Lillian lifted a brow as she glanced between Eleanor and the women. “Didn’t we all?”
“Hmm. That’s a terrible thought. Shouldn’t they be working on the gifts?”
As part of the charity for the orphanage, Lillian had provided lengths of wool for scarves to help keep the children warm this winter. The female guests had been invited to embellish the scarves by adding tassels or simple embroidered stitches to make each one unique. She’d explained that many of the children wore the same clothes as each other, so having something unique that they selected was special.
Eleanor had already completed three of the scarves and was working on the fourth. Yet the ladies at the opposite end of the room were still on their first.
“They’re young.” Lillian finished tying short lengths of bright red yarn along the edge of a scarf. “I didn’t really expect them to enjoy this particular task. No doubt they were hoping for something that involved the bachelor guests instead.”
One of the young women, Lady Elizabeth, looked at Eleanor then whispered something to her companion.
Eleanor stilled as she heard, “the Dour Duchess.”
A glance at Lillian’s expression suggested she’d heard the same. The urge to stalk over to Lady Elizabeth and respond filled Eleanor, but she resisted.
“Am I?” she whispered to Lillian. “Have I become dour?”
Lillian sighed. “I’m sorry you heard that.”
“It’s not the first time.” Eleanor noticed her friend didn’t deny it.
“Shall I say something to them?” Lillian scowled as she glanced at the pair again.
“Heavens, no.” Eleanor shook her head. “That will only have them calling you dour as well. Actually, I think I will take it as a compliment.”
“How so?”
“I have been trying to become a better person. Someone my husband will admire.”
Lillian’s brow puckered. “Surely he already admires you.”
“He admires my fortune. Me? Not so much.” Eleanor pursed her lips against the pain the truth caused. “But I want to show him and others that there is more to me than money.”
“I realize yours was a marriage of convenience from our previous conversations.” Lillian reached out to place her hand on Eleanor’s arm. “But I also thought it might be more.”
“I want it to be more.” Eleanor bit her lip, realizing she probably shouldn’t have admitted the truth but now that she had, the words slipped out. “That means becoming someone Douglas can respect and admire.”
“I admire your desire to strive to change if that is what you wish. But I for one like you just as you are.”
Eleanor managed a smile and patted Lillian’s hand. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” But it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t enough. And she intended to do all she could to change that.
“In all honesty, I think Rothbury would do well to smile a bit more.” Lillian paused in her work to stare across the room. “He takes life much too seriously.”
“He does, indeed.” Eleanor wanted him to smile too. She didn’t pretend to understand why he was so serious. Her husband seemed to have only one mood. Except for when he came to her in the dark of the night. And that smile he gave the little girl on the street in London. She’d thought of that particular moment often. And each time she did, it renewed her hope.
If her changing into someone Douglas could admire meant she would be called the Dour Duchess, so be it. She had duties and responsibilities now. Her life no longer centered on what to wear to the next ball. She’d rather have her husband’s respect than that of Lady Elizabeth or her companion. Showing she was serious about becoming involved in the orphanage was one of the first steps. Though she’d also like to help Douglas find joy in life, she wasn’t certain that was possible.
“I hope some of the activities we have planned will provide him with an opportunity to find levity. If not, I won’t rest until I find something that amuses him.” She smiled at Eleanor. “That’s the least I can do to help you.”
“I don’t know if it’s possible, but I won’t say no to your efforts.” If Eleanor couldn’t find a way to make Douglas admire and respect her at Christmas while she was helping with a charity and with Lillian’s help, she would never do so.
She simply had to succeed. The future would be long and bleak if she didn’t find a common ground with her husband so that they might have a joyful marriage and a true partnership.
Chapter Four
That evening, Douglas watched with no small measure of fascination as Eleanor settled at the pianoforte and adjusted her gown after the Duchess of Burbridge asked her to perform. He hadn’t realized Eleanor could play. She’d never done so at home. Or at least, never for him.
The evening thus far had been spent visiting with the newly arrived guests but with little mention of the charity that was supposed to be the reason they were here. Douglas supposed that was normal. A house party was a social activity after all. The charity would be second to that.
However, gatherings like this were not his strong suit. He knew some of the others, though not well enough to want to carry on a conversation with them. Then again, there were few people with whom he actually enjoyed speaking. He understood what people thought of him but didn’t feel the need to try to change their opinions of him.
For now, he remained standing at the back of the room, a drink in hand, keeping to himself. Dinner had been a lively affair with enough people talking that he’d been able to mostly listen, only giving his opinion on the various topics when directly asked. The brief time when the ladies had left them to their port had been the same.
When they’d joined the women in the drawing room, he’d immediately searched for Eleanor as if she were his safe harbor. He hadn’t allowed himself to walk over to her, especially after his indulgent behavior early that morning. But watching her from a distance was enough to ease his disquiet, no matter how ridiculous that felt.
Eleanor drew a deep breath, then the first notes of the instrument filled the air. Douglas could tell the moment she relaxed into the music. When she added her voice to the song, a strange pressure filled his chest, making him long to draw nearer so he could better watch the nuances of her performance. Her fingers were graceful as they moved over the keyboard, her head tilting slightly, her posture perfect.
