Page 2 of The Duke and the Widow
As if she hadn’t even been in the room, both families talked about her life and where she would live. They decided she could remain in the house as long as she wished since Rich wouldn’t take up residence. She stared at the wall and did her best to ignore the conversation that only further solidified that nothing about her life would ever be the same again.
When the exhaustion of the day consumed her, she trudged upstairs and, out of habit, went straight to the bedchamber she had shared with Ry. They never spent a single night apart in their home, even the times when she slept in a chair by the bed. The sheets had been freshly changed and the bed turned down, but she couldn’t bring herself to cross the threshold into the room.
She turned on her heel and went to the marchioness’ chamber. Until then, it had only served as a dressing room and a place to keep her clothing. Rosina didn’t bother to ring for her maid or to remove the black dress she wore. She kicked off her shoes and climbed into the bed, then hugged the pillow to her body.
Rosina wasn’t sure how she was expected to go on in a world where Ry wasn’t. She closed her eyes, longing for sleep, the only place where she might see him again.
Chapter 2
Norfolk, England - September 1813
“Andwhoareyoustaring at?” Lily asked, tugging Rosina’s attention away from the man who had entered the salon. She and her friend were guests at a country house party hosted by Lord and Lady Ockham. Ry had been friends with Lord Ockham and a few of the other gentlemen in attendance when they were at Eton, and he had visited her after Ry’s passing to pay his respects.
The party had around thirty guests, all members of the ton. Their hosts went all out since they missed the events of the London season because of the birth of their first child. House parties proved to create many opportunities to indulge in carnal pursuits if one navigated them properly, and finding a gentleman to bring to her bed was an option she would consider as part of the activities for the fortnight they were in attendance.
“That is the Duke of St. Albans,” Rosina replied. The man was devastatingly handsome with his dark, almost black hair and broad-shouldered, taut form.
“You seem taken with him,” Lily said, giving her a knowing look.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. At least not for anything beyond how he might perform in the bedchamber. It had been almost three years since Ry had passed, and she still didn’t believe she could ever allow herself to care for another man in the way she had for her husband. After two years had passed, she’d desired the physical aspects of being with a man, and she’d felt so guilty that she locked herself in her chamber for two weeks.
After replaying some of her last conversations with Ry, she convinced herself she could do so and keep feelings out of it. Men did so all the time, so surely she could as well. The first time had been awkward, and she went home and cried herself to sleep. But she had also felt something again, something besides grief, even if only for a little while, and decided she would entertain the gentleman again.
The man decided he wanted to marry her after they had several trysts, and when she refused him, he spread it around that she was an easy mark for the men of the ton. It damaged her reputation in some circles, but she still had her close friends, and after a break from the company of gentlemen while the gossip ran its course, she pursued another partner.
In reality, she had only had a few partners, regardless of what some sets in society believed. She never intended to marry again, so if the reputation kept marriage-minded men away, she would be all the better for it.
“This is his first event in society,” Rosina said, “other than casual appearances, where his attendance was required. He would make an intriguing friend.”
“Intriguing, indeed.”
Rosina jerked her head towards her friend, planning to say something smart, but their hostess approached.
“Are you both having a good time so far? Dinner should be announced soon,” Lady Ockham said.
“We are, my lady,” Rosina said. “Lily and I hoped you might introduce us to Lord Knox. We aren’t certain who he is.”
Their hostess nodded in understanding. “I believe I heard something about him courting Lady Lily,” she said, giving Lily a kind smile.
“At least that is what my father’s intentions are,” Lily replied, the irritation evident in her tone. Rosina’s friend had been considered a wallflower when she made her come out earlier in the season, and her father had taken matters into his own hands in his mission to see her wed to a titled peer.
“Well, come with me,” Lady Ockham said. “I think I see him among some of the other guests. You probably couldn’t see him from here.”
The ladies followed their hostess, moving through a group of guests until they reached a gentleman standing near the sideboard.
“Lord Knox,” their hostess started, “Please allow me to introduce Lady Lily and Lady Preston.”
“My ladies,” he said, bowing to them. “Pleased to meet you both.”
The man took Lily’s hand in his. “I hope you might allow me to spend some time in your presence over the next fortnight.”
“We shall let you two get acquainted,” Lady Ockham said, looping her arm in Rosina’s. “Perhaps we will see a betrothal by the end of the house party,” she continued, leaning close so only Rosina could hear her. “It’s the hope of any hostess and just might make up for missing the season.”
“I hope you get your wish,” Rosina said, becoming more aware that they were approaching the same group as the Duke of St. Albans.
“Your Grace, my lords,” Lady Ockham started, “have you all met Lady Preston?”
She was already acquainted with Lord Onslow and Lord Camden, so they just gave her a quick bow.
