suggested he come down later if he feels better.”
Her mama was not convinced and looked at her suspiciously. “You would tell me, would you not, if you were unhappy?”
“Of course,” she lied.
I could not burden you with my woes. Although Robert has returned, I still do not want you to worry that I have endured unhappiness for your sake.
“I am not convinced, darling, but I will have to listen to you.” She gave her a soft but sad smile, and guilt pierced Veronica.
Yet how could she share that she had spent the last two weeks lonelier than ever? That just after she had grown close to her husband, she had been pushed away with more force than ever?
Her mother moved on to let her greet her other guests, and she was glad, for there was nobody else who would eye her with such scrutiny.
More guests filtered in. Her mama’s old friend, Lady Hastings, arrived with her son. Closely following was Lord Samson and his newly betrothed. Veronica recalled dancing with him the night of the Fernwell ball. She greeted him, congratulating him on his engagement.
Then Lord Simon arrived with his grandmother, and soon, he was followed by Lady Fernwell and Evelina, the tapping of Lady Fernwell’s cane echoing in the entrance hall.
“Your Grace,” Lady Fernwell greeted, curtseying low. “It seems you have made quite a spectacle for yourself. You have come far from when you sat in my parlor discussing the Duke of Westley himself. I did not realize you had an interest in him.”
Veronica hesitated, smiling politely. “The heart changes, does it not?”
Keep up appearances. You are the Duchess of Westley still.
Evelina broke up the tension quickly by throwing her arms around Veronica. “I have missed you, Veronica!”
“Evelina.” Veronica smiled brightly. “It has been too long.”
“If you did not sequester yourself out here in the countryside, then I would be able to journey to visit your home more often! Are you to venture back to Turner Hall soon?”
Veronica was not sure. She mulled over it, not wanting to make any promises. “I am sure I shall find out His Grace’s plans for us soon enough.”
Lady Fernwell eyed her as if she knew something was wrong as her own mother had.
I do hope I have such intuition as a mother, she thought and then caught her own thoughts.
Her heart sank in despair even as she maintained her smile.
“Lady Fernwell, Lord Grantham has arrived already if you wish to see him.”
“I do indeed.” The woman’s smile grew. “Come along, Evelina. We shall make our introductions to the Earl.”
Evelina rolled her eyes at Veronica regarding her mother’s instruction and hurried along. Guest after guest arrived, and Lady Sheridan and Lady Lindbury waited next.
“You are not wearing your signature color, Lady Sheridan,” Veronica teased after she had greeted them both. “I fear the sky may collapse.”
“Oh, wicked girl,” Lady Sheridan laughed. “I did think tonight called for a change.”
Her usual favored blue shade was switched out for a beautiful lilac dress, modest and elegant. Lady Lindbury still wore green, but it was several shades lighter than the deep emerald color she usually wore.
“However, we are eager to meet the Earl of Grantham.”
“I believe he is in the ballroom with my mother,” Veronica told them. “I shall go in with you.”
For her husband was not coming down, and the guests had all arrived, and Veronica did not want to be alone tonight. So, she joined the two women and lost herself in the full ballroom, happy to see so many people inside Westley manor for once.
She lingered by the drinks table as Lady Sheridan and Lady Lindbury spoke with her brother, and Veronica did her best to avoid her mother’s questioning glances across the ballroom.
“Duchess, you have put together a splendid event,” Lady Sheridan praised her sometime later.