He glanced around at the other guests and, by the intent look on their expressions, they were equally enthralled. His gaze shifted back to his wife.
Eleanor was truly beautiful. Her features were pleasing to look upon, but it was the light from within that made her beauty shine. He realized that light had dimmed in recent weeks. To his surprise, he missed it.
Was he the cause of that? Was she unhappy in their marriage?
He shifted uncomfortably at the thought. Though the question had crossed his mind briefly before they’d said their vows, he’d told himself he wasn’t responsible for her joy. He’d made no promises upon their agreement of affection or happiness. Why did her possible unhappiness bother him?
While he wasn’t capable of the cheerfulness she normally displayed, he hadn’t considered that his serious nature might affect her. He frowned. Did his solemnness weigh on her? He had only to think of how his grandfather’s dourness had affected him to know it was possible.
Eleanor glanced up and her eyes met his. Her eyes widened as if she were surprised that he was watching her so closely. Then the pleasure that had lit her face faded. She looked down at the piano keys and continued playing but something was now missing.
Did she think he didn’t approve of her performance because she’d seen him frowning? That couldn’t be further from the truth. The thought was a troubling one, especially when she played and sang so delightfully.
If only he could catch her eye and make his opinion clear. Before he thought twice, he set aside his drink and slowly walked closer, willing her to look at him. His movement caught her attention just as he’d hoped. Her eyes met his once more, her expression
puzzled.
He did his best to smile even if the movement felt odd on his lips. Uncertain if that was enough to convey his approval, he gave a single nod as well.
She blinked, appearing nonplussed by his gesture. Then her eyes sparkled once more, followed by a smile, making his own easier. She lifted her chin and as if his appreciation mattered, she played and sang with even greater exuberance.
By the time the last notes lingered in the air, everyone applauded. Not the polite applause one normally gave, but with enthusiasm for a fine performance.
Pride filled him as he watched her nod in acknowledgement and rise. Then her gaze sought his once more. What was the emotion that glittered in her eyes? To his surprise, she moved directly toward him. His heart pounded like a drum. He couldn’t take his eyes from her. Everyone else fell away as she reached his side.
“Well done.” He couldn’t resist the urge to offer her his elbow, needing the physical link that allowed him to claim her. Such a ridiculous thought when she was already his wife. It wasn’t as if her excellent performance had anything to do with him. But that didn’t matter. At this moment, he wanted everyone to know this beautiful, talented woman was his and that he was proud of her.
“Thank you.”
“I had no idea you were hiding such talent,” he murmured, his gaze sweeping over her upturned face. Though he told himself he didn’t approve of physical contact except for the purpose of procreation, he couldn’t deny the contentment that filled him as they stood together with her arm tucked along his side.
“I haven’t performed for some time.” A delicate blush colored her cheeks, and his body stirred in response.
“I hope you find an opportunity to do so again.”
Her lips parted in surprise and all he could think about was taking her mouth with his.
“That was delightful, your grace.” Mrs. Sloane, one of the other guests near Eleanor’s age, joined them. “Truly wonderful. I hope you’ll play for us again before the party’s end.”
“Thank you.”
“Absolutely wonderful, Eleanor,” the Duchess of Burbridge agreed. “You’re so talented.” Her gaze shifted to Douglas. “What an amazing duchess you have.”
He dipped his head, ridiculously pleased to be included in the compliment. “I couldn’t agree more.”
To his surprise, his smile remained as the conversation flowed around him with Eleanor’s hand still in the crook of his arm.
~*~
“How are you finding married life?” Mrs. Sloane asked Eleanor a short time later when Douglas had been drawn into another conversation a few steps away.
Several other people had a turn at the pianoforte and the evening had been entertaining. Especially since Douglas had remained by Eleanor’s side for so long.
“Enjoyable.” Eleanor couldn’t help but glance at her husband who spoke with Burbridge and Mr. Sloane. At least, this evening had been so. Wasn’t it preferable to focus on that? “And you?”
Eleanor returned her attention to the lady, puzzled by her behavior since her arrival. Mrs. Sloane, who had been Lady Samantha Brown, was someone Eleanor normally preferred to avoid. She was rarely kind and took every opportunity to point out any flaws or missteps. She had a sharp tongue and didn’t hesitate to share her opinion regardless of whether it was requested. But something had changed.
Mrs. Sloane smiled, her breath releasing in a soft sigh as her gaze swung to her husband. “Very enjoyable. Gabriel has changed my life for the better.”
“Oh?” This was the first time Eleanor had met Gabriel Sloane. He was tall, dark, and handsome with a physical presence and a quiet watchfulness that made one wonder at his thoughts.
“Indeed. I was on the path to change before I met him, but he looks at me so differently than anyone else ever has. I am still striving to live up to his expectations. Isn’t it amazing how love can shift one’s outlook?”
Eleanor smiled politely despite her shock. Her own had altered since her marriage but not necessarily for the better. Not when she was slowly releasing her wish for something more. Her attempt to change who she was would take time and might not have the desired effect.
