Page 53 of The Duchess' Ultimatum
“Oh, I just assumed that you would be occupied. Or that you would not have any trouble finding someone else to dance with.” She made sure to be looking right at him, her meaning clear.
Then, not wanting to continue the conversation, fearing that if she did that it would only make things worse, she put her head down and strode past him. And thankfully, Dorian knew better than to follow.
Her heart was thundering in her chest. Her legs were shaking from the adrenaline that coursed through her veins. As she walked, Penelope tried to do so with her chin pointed and a smile on her face, wishing to feel as if she had achieved some great victory just now.
Even if it doesn’t feel remotely like I have…
In truth, that interaction was an abject failure. She had wanted to talk to Dorian and find out the truth, to learn finally what was going on and what had really happened last night. Although she suspected that she knew the reason, there was that part of her that hoped otherwise…
Rather than that, she accused him, put him down, and made a mess of what was already a messy situation. If there had been even the remotest of chances that she was misreading Dorian’s feelings about her, she had gone and ruined that now.
Maybe she deserved to be alone?With the way I just behaved, I can’t help but think that I do.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Forgive me, Your Grace, but Her Grace was quite insistent that she dance with me. I would not wish to go against her request.” Lord Westport was attempting to appear brave, as if he might stand over Dorian and bully him into submission.
Dorian looked at him flatly. “Are you trying to suggest that you know my wife better than I do?”
“I…” Lord Westport balked. “Of course not. I was simply explaining the impression that –”
“You can explain all you wish,” Dorian spoke over him. “But it makes no difference to me. When my wife announces for the guests to find their partners and take the floor, you will remain here. Or outside. Or go to your room for all I care.” He held the lord in his hard gaze. “Because I will be the one dancing with her. Is that understood?”
Lord Westport swallowed nervously. “Y – yes, of course. Forgive me, I did not mean to –”
“Good.” Dorian turned from the young lord and stalked away.
He could not stop thinking about the interaction he’d had just moments earlier with Penelope. How angry she had been. How she thought that he and Henriette were somehow involved – as if he wanted such a thing.
Worse still, that she was so furious with him that she claimed not to care about him at all.
She is acting out, that is all. Confused and embarrassed after last evening, she is doing exactly as I would. Distancing myself, because that’s easier than facing the truth.
A shame that Dorian still could not admit to himself what the truth was. What he did know was that he couldn’t leave things as they were. There was something happening between himself and Penelope, and try as he might to ignore it, there it was right in front of him. All he needed was to be brave enough to accept it, and then do something about it…
And what better place for such a thing than on the dancefloor, entwined together in a waltz, watched by all, unable to turn and run, and forced to keep calm because the last thing either of them wanted was for their woes to become public knowledge.
Perhaps not the best plan that Dorian had ever conceived, but such were the times.
He spent the next ten minutes prowling the edges of the ballroom, making sure to keep his distance from Henrietta, while also watching Penelope who he felt was doing everything in her power not to look at him. Strange that this brought a smile to his face, as it told him that despite her reservations, she was still thinking about him.
Then again, he was still thinking about her. And the fact that he was so concerned and so determined should have been enough to tell him how he felt.But I have always been a slow learner…
Soon, the music which played across the ballroom dimmed and fell silent. Noticed by the guests, their talking was quick to follow as they looked about, their gazes eventually finding the middle of the ballroom where Penelope stood waiting. The original plan was for Dorian and Penelope to address the guests together, but she had taken it on herself and wasn’t about to wait for him to join her.
“If I might have your attention for a minute,” Penelope called above the crowd. “Yes, this way thank you.” She was smiling as she spoke, glowing such was the confidence that she exuded.
Again, Dorian found himself smiling. He loved how self-assured she was. That she did not shy away from attention or responsibility. And it made him wonder about her desire to be a mother, realizing in that moment just how wonderful a parent, a protector, she would be.
“First of all, I want to thank you all for coming this weekend. My husband and I…” She frowned to herself, shaking it off and forcing her smile. “We are so glad that you could each make it. Just as we hope that this weekend is one you won’t soon forget.”
A circle formed around her, and Dorian slowly moved to its front edge. As he did, there were many in the small crowd who found him, and he smiled and waved as if this was all part of the plan. That he wasn’t purposefully avoiding his wife, just as she wasn’t avoiding him.
“As most of you know, we have a full weekend planned, today and tonight being just the beginning. And where the garden party earlier was an appetizer for today, this here is the main course.” She clapped her hands together and a few in the crowd laughed along. “To begin with, I thought it might be fun to host a dance – many of you I have spoken with, and you each know your partner. So please…” She gestured to the crowd. “Those who wish to join in, find your partner now and then a place on the dancefloor so we might begin. All are welcome!”
The crowd began to move at her instruction.
Dorian watched as the various couples found their mates, laughing and smiling as they took hands and began their way onto the dancefloor. He glanced through the crowd and caught sight of Lord Westport, pouting in the corner but not moving to find Penelope.
