Page 91 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“You look magnificent,” Victoria gushed. “I can scarce believe that the sister most like myself has finally chosen to dress as a proper lady.”
Wilhelmina laughed, unable to resist. “That can’t be right. Wasn’t I a lady when walking beside Robert?”
“Perhaps,” Victoria conceded, though her eyes softened. “But there is a different… glow about you tonight.”
“You are doing so well, dear sister,” Daphne said, pride tinging her voice. “You have always been capable and beautiful. I’m glad the world gets to see it.”
Victoria leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “His Grace cannot keep his eyes off you. I dare say he watches you far more hungrily than Robert ever did. Do try not to blush, Mina, it suits you far too well.”
“He’s getting closer,” Daphne added, her tone teasing. “Oh, he clearly adores you!”
“Has he told you?” Victoria asked. “Because if I were you, I would find out just how much he adores you. Do not waste this marriage when you have a good man by your side.”
“No. That can’t be you speaking, Vicky!” Wilhelmina gasped, a playful horror in her tone as she covered her mouth.
Victoria merely giggled, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
Wilhelmina gave a small sigh, forcing herself back to her guests.
Gerard approached, his gaze never leaving her as he offered his arm for the first dance.
The music swelled, a slow, intoxicating waltz that seemed to pull the very air around them.
“You honor me,” she murmured as she stepped into his embrace. His arm was firm, confident around her waist, his hand brushing the small of her back in a way that made her shiver.
“The honor is mine,” he replied, his voice low, almost a growl. “You look breathtaking tonight, Mina. Breathtaking.”
Her chest warmed, and she felt herself melt slightly into his hold as they began to move.
Each step was deliberate, perfectly in time with the music. The world beyond the ballroom walls disappeared; the flickering candlelight, the murmurs of the guests, even the strains of violins—all were background to the closeness of his body, the heat of his chest against hers.
“Do you always dance so well?” she asked, her voice soft, teasing.
“Only with the right partner,” he said, dipping her slightly and bringing her up again.
His lips brushed her ear as he spoke, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.
With every turn, every gentle press of his hand along her back, Wilhelmina felt the subtle thrill of being truly seen, desired, not as a duchess, but as herself. She dared a glance up at him, meeting the depth of his gaze, and found an unspoken promise in his eyes.
By the third rotation of the floor, she realized how easy it was to forget the formalities, the weight of appearances. His presence was commanding, yet gentle; protective, yet daring. She laughed softly when he spun her out and caught her again, his breath warm against her cheek.
“You must be careful,” she murmured. “I may get spoiled with such treatment.”
“Let it spoil you,” he replied, voice low and intimate, “and perhaps I will not be able to resist.”
When the music ended, they lingered, unwilling to break the spell. Gerard guided her to the far corner of the ballroom, hands still lightly resting on her waist. The warmth of his fingers, the heat of his gaze, the closeness of his chest—it was intoxicating.
Wilhelmina could feel the attraction coil inside her, a bright, taut thread. She wanted to speak, to comment on the look in his eyes, but words failed her. Instead, she rested her hand lightly on his chest, and he followed her lead, letting their shared silence speak volumes.
Victoria and Daphne moved among the guests with donation boxes, leaving Wilhelmina a quiet moment with her husband. She exhaled slowly, savoring the ache in her chest, the heat of him near.
For once, she felt entirely present—not just the dutiful hostess, not the widow or stepmother, not a duchess of London society—but Wilhelmina, as she was when he held her.
She felt her heart swell with something new: a sense of belonging, of being truly desired.
The charity auction had progressed well. Some people were still in the house, socializing, eating, and drinking.
Gerard felt proud that Wilhelmina handled the event well.
