Page 73 of His Forbidden Duchess
“You must tell me everything about married life,” Hannah demanded. “I fear I must live vicariously through you, for I doubt I will ever receive a proposal.”
“Nonsense, Hannah,” Eloise said. “There are many suitable matches out there for you.”
“But no dukes to sweep me off my feet,” she said with a giggle. “Really, do tell me everything. I have been dying to hear what it is like being a married woman. Is it so vastly different? Do youfeeldifferent?”
How could she tell her excited friend that she had no idea how it felt? She hadn’t been permitted to experience it. The truth of the matter was that Hannah had a better chance of finding out than Eloise did. At least, she could find someone who wanted her.
“Well, it’s… er…” she trailed off, unsure what to say.
“Your Grace? I thought that was you!”
Eloise breathed out at the sound of a friendly voice rescuing her from the uncomfortable situation in which she had suddenly found herself.
“Viscount Kaylocke!” she said, her eyes lighting up.
“Stephen, remember,” he urged.
“Of course. Stephen.” Eloise smiled at him. “Let me introduce you to my oldest and dearest friend in all the world, Lady Hannah, daughter of the Earl of Frinton. Hannah, this Viscount Kaylocke. He recently purchased the estate next to ours.”
Hannah gave him an assessing look before nodding politely. “A pleasure, My Lord.”
“Please, call me Stephen,” he insisted. “I really do hate the formalities that the Tonimposes upon us.”
“I quite agree,” Eloise said. “Do you not, Hannah?”
“Certainly.” She smiled weakly, clinging onto Eloise as if she was a lifeline.
“Are both enjoying Lady Brimsleigh’s ball?” Stephen asked.
“Very much so,” Eloise replied warmly. “And you?”
Stephen shuffled awkwardly on the spot. “I will admit that making friends is not a skill I possess,” he said. “It is somewhat difficult when you are in a new town and do not know a soul.”
“But you have already made a friend,” Eloise beamed. The man was sweet, like a little brother she’d never had. “In fact, you have made two. Is that not right, Hannah?”
“It must be terribly uncomfortable when you are the new person in town,” Hannah agreed. “I have no doubt everyone is asking about you though none will say it to your face.”
“Quite right, Lady Hannah,” Stephen replied. He looked around, noting Felix’s absence. “And where is the Duke this evening?” he asked, his tone light. “I really was hoping to meet him again on better terms.”
“His Grace does not appreciate unscheduled visits,” Eloise said to Hannah by way of explanation although it made her feel uncomfortable. She turned back to Stephen. “He’s speaking with Lord Stentford.”
She nodded in his direction, her eyes lingering on her husband for a beat too long. Her gaze worked like a siren’s call. Felix glanced up and met her eyes. She swallowed back the lump of excitement that had risen in her throat upon their renewed connection.
“Ah, perhaps later then,” Stephen replied. “I do not wish to interrupt him.”
“Probably a good idea,” Eloise replied with a soft giggle.
She pitied Stephen. He clearly had no friends, and if she were to guess, she would say he had little social etiquette. Just then, the first notes of a waltz filled the room.
“A waltz? So early in the evening?” Hannah asked.
“Lady Brimsleigh has always been unconventional, Hannah. You know that.”
Stephen turned to Eloise with a charming smile. “Your Grace, would you grant me the honor of a dance?”
“Oh, goodness, I am not sure that it is?—”
“Please,” he said, looking at her with soft, pleading eyes. “I would like to believe that I will not have to return home without a single dance this evening. You would be doing me a great favor. Surely, anyone will want to get to the know the new arrival if he is seen dancing with the lovely Duchess of Kingswell.”
