Page 79 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“Ah. I’m glad that both of you are smiling! There must be something that has put you in such a good mood,” Daniel remarked, tilting his head as if he were carefully inspecting them. “There’s something… different tonight, isn’t there? His Grace is not being quite the grump?”
“Aside from the fact that your sister is consistently punctual, Lord Grisham?” Gerard drawled, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Aside from that,” Daniel said, nodding. “I cannot put my finger on it, but something has changed. His Grace seems… lighter, somehow.”
Wilhelmina laughed again, a full, boisterous sound that drew the attention of those nearby. Her twin sisters, as if waiting fortheir cue, hurried over with bright smiles and greeted them with curtsies.
“Apologies,” she snickered, trying to compose herself. “I did not intend to laugh so loudly. Daniel, His Grace is indeed in a most agreeable mood tonight. I cannot say why, but it is a rare and welcome change.”
“Oh, some people simply do not know how to have fun, Mina,” Victoria said with a dramatic sigh. “It is fortunate you laughed like that. I now have an excuse to leave Lord Percival, who is dreadfully dull.”
Daniel rubbed his chin as if considering her remark. “Considering he is younger than me, I dare say he is even duller than I expected.”
“I am glad you see it that way, big brother,” Victoria quipped, smiling triumphantly. “We must save Daphne from some of these lords. She behaves as if she likes them all.”
“I am only being polite, Vicky!” Daphne protested. “None of them has given me reason to be cruel. I simply cannot treat them badly.”
“Did I say treat them badly?” Victoria huffed, exasperated. “I only meant that you are far too agreeable. They may mistake your kindness for encouragement.”
Wilhelmina felt a rare sense of ease settle over her. Her siblings bickered lightly as always, but it was pleasant, familiar. And Gerard stood near, watching with a calm attentiveness that made her pulse flutter.
Tonight, at least, he seemed almost… amiable. She allowed herself a quiet sigh of relief.
Then, as though on cue, Lady Farnmont approached.
“No wonder the new Duchess behaves despicably. Her whole family is just the same.” Her voice wasn’t particularly loud, but she did not whisper either.
“That little wit—” Victoria hissed.
Wilhelmina placed her hand on her sister’s arm in gentle warning. Thankfully, Victoria paused, but then she groaned.
Her family knew that she was now a duchess and should not be involved in any more public altercations.
“Duke, may I be excused? I will be back soon,” Wilhelmina whispered.
“Certainly, Duchess,” Gerard murmured, but his eyes were wary.
Wilhelmina took the time to walk to the adjoining parlor. She didn’t want her family and her husband to see her breathingerratically. It seemed that Lady Farnmont had decided to double down on her efforts to humiliate her.
The air in the room smelled of roses and lavender, scents that normally calmed her easily. Alas, it did not work this time. The brave and outspoken Wilhelmina seemed to have been replaced by someone more fearful.
Eventually, the source of her anxiety found her again.
“Well, I seem to have found the jolly widow,” Lady Farnmont cooed. “Oh, you don’t look so happy now, Your Grace. But I must say, you’ve done so well for yourself.”
“Lady Farnmont.”
“You have always been deemed one of the most clever and accomplished young women of our time, Your Grace,” Lady Farnmont continued, her smile sharp, her eyes flicking over Wilhelmina with thinly veiled scrutiny. “Yet I cannot help but wonder if it is true. You know how fast gossip spreads. Lord Slyham has been dead for only a year, and already you have found a new husband. One would scarcely imagine you took time to mourn. Why, you did not even feign reluctance in the pursuit of another husband. You attended social events and even abandoned your mourning attire.”
The words felt like a slap to the face, but Wilhelmina didn’t say anything. She remembered Gerard’s warning not to cause any more scandal.
“You cared little for Lord Slyham,” Lady Farnmont goaded, her voice dripping with malice.
“You have no right—” Wilhelmina’s voice trembled with indignation. “You have no notion—noinkling—of what I endured when I lost Robert!”
“Lord Slyham was a saint,” Lady Farnmont sniffed, as though appalled by the world itself. “I do not understand why he chose you. I have every right to speak thusly. How can you presume to honor his memory while warming another man’s bed so soon after his death?”
“Do not dare speak so of my husband or my marriage.” Wilhelmina’s warning was sharp. “You have no idea what our life was like.”
