Page 52 of A Scottish Bride for the Duke
“Adrian,” she whispered.
“Head up,” he instructed under his breath. “If you cannot smile, at least do not look as though you are on the verge of fleeing.”
“But Iam,” she whispered back.
“No one else needs to know that.”
With his hands on her, pushing and guiding, he brought them both back into the ballroom, looking around until he found his mother.
Once located, he dragged Isobel across to her, and Isobel wanted to melt into the ground. Whispers followed them, and the duchess looked at them with unusually stern eyes.
“Mother,” he said. “May I speak with you?”
“It seems we must leave immediately,” she said. “Smile, Lady Isobel.”
Isobel did her best to force her lips to curve. Eliza was staring at her in surprise, and she felt as though the weight of the ton’s condemnation would push her into the ground. Adrian might have declared that they were engaged, but everyone would know that they had been discovered alone together. Only scandal was forcing them into matrimony.
And somewhere was Lord Moreton.
She dared to cast a glance around, but she couldn’t find him. Her breath came a little easier. Perhaps shewasnow engaged, but at least she would not have to endure him.
“I must—” Her words came out jerky, though she kept the false smile on her lips. “I must write to me maither.”
“Yes, indeed.” The duchess placed her hand on Isobel’s arm. “But first I think you must explain everything to me.”
She didn’t know how she could explaineverything—the source of her sudden distress, at least—but she would do what she could.
“Aye, of course,” she said.
Her hands shook. Everything had happened so fast.
“Take courage,” the duke said from beside her, his eyes too hard. “You are soon to become a duchess. There are many ladies here who would sacrifice a great deal for such a position. And did you not say you wished to marry?”
She had, and she did.
“Perhaps it won’t be so bad after all,” she said.
The coldness in his eyes practically burned her. “You flatter me.”
“As though ye would have offered for me under any other circumstances.”
“Correct. I would not.” He exhaled sharply. “But we should save this for the carriage. Mother, kiss her cheek as though everything is perfectly well, and make arrangements for us toleave. Lady Isobel, stand close to me and for heaven’s sake do not argue anymore.”
His mother did as he’d commanded, kissing Isobel’s cheek before hurrying off to make their excuses. Beside Isobel, the duke sucked in a deep breath, as though his own demands were almost too great for him to bear. Not arguing with her—what a terrible thing to have to endure.
Isobel cast her gaze around for Lord Moreton, dreading seeing him, but instead came face to face with Eliza.
“I suppose, seeing as you announced your engagement in such a cold way, I am supposed to already know of it,” she said in greeting. “You sly dog, Adrian.”
“I did not ask for your commentary,” he said stiffly.
“No, indeed, but you will have it anyway.” Eliza turned to Isobel. “And we will be cousins! What a delight. If I’d known Adrian would have consented to marry you, I would have orchestrated a scandalweeksago. Although I can’t say I envy you.”
“Eliza,” he growled.
“I know, I know, Adrian. You didn’t ask for my opinion. But, if you notice, I am not addressing it at you.” Eliza pulled Isobel in a sudden embrace. “He is a brute, of course, but you will be so comfortable, and it is a delight to welcome you into the family.
“Don’t mind what people say. They are always looking for reasons to look down on others, but you will soon outrank them all.” Eliza beamed. “Miss Wentworth is going to be especially put out. She has been angling after being a duchess for as long as I have known her.”
