“How do you plan to keep your marriage a secret? You’re the most eligible bachelor in London. Won’t it seem strange that you and the young lady are missing from events or attending together?” He had to admit his mother tried every ploy to get his wife’s name.
“We’ve agreed to attend the social events separately. We will both be attending Lady Gladstone’s Soiree this evening. Will you and Father be joining me?”
“Of course not.” His mother’s defiant answer didn’t surprise him, although it did make his father chuckle. “How can you be in the same place together but apart, and no one deduce what you two are about?”
“Rest assured, no one will be aware of our marriage until we choose to reveal it. The secret will remain intact.” He took a seat next to his father. “I have another matter to discuss with you, the Ace of Hearts you left for me. Was that part of the deception as well?” Ewan’s question loomed over them, heavy with implications.
His father’s response came with a slow shake of the head, his gaze never wavering from his son’s. “I wish it were,”
*
The evening airwas crisp as carriages lined the cobbled street leading to Gladstone Hall in Berkeley Square. The coaches drew up to the entrance one by one, where footmen waited to hand down the passengers. Among the arrivals were two carriages bearing the crests of the houses of Rosefield and Glenraven.
Ewan, his coach fourth in line, waited with Barrington as footmen assisted Aunt Geraldine and Juliet from the Rosefield coach, shook their skirts, and went inside. His gaze lingered on the entrance to the hall long after Juliet and Aunt Geraldine had disappeared into the house. He reclined in his seat, turning to Barrington with a quizzical look. “What?” His friend could barely contain his amusement.
Barrington’s eyes twinkled as he composed himself. “Just be mindful of your expression when you look at Miss Hayward,” he said with a chuckle. “The whole of London needn’t know your heart’s been stolen.”
As the carriage door swung open, the footman unfolded the steps. Ewan stepped out first, then turned to assist Barrington. With subtle but unmistakable pride, he said, “And I will remind you, my friend, that is not Miss Hayward. That is Lady Glenraven—my wife.”
“Let’s hope you keep that information close to your chest this evening. Tonight, you are still an eligible bachelor. Come, it won’t be too bad. You don’t even have to stay long.” Barrington’s words carried a note of caution, along with the fellowship shared between close friends. The two men entered the busy hall, ready to face the evening’s charade.
The ballroom was elegant, with candles and spring flowers. Couples danced gracefully across the polished floor. The soft strains of a string quartet filled the air, complementing the murmur of conversations and the subtle rustling of silk gowns.
In the midst of the revelry, Juliet, in a lavender gown that made her eyes sparkle like stars, moved gracefully amongthe guests. Her smile was courteous, yet he wondered if her heart ached as his heart did with the secret they kept hidden. From his place across the room, drinking wine with Barrington, Glenraven glanced at her over the rim of the glass as he brought it to his lips. He waited patiently for the right moment.
As the Master of Ceremonies stepped forward, Glenraven put down his glass and made his way to Juliet.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the room fell into a hush. The next dance will be a waltz. I invite you to find your partners as the musicians prepare.” A murmur of excitement filled every corner of the ballroom.
“May I have this dance?” Glenraven extended his hand to Juliet, his voice barely above a whisper.
“With pleasure, my lord.” Juliet put her hand in his, and they took their place on the dance floor. For a brief moment, as they moved in perfect harmony, they were not marquess and lady but simply two souls intertwined.
“I don’t see Lady Rosefield.” He scanned the room but didn’t see the woman. “I’ll stay here until she returns.”
“No, you will not. That is certain to begin tongues wagging. I am quite safe here.” She nodded. “Thank you, Lord Glenraven. It was a pleasure dancing with you.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Miss Hayward, for a most enjoyable waltz.”
Juliet nodded, and Glenraven turned on his heel and headed to Barrington, who was speaking to a group of men.
Lady Madeline Ashfield, resplendent in her emerald silks, approached Juliet with the eagerness of one bearing exciting news.
“My dear Juliet,” Lady Ashfield began, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “I must introduce you to a gentleman of considerable interest. Mr. Sebastian Morgrave, a man whose fortunes have been most… intriguing lately.”
As if summoned by the very mention of his name, Sebastian appeared beside Lady Ashfield, his smile practiced and his bow flawless.
“Allow me to present Miss Juliet Hayward, the daughter of the Baron of Fairmont.” Lady Ashfield faced Juliet. “Miss Hayward, may I introduce Mr. Sebastian Morgrave?”
“Lady Juliet Hayward,” he said, his voice smooth as velvet, “it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance finally.”
Juliet politely nodded. “Mr. Morgrave,” she replied, her voice steady, “the pleasure is mine.”
Lady Ashfield d the exchange with the satisfaction of a chess master moving her pieces into place. “I shall leave you to converse.” Her mission accomplished, she drifted away and disappeared into the crowd.
“Lady Juliet, your beauty outshines the grandeur of this ball.” Morgrave gave a slight bow. “I was a friend of your brothers. I was sad to hear of his passing. He confided in me. If there is anything I can do,” He placed his hand on hers. “Do not hesitate to contact me.”
Juliet maintained her composure, her smile polite yet distant. “Mr. Morgrave, I appreciate your offer of support.” She kept her tone gracious but firm while she gently withdrew her hand from his grasp and set a subtle but clear boundary. “Should the need arise, I shall keep your kindness in mind.” Juliet’s smile did not reach her eyes.
