Page 34 of The Duke's Return
“Aha!” A loud voice made Genevieve jump as she jerked around to see what had happened. Feeling Julian’s hands tighten and then loosen at her waist, she found herself leaning in closer to him when she gazed at Mr. Kettering, the uncle to the current Lord of the house.
“Mr. Kettering.” Julian offered a polite nod as Genevieve grasped hold of her nerves. It felt as though someone had pushed her off a cliff. Her chest heaved and she struggled to catch her breath. The way her husband rubbed light circles in the middle of her back wasn’t as helpful as he might suspect. But fortunately, as she pulled herself together, the other man focused on Julian. “I hear you have quite the bird collection.”
“Hm? Oh, yes. You should see the lot of them. I’ve purchased many over the years, even raised some of them from the egg.” The man was large with bulging eyes that stared blatantly at the duke. “Have you an interest in the avian species?”
“I believe in having an interest in everything, of course.”
“Ah. How fascinating. And you, Your Grace?”
She straightened up and swallowed. “I’m afraid I don’t know much about birds.”
“Then how fortunate you are I am here to educate you. Perhaps we should take a stroll up to visit. I’ve heard you have refined tastes, my lady, and I’d be more than happy to escort you over to see my newest parakeet.”
That doesn’t sound right.
“I’m not certain…” Genevieve turned toward her husband to see if he might help. Her head still felt light from the champagne, and she couldn’t quite think of the right words to politely dissuade the older gentleman who had yet to take his eyes off of her.
Before she had met his gaze, Julian was speaking. “What a generous offer. Unfortunately, I’ve already promised my wife to ply her with some fantastic desserts, and I don’t believe in separating women from their little treasures. A delightful offer, Mr. Kettering, one we shall surely take you up on another time. Good day,” he added pleasantly and led her away at once.
“Thank you,” Genevieve mumbled. They stepped under the awning to see the first table. Only then did Julian drop his arm from her to grasp two plates. She patted her head before looking around. “I’ve never liked birds very much.”
“Perhaps he could help you change your mind.”
Her lips pursed. “Perhaps not.”
Julian glanced her way for a second, chuckling, and then redirected her attention back toward the table. “What shall we ply with you, my dear?”
It annoyed Genevieve just how well he played the doting husband. She fell quiet, nodding along silently while he filled their plates. It was strange behavior on both their parts but she thought it for the best, even as he led her to a small table in a corner of the terrace with their food.
“Eat some food to fill your stomach,” he instructed. “You’re not going to be ill on the ride home.”
“Are you certain of that?”
He playfully rolled his eyes before taking off, muttering something about drinks. It left her alone at the small round table for two, with both platters of food. Setting down her cucumber sandwich, Genevieve wondered if she should wait for him.
The drinks table was a little further, but she could still watch as he skirted the food tables to fetch them some lemonades. He managed to get one ready before Miss Alice was there to speak to him.
Smiling fondly, Genevieve watched the two of them speak for a minute. Julian did speak well with her. Not flirtatiously so, but clearly like an elder brother. It intrigued her to watch him as he’d not had any siblings. But she knew his countless cousins and how he must have been raised with so many of them.
He’s never even met my three sisters, not for more than a second.
Someone waved at her and she paused to wave back, grateful when no one came to sit beside her. A moment alone was needed. She’d talked to so many people already, too many to remember. And then being with Julian could be… It could be overwhelming.
She fanned herself for a moment. Then she fixed her bonnet. Looking back up to see if he was making his return, she paused.
Because Julian wasn’t walking back in her direction. Rather, he was still a partial profile as he grinned and leaned forward, speaking to a woman that was not Miss Alice. The young woman had left and now her husband waved his hand low with his remark while he made the other woman laugh. A beautiful woman, Genevieve had to note, properly small and soft.
Just watching them made her cheeks flush.
She didn’t like watching her husband flirt with someone prettier than her. But even as she felt anger well within her, she forced it down.
Because it didn’t matter.
An act. It’s all an act. It doesn’t matter. It’s not as though I thought he changed. He won’t change. Particularly there is the fact he doesn’t wish to change. The man is nothing more than a rake.
Thinking otherwise would only get herself hurt, she reminded herself. The man wasn’t the sort to settle for one woman. Even whilst married.
We’re just playing a part. It’s all a performance.
