Page 30 of The Duke's Return
“You would appear to be right.” Julian settled his cheek on his fist, turning his gaze from the line of carriages to his wife. “A garden fete. We’re surrounded by fresh air already. What do you think we shall enjoy here?”
Curiosity filled her gaze when she glanced his way, but after a pause she clearly decided to take his question seriously. “I suppose it is meant to be a daytime soiree, much more casual but definitely intended to allow plenty of time for gossip. Picnics are so much more private. But here we’ll surely enjoy the gardens, perhaps a conservatory or green house, and enjoy some music. And probably too much champagne.”
He jerked his head up. “Do you enjoy champagne?”
“It’s French,” she said dismissively.
Julian opened his mouth to protest that was hardly an excuse. Everyone in England was supposed to despise everything French because of the war. But that didn’t stop anyone from following past French fashions or enjoying French butter.
Before he could get a word out, their carriage started moving again. The carriages around them shifted about into two lanes. It was still awfully crowded, but Julian didn’t care. He’d told theirdriver to deliver them as close as possible and then they would sort it out from there.
Descending, Julian had to help Genevieve out and then squeeze between two other carriages. His wife sent him a pointed glance, but he paid it no mind.
They finally reached the front of the house. He relaxed at once. Yesterday and even last night had put in a lot of work to fry his nerves. But he’d promised himself once he was away from his bed chamber and his study, he could forget his worries to enjoy a social event.
“Garden fetes,” Julian mused while he led Genevieve down a hall toward wide open doors leading out to the private grounds. Their hosts stood in the way to welcome everyone. “Flowers and champagne and at least a hundred guests to speak to today.”
“Please tell me you know at least half of them,” she murmured.
He slowed down before their hosts to shoot her a smile. “What if I didn’t know any of them?”
It was a weak jest, but it garnered a sharp look from his wife. And that alone was life force enough for Julian during the next hour. They greeted their hosts, Lord and Lady Kettering, and were promptly sent around for introductions with Miss Alice Kettering, the eldest of five daughters and the only one old enough to be out.
“You’ve been so kind,” Genevieve told Alice when Julian beckoned to a wandering servant for three lemonades. “We had best let you return to your mother now. I cannot imagine she meant for you to accompany us for so long. How indebted we are to your kindness, Miss Alice. Thank you for the thoughtfulintroductions. I hope to hear from you soon regarding your bluebird painting.”
One of the many topics they had enjoyed. Miss Alice blushed, accepting the praise and a lemonade before hastily taking her leave.
Finally. She’s a darling child but I think she might have glued herself to our sides if we weren’t more careful. Hardly of age and she knows every person here. That’s rather impressive.
“She’s a very kind young lady,” Genevieve whispered at his side, her lips pressed gently against her glass. “I hope you don’t mind her halting the introductions. I needed a minute of peace.”
He gave a low chuckle. “Thank the lord.” Another point in his wife’s favor. How was she not a prize amongst the ton? It was unfathomable he’d managed to find such a clever wife.
This afternoon promised to be quite a splendid affair for their first public appearance. Shiny drippings sparkled in the daylight and blended in well with the colorful garden. Musicians played nearby, lighthearted music. Champagne indeed flowed alongside plenty of lemonade and desserts.
And my wife fits perfectly into all of it.
Hopefully, Julian thought, this event alone would allow the world to see he was not so elusive and his wife was not that mysterious. Seeing them, particularly together, would hopefully go a long way in clearing the family name.
“Shall we walk amongst the roses?” Genevieve said softly when they hadn’t spoken for a long minute. “I see a particular shade that has caught my interest. It’s a very particular pink.”
“But of course.” He set their glasses down on a nearby tray before dramatically flaring out his arm, seeing a few eyes on them. “My lady.”
She blinked a few times and then gripped his arm––tightly for a moment before she loosened––and then they began to walk.
Having dressed in a soft blue silk, Genevieve looked very much the part of a gentle lady today. The pearls in her hair appeared simpler compared to some of the more elaborate hairstyles, Julian noted, but this fit his wife much better. She looked determined and radiant.
And a touch nervous.
“Is something wrong?” he asked quietly as they moved along.
“Wrong? Why would you think that?”
Julian brought them to a halt before some pink roses. Genevieve was staring firmly at them and avoiding him. But as he shifted her hand into his own, he used it to tug her to face him so she couldn’t hide.
And there, just for a second, he could see the doubt. Movement caught his eye as she swallowed inaudibly.
“What is it?” he asked.