Making love with Douglas during the night had been wonderful, but he’d been absent the remainder of the day which had dashed her hope once again. Though he’d shared that he’d enjoyed her performance at the pianoforte, that only served to confuse her more.
Mrs. Sloane met Eleanor’s eyes. “I want to apologize for the things I said and did in the past. I was rude and careless.” She scowled as she glanced at Lady Elizabeth again. “No different than that one. Sadly, she rarely has anything good to say.”
“You never—” Eleanor halted when Mrs. Sloane lifted a brow. “Thank you. I accept your apology.”
“I appreciate that more than I can say.” Her attention was caught when Lady Elizabeth laughed shrilly, causing heads to turn. “I don’t know why Lady Burbridge invited her.”
“Her father donated generously to the charity.”
“How unfortunate that he didn’t teach his daughter better manners. I want to advise her that one day soon, she’ll regret her behavior, and the path to redemption isn’t easy.”
Eleanor wondered if the woman would ever feel that way. But she was even more curious about what caused Mrs. Sloane to change.
“May I have your attention, everyone.” Lillian stood in the center of the room with a smile. “It’s time for charades. Choose a partner.”
Dismay flooded Eleanor. In the past, she would’ve been one of the first to join in such a game. But not now. She couldn’t imagine that Douglas wanted to play. He would be uncomfortable and therefore so would she, regardless of whether they were partners. She turned to look for him, expecting to see the back of him as he left the gathering.
To her shock, his gaze met hers and he lifted a brow in question. Her heart thudded dully. He wanted to play? With her as a partner? She slowly nodded and flutters filled her stomach as she walked toward him.
“Would you care to be my partner?” she asked just to make certain she hadn’t misinterpreted his silent communication.
“If we must play, then I would have none other,” he said dryly.
“Perhaps we can join for a round or two and then retire for the evening.” While she thought the game might be enjoyable, she didn’t want Douglas to be miserable.
“The rules are simple.” Burbridge joined his wife, pitching his voice over the murmuring of the guests. “Now that you’ve selected partners, we’ll divide into two sides. Each pair will draw a word or phrase and they must act it out together. Whichever side guesses the term will win a point.”
Eleanor’s nerves returned. She risked a glance at Douglas from beneath her lashes. It came as no surprise that he wore his normal dour expression.
Oh, what a nightmare this was going to be. Would he help when it was their turn or simply stand there looking angry?
They joined their team and settled into chairs near each other. Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief when they didn’t have to go first.
The other side took a turn with Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, and his wife, Amelia, acting out the word they drew from the basket. It took several tries before “Silent Night” was deemed the correct answer. The pink in Lady Beaumont’s cheeks made it clear how uncomfortable she was with the attention, but the pair managed to act out the term with good form and much laughter.
Eleanor knew they were newlyweds as well. Lady Beaumont was quiet, but Eleanor already liked her intelligence and kind heart. Eleanor had been fascinated to learn that she’d been a governess and looked forward to finding out more about her experiences.
Soon afterward, it was Eleanor and Douglas’s turn. His expression was unreadable as she drew a folded slip of paper from the basket then returned to his side so they could read it together.
Mistletoe.
Dear heaven. Could she have picked a worse one? The tips of her ears stung as a rush of embarrassment swept over
her. She looked at Douglas, wondering if he’d refuse.
The sparkle of amusement in the depth of his green eyes caught her by surprise as did the slight crinkle at their corners. “Shouldn’t be overly difficult,” he whispered.
“No,” she agreed, though she had no idea how to proceed. Did they try to pretend to gather it? Hang it in the house? She attempted to swallow only to realize her mouth was too dry. Surely he didn’t want to act out kissing under it.
He leaned close to whisper, the feel of his breath teasing her ear and causing her to shiver. “They will quickly guess if we look up, take a few steps as if to adjust our position, and then kiss.”
Kiss? Here? In front of everyone?
“We’re waiting!” Laughter followed Burbridge’s remark.
“Very well,” she managed. They would only be acting. How hard could it be? She gave a nod to Douglas then looked at the guests. “Ready?”
She turned back to Douglas, determined not to make more of this than was necessary. It wasn’t as if she would be kissing a stranger. Douglas was her husband, after all. Never mind that they hadn’t kissed in daylight since their wedding ceremony months ago.
Douglas’s gaze hadn’t left hers. Was that his way of ignoring their audience? How clever of him. Yet something else lingered in the depths of his eyes. Something that made her breathless and hot and excited. Her breasts tightened in response as her limbs went weak.
He took her hands in his warm ones. The gesture caused a well of emotion to rise within her. For most couples, holding hands was a normal act. Nothing special. Yet to hold hands with her husband like this was anything but normal. The simple gesture of easy affection shouldn’t affect her so, but it did.
He looked up at the ceiling as if in search of something, and she followed his lead. Then he drew her several steps back, looked up again, and smiled.
Be still her heart. That smile— She couldn’t breathe at all.
Then his gaze dropped to her lips, and she couldn’t help but moisten them with the tip of her tongue. He bent his head, easing closer and closer.
Enchanting the Duke (The Seven Curses of London Book 11) Page 4
