Page 27 of My Dangerous Duke
“I truly wish you would take me seriously sometimes,” she said in irritation.
“What makes you think I do not?” Xander quipped, feeling surprisingly in a good mood.
Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but instead, she let out a sound of frustration and shook her head.
“No,” she stated adamantly.
“No, what?” Xander chuckled, his brow lifting in surprise.
“I am not arguing with you again. Not here. We need to call a truce.”
“I did not know we were at war,” he teased.
When his wife only gave him an annoyed look, he laughed and quickly agreed.
“All right, all right,” he coaxed, offering his hand. “I cannot have my wife seen mad at me at our first ball. Can you imagine the scandal?”
“I thought you did not care about what people think of you.”
When Eleanor did not look impressed, he changed his tactics.
“Dance with me,” he implored sincerely, leaving his hand extended.
She looked him up and dubiously, still unsure.
“You? Dance?”
“Quite well, actually,” Xander admitted. “Another one of Grandmother’s required lessons. Allow me to prove it to you?”
After looking him up and down once more, Eleanor finally took his hand, and with a smile, he led her to the dance floor.
Chapter 13
“Lady Cambell shall be expecting us for tea later today.”
“Mama, we have already paid three visits this very afternoon. I am sure my guests need me to tend to them as well.”
“This has been an absolutely horrid trip,” Laura Langley seethed, throwing a disgusted look at Eleanor. “We have been here for days and what do you do to help us? Nothing!”
“I tried to tell you, Mama,” Edna said snarkily from behind her mother’s shoulder.
“I am sorry to disappoint you, Mama but I am exhausted,” Eleanor stated, pushing through another wave of dizziness. The mere presence of her family was causing her heart to race and her breathing to shorten. And the more days they were staying with them, the worse she felt.
“You are full of excuses, Eleanor! I said-”
I should not have extended the invitation to the house party.
“Mrs. Langley, Lady Wilten,” Penelope greeted politely, stepping between her friend and her family, “There you are. I have been looking everywhere for you! You simply must come to meet my aunt; she is a Viscountess who hosts a salon for Ladies every third Thursday. She would love to meet you.”
Laura and Edna’s eyes alighted with excitement, and without another word toward Eleanor, they followed Penelope like flies to a carcass. Eleanor felt another wave of fatigue wash over her as she turned away from her mother and sister, and was met with an insistent Marina holding a cup of tea for her.
“Drink something,” she encouraged. “Eat something as well. You have barely touched any food these last few days, Eleanor!”
“I do not want it!” Eleanor insisted, pushing away the tea cup and saucer Marina was trying to push on her. “Food or tea.”
“It is heavy with brandy,” Marina whispered, pushing the cup toward her again. “Trust me, you need it.”
Wearily, Eleanor took the teacup and took a long sip; feeling the immediate calming effects of the peach liquor. It helped- but only a little. It was day three of her parents’ visit and her resolve was wearing thin. Thus far, her family had tried their hardestto make themselves important among theTonand had failed miserably.