Page 42 of My Beastly Duke
Chapter 17
Marina glanced at Aaron as they made their way up the grand steps of the Duke and Duchess of Huxton’s country manor. His gaze was stark and unreadable, fixed on the doors ahead of them.
The stiffness of his posture almost made Marina regret her decision to force him to accept the invitation. Things had been going well between them ever since he had come to her room. She hoped and prayed that the ball would not create yet another barrier between them.
“It looks like most of the ton has been invited,” she cheerfully tried to distract him with conversation as they reached the top of the stairs.
The corner of Aaron’s mouth twitched ever so slightly as they entered a crowded entrance hall.
Gazes followed them as lords and ladies turned their heads to whisper to their companions, shooting their venomous judgment in Aaron’s direction.
“I think I see Penelope with Eleanor! We should go and make our presence known.” Marina gave his arm a gentle squeeze and tried to steer him away from all the judgmental glances.
Aaron’s jaw clenched as his body continued to stiffen. “I think our presence is very much known,” he grumbled under his breath, barely glancing in her direction.
Taking a deep breath, Marina continued to pull him forward, determined to make a success of the evening. “Penelope, Eleanor, may I finally introduce you to my husband, the Duke of Harper.” She offered them a bright smile, hoping that they would pick up on her hidden message to make him feel welcome.
Eleanor seemed to be staring him down before finally offering her hand. “It is a pleasure to see you again.” She came back up with a polite smile, causing Marina to breathe a sigh of relief. It was hard to tell at times if Eleanor was going to say something that would certainly make matters worse. She harbored quite a reputation for speaking her mind in the past.
Aaron bowed respectfully. “The pleasure is all mine. I trust that you have been well, since our last meeting. There were a few matters that needed my attention.”
“We have, Your Grace, and the gentlemen are just as eager to speak with you again. Penelope offered her hand in turn, exuding her usual aura of sunshine.
“I shall be glad to speak to them again,” he answered stiffly while forcing a smile. Marina could see that Penelope was about to respond when Eleanor quickly took over the conversation. “If you would like to make yourself a bit more comfortable, our husbands are just over there by the table of refreshments.” She pointed to a long table that had been set up at the back of the ballroom that was visible through the open doors.
Penelope’s eyes flashed mischievously as her lips curled into a smile before being drawn between her teeth.
Aaron simply nodded and headed in the direction that Eleanor had pointed out to him.
“Don’t you dare say anything snarky. I know what you are thinking. I am thinking it as well but let them be.” Eleanor immediately rounded on their friend before offering Marina a reassuring smile.
“What are you talking about?” Marina asked with a frown, not understanding what her friends were carrying on about.
“Nothing at all.” Eleanor corrected quickly with a nervous smile.
“Oh, come off of it, Eleanor. Marina can tell that we are hiding something from her.” Penelope laughed.
Feeling her frustration growing, Marina took a deep breath. “Well, out with it then.” She lifted her chin defiantly in the air, raising her eyebrows at her friends.
Both Penelope and Eleanor stifled a giggle before looking at her.
“It is just that you seem to be glowing quite differently…” Eleanor stated tactfully, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth.
Marina’s frown deepened as she felt even more confused. “I do not understand. Have the two of you been sampling the punch all evening?” She looked expectantly from one to the other.
Penelope seemed to perk up as she rose to the challenge. “What I was going to say to the duke was that it is a pleasure to finally meet the man who has suddenly made our friend… glow!” She used the word again after a moment’s hesitation.
How can they tell?
Marina felt a jolt of shock as she pursed her lips. She had not seen her friends in quite a while, yet they had somehow become privy to her secret.
Eleanor lowered her voice conspiratorially and leaned closer to Marina. “There is no need to look so pale, Marina, dear, Penny and I are married women. We can tell that you and the duke have… consummated… your marriage. You seem much closer,even by the way you walked in. Married women can tell these things, you know.”
A wave of relief washed over her body as Marina’s shoulders relaxed. “I did not think you would be able to tell, it is a relief, really.”
Coming to her sides, Eleanor and Penelope each hooked an arm through hers as they began to lead her into the crowded ballroom.
“There is nothing to fret over, Eleanor and I are just glad that you have finally experienced the joys of marriage. We will not ask you for any explicit details, as those things must stay between a husband and a wife.” Penelope winked at her.