Page 22 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“We are in public. And we are not friends. We are business associates.”
“Mhm. You’ll have to help me, then. I’m not exactly subtle.”
“I believe there are other ways to deal with lecherous men,” Daniel said calmly.
“So, you do agree that he is lecherous?”
“Perhaps not lecherous, but definitely inappropriate.” He didn’t sound so convinced.
“Ah, I can tell you are about to agree with me,” she said, as her brother’s body stiffened when he saw Lord Bertram moving again.
This time, Victoria openly swatted him and placed her fan between them, the hard edge pointing at his rib.
“I will have a word with him.” Daniel clenched his jaw.
Things seemed to have smoothed a little in the front row, as Victoria had made it clear that nobody should ever try anything untoward if they wanted to leave unscathed.
Another piece ended.
Lady Grisham clapped with exaggerated poise, head up, neck extended, back straight. She glanced back at Wilhelmina, who could not even pretend to be enthused. “Again, please consider being more agreeable.”
“I might consider moving to Italy or Scotland,” Wilhelmina retorted.
“You would miss us, darling.”
“Not enough, Mother. And if it’s Scotland, Lizzie will find a way to have everyone reunite.”
The intermission began, and Lord Welles used it as an excuse to offer Wilhelmina a drink. This time, she took it with a thank you and a gracious nod.
“Lady Slyham,” he began. “Do you find musicales dreary or entertaining? I could not help but see a bit of your interaction with your mother.”
“Oh, it depends on whether you are planning to talk through the second half, My Lord,” she replied with a small smile.
Lord Welles almost choked on his drink. “Duly noted, My Lady.”
Daniel leaned over to his sister and said in a low voice, “Since you aren’t eager to remarry, we can at least raise funds by putting your wit and sarcasm in little bottles.”
“Do you think that would work?” she asked, mock hopefully.
Wilhelmina had to admit she was somehow enjoying herself. They returned to their seats as their host announced that the quartet would resume playing.
The twins obediently sat in the front row once more.
Wilhelmina could not help but smile with pride whenever she saw them. They looked so alike, but acted so differently. She hoped that the men who wanted to woo them would realize that they were not just novelties. They were completely different people.
Daphne looked like a dream of lace and tiny pearls in her pink and white dress, while Victoria had tied a black ribbon around her waist to accentuate the purple of her dress.
“How about I faint, so we can skip the rest of the musicale?” Wilhelmina asked Daniel.
He sighed. “From what I know, you don’t want to draw attention. So, that may be a terrible idea. We both know it.”
“You’re right.”
“Stop whispering, Wilhelmina,” Lady Grisham hissed. “It’s unbecoming of a dowager.”
“What must a dowager do? Most of the ones I know are old and have the right to whisper as much as they please. Have you seen the Dowager Duchess of?—”
“Mina,” Daniel warned, even though he looked red from stifling his laughter.
