Page 28 of My Secret Duke
He wanted to believe this was all Ivo’s fault. She would have shown him the note, but it was in her room, and besides, he’d probably think Ivo wrote it to deceiveher.
Gabriel had stopped. “Well?” he said bleakly. “This really will be your final chance, Olivia. I don’t have the time or the patience to keep digging you out of these holes. You have five sisters who need my help. Your actions reflect on them. Youknowthis.”
“Yes. Please. I promise never to do this again. I’m so, so sorry.”
He nodded, but his expression didn’t soften. “Unfortunately, your mother made her concerns about your absence known to Prince Nikolai. She didn’t exactly say that you and Northam were an item, but one could easily draw that conclusion. As you know, the prince is a stickler for the rules, and to be embroiled in scandal would send him off on that stallion of his at a gallop.”
That was too much to take in. Her mother had spoken to the prince, and Olivia may well have lost her chance to win him.
“Look, Vivienne seems to think you want to marry the man, Olivia, but if you don’t, you have only to say. Don’t let our grandmother bully you into doing something you don’t want to do. I know how that feels. But no more scandals, do you hear me?” He had turned to her, and despite the shadows, she knew he was watching her keenly.
If anyone knew about being pressured into marriage against one’s wishes, it was Gabriel. For a time, he had believed it his duty to ignore his heart, but thankfully, he had woken up.
“It’s not as simple as that,” she said.
“Olivia, it is. Something I have learned the hard way. It is very simple—you just have to make the choice that is right for you. As long as it isn’t Northam. I draw the linethere.”
She found her voice again. “Idowant to marry the prince. I’m sorry, Gabriel. It will not happen again.”
He raised his eyebrows as if he didn’t believe her, which in the circumstances was understandable. “If you genuinely mean it, then you will need to repair the damage your mother has caused. Perhaps it was well meant.” But he didn’t sound as if he entirely believed that.
“My mother hates you,” Olivia interrupted urgently. “I saw her watching you during dinner last night and… Don’t trust her, Gabriel. I think she is up to something.”
He frowned. “Up to what, exactly?”
But Olivia didn’t know the answer. Had her mother been responsible for the notes that had brought Ivo and Olivia together? Was she intentionally trying to obstruct the Ashtons’ bid to return to their rightful place in the ton? A bitter revenge for all she had suffered? They had reached the side door into the house, and Gabriel opened it. The noise grew louder as they approached the ballroom, which was brightly lit, with guests whirling, fine clothing rippling, and jewelry twinkling. They looked like actors on a stage, and Olivia felt anxious and on edge. She had to join them and play her part. Her very last chance, Gabriel had said, and she had to take it. Gabriel paused just beyond the reach of the candles. “Ready?”
She managed a feeble smile. “Will you dance with me?”
“Of course I will,” he said, and led her into the ballroom.
Chapter Thirteen
The first face Olivia saw through the blur of well-dressed guests was her mother, wearing that little satisfied smile that caused her eldest daughter so much consternation. The second was Prince Nikolai’s, and his expression was the epitome of disgust, his nostrils flaring as if he had scented a mate who was disappointing. Her heart sank, but before she could react, her grandmother bustled toward them, shooting a questioning glance at Gabriel, which he answered with a nod.
“There you are, Gabriel,” she said, completely ignoring Olivia. “Vivienne, where are you?”
Hearing her name, Vivienne glanced up from her conversation with her cousin. She was particularly beautiful tonight in an apricot silk gown, her hair arranged simply, and the famous Ashton emeralds about her neck. She looked more like a duchess every day. When the dowager beckoned her impatiently, she sent Gabriel a wry look before moving to join them.
The dowager took their hands in both of hers and raised her voice. “Everyone! Everyone, please pay attention!”
The music had stopped, and now there was a murmur of anticipation before silence fell. Servants hurriedly carried around trays of champagne for the toast.
“We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the marriage of my grandson, Gabriel, the Duke of Grantham, to his duchess, Vivienne. Let us wish them every happiness.” She joined their hands together before stepping away.
There was a rousing cheer. Olivia joined in, and Gabriel put his arm around his wife’s waist and leaned down to kiss her chastely on the lips. They shared a look that made Olivia’s chest ache a little, because it said so much about their feelings for each other. It made her wonder if such happiness could ever be hers before she reminded herself that she wasn’t looking for that sort of happiness. She had made her choice—if she hadn’t botched it up.
The prince stood alone with a champagne glass in his hand. He was looking bored. She needed to speak to him, she needed to… Her disobedient gaze slid to Ivo. He was with his mother and sisters, all raising their glasses to the happy couple. But he wasn’t looking at Gabriel and Vivienne. Instead, he was watching her, a frown upon his handsome face. He seemed to be asking her if everything was all right. Her lips tingled, reliving that kiss, and something about the sudden gleam in his green eyes made her think he was remembering it too.
Her arm was taken in a painful grip.
“Ouch!”
Her grandmother was beside her, and there was no doubting her displeasure. As the orchestra struck up again, Gabriel and Vivienne began to dance before the interested eyes of the guests. Once everyone was otherwise occupied, the dowager tugged Olivia away into a private alcove by the windows.
“Don’t you realize the chance I have given you?” Her whisper was low and angry, as if even in the midst of her fury, she was conscious of listening ears and potential gossip. “Don’t you care that you will end up as soiled goods? That no gentleman will offer for you? That you will be abandoned by society and grow old and alone?”
The picture she painted came from Olivia’s worstnightmares, and she suspected it was meant to. She felt ill as she forced herself to meet those dark eyes. “I am so sorry, Grandmama. I apologize. I… It won’t happen again.”
