Page 71 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“Has anyone ever told you that your blush suits you well?” he murmured close to her ear, his breath warming her skin. “Though, I confess, I prefer it when it is for me alone.”
A shiver ran down her spine, equal parts exasperation and delight.
The ballroom faded around her, leaving only the music, his hand on her waist, and the steady, intoxicating press of his body against hers.
But the music ended far too soon, and eventually Gerard pulled her off the dance floor, guiding her back into the ogling crowd. The chandeliers glinted above, reflecting a thousand curious eyes, yet all Wilhelmina could focus on was the press of bodies and the inevitable intrusion of Society’s prying tongues.
“Oh my, Your Graces,” came a sickly-sweet voice from behind, rising above the chatter and clinking of glasses.
Of course.The Viscountess Farnmont had to be here.
Wilhelmina exhaled slowly, trying to steel herself as Gerard led her to face the interlopers. Lord Farnmont lingered at his wife’s side, a shadow of obedience, as if he existed only to mirror her motions.
“Lord Farnmont. Lady Farnmont. This is my wife, the Duchess of Talleystone. Duchess, I believe you’re acquainted with the Viscount Farnmont and his wife,” Gerard said briskly.
Wilhelmina curtseyed politely, striving to hide the twitch of her lips. “Good evening to you both.”
Lady Farnmont’s smile was too sweet, too calculated. “It is quite something, isn’t it, how quickly one can recover from tragedy? I dare say, you hardly seem… burdened by it at all, Your Grace.Some might call that fortitude. Others might wonder…” she trailed off, letting the insinuation hang in the air.
Wilhelmina’s hands remained folded at her waist, and she kept her voice light. “I am pleased to be in good spirits, Lady Farnmont. One must carry oneself well in Society, as I’m sure you understand.”
Lady Farnmont tilted her head, her eyes narrowed. “Ah, yes, Society. But surely there are expectations, Your Grace. Even a widow must observe certain… courtesies, especially when marrying again so swiftly. The ton can be unforgiving to those who leap into matrimony without due reflection, don’t you agree?”
Wilhelmina’s lips pressed into a thin line, her calm masking the heat of irritation climbing up her chest.
She bowed her head slightly, letting the words wash over her, giving nothing away. “I have considered it, Lady Farnmont. And I am confident that this course is suitable for all concerned.”
Lady Farnmont leaned a bit closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Of course, one hopes it is… But you must forgive me if I remain skeptical. After all, appearances can be so misleading. Do you think you truly understand the duties of a duchess, Your Grace? Or do you merely hope to manage them with wit alone?”
Wilhelmina’s eyes flickered, just for an instant, but then she quickly plastered on a smile. “I am learning, Lady Farnmont.And I trust that, in time, even the most critical observer will see that I approach my responsibilities with care.”
Lady Farnmont’s smile sharpened. “We shall see, we shall see…” She bobbed her head, lingering a heartbeat too long.
Wilhelmina could feel the judgment radiating off the woman, the challenge in each word.
“Well, Lady Farnmont—” she began, but stopped when Gerard’s hand brushed her elbow, firm and grounding.
“If you’ll excuse us, we have some acquaintances we must greet. Lord Farnmont, Lady Farnmont.” He then turned to Wilhelmina and whispered, “May I have a word with you, wife?”
Wilhelmina gave a small, polite nod before he gently guided her away, leaving Lady Farnmont behind, her gaze still prying, still judging.
She was still trembling with anger when they entered the library, and Gerard locked the door behind them. She jerked her arm free, no longer afraid of making a scene in this private space.
She bristled, stepping forward, but he didn’t back away. “Am I to stand idle while she insults me? While she dares to question my capabilities?”
“You will not argue with me in front of the ton,” he warned, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I will not have youhumiliated—not here, not ever. You are my wife. My wife commands respect, and so do I. That ends this conversation.”
Her chest tightened. “A duchess. That’s all I am to you? A title to be paraded about?”
“You are far more than a title,” he said, stepping close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him. “But you are mine. Do you hear me, Wilhelmina?Mine.Iwill protect you.Iwill defend you. And I will not have you, nor anyone else, undermining what we have built, no matter how small you think it may be.”
Wilhelmina swallowed hard. His voice, so commanding, made her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t anticipated. “You?—”
“I know what you want to say,” he interrupted again, lifting his hand to tilt her chin up, forcing her eyes to meet his. “And you will not speak until I decide. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she whispered, her defiance trembling beneath the weight of his authority.
“That’s better,” he grumbled. He leaned closer, his hands firm on her waist. “I’ve waited long enough to remind you of who I am. I am the Duke of Talleystone, and you…” He paused, his eyes darkening. “You are mine. Not the ton’s. Not Lady Farnmont’s.Mine.”
