Page 141 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
It was the Earl of Gladstone’s Christmas ball and the weather had kindly deemed to dress the evening in a seasonal fall of snow. They had waited in the carriage for an age, watching the large white star-like flakes falling.
Her fingers were clasped beneath her fur-lined cloak, and John’s gloved hand clutched her waist as they were admitted into the warmth of the grand hall. Katherine glanced up at him. His lips were tight, and his expression was not set but neither were his features mobile.
His family were wary of the fragile changes in him too. They often commented to her on how different John was, but no one said it to him, and his mother watched him with both happiness and fear.
It was as though he was discovering himself again. He had started going out, to his club and the House of Lords, and to meet his business man. But when he came home he talked about where he had been and what he had done, and he did not stay out all day. He had even taken her with him on a couple of visits to Mr Harvey’s offices, where Phillip now worked. She was a part of his life but tonight was the final test.
John was nervous, she knew, and uncomfortable. He had been silent during dinner and on the journey here. She unclasped her hands and caught his as it slipped from her waist. He looked down and smiled as a footman stepped forward to take their outdoor clothing.
Afterwards they were offered warm punch. Its sweet scent filled the hall.
‘Ready?’ John asked, as she shivered in her short-sleeves. ‘This fashion is not suited to winter.’
He laughed, and then his white-gloved fingers gently rubbed her arms. ‘We will get you dancing then. That will warm you up.’
She nodded. Though with her arm braced in a velvet band, hung from her neck, to hold her shoulder steady, the only dance she was probably capable of was a waltz.
‘Come along.’ He led her to the receiving line.
Katherine glanced up at his profile. He was so ridiculously handsome. ‘I love you,’ she whispered.
He bent to her ear. ‘I love you too.’
‘Pembroke, you look pleased with yourself. Marital harmony, I suppose?’ They were Lord Gladstone’s opening words.
‘Damn, I am rumbled,’ John stated. She knew the Earl was a close acquaintance of John’s. ‘Pray do not out me.’
‘Too late, old chap, you have done that yourself, the word is already loose. Everyone knows she has broken you. The smile you bestow on your wife says you are smitten.’
John scoffed, his expression turning to a look of self-disgust, but he did not raise his mask. ‘Am I that obvious?’
‘Yes.’ The Earl laughed.
John laughed too. ‘God help me, then I will not deny it.’
The earl patted John’s shoulder. ‘Never mind, Pembroke, I would rather be in your shoes than some others.’ He bowed to Katherine. ‘Your Grace.’ Then she and John moved on.
‘That is it then, my reputation is in shreds,’ John whispered into her ear. But his voice was light and humorous.
‘Does it upset you?’
His gaze held hers, sparkling and open. ‘No, Katherine, let them gossip. Your smile is worth my reputation.’
‘I prefer Lord Gladstone’s view of it anyway.’
John’s smile broke wider, as his fingers caught hers. ‘Come on, they are starting a waltz.’
She saw Eleanor, who was now heavy with child.
Katherine’s fingers touched her own stomach. Her condition was beginning to show. They were leaving London after this ball, tomorrow, returning to Pembroke Place. John had said they would stay there over Christmas only, then move on to one of his more isolated estates.
While she was in confinement, he was having both Pembroke Place and Pembroke House fully redecorated. To dispose of his childhood memories once and for all.
‘John! Katherine!’ Eleanor called before they could move among the dancers. She approached with her husband, who smiled in the fashion of a proud expectant father.
‘You look well,’ Eleanor said to Katherine first, and then glanced at John. ‘You too. What has she done to you? You are actually smiling.’
John laughed. ‘She has made me happy.’ He did feel happy – happy and not uncomfortable at all.
