“No. Not particularly,” Nancy replied politely. “I hope that you are enjoying yourself tonight.”
Lord Whitwood laughed awkwardly, making an odd picture she had never expected to witness as he glanced around.
“It certainly is lovely. Thank you for inviting me. I did not think you would, not after?—”
“I know. My husband told me,” she pointed out, her brow furrowing when he seemed to shrink into himself somehow.
Richard had been against inviting his uncle to their ball at first. He expressed that he did not trust his uncle, even though the Earl had managed to undo the problems he had caused, and he wasn’t particularly keen on seeing him anytime soon.
Richard had eventually agreed, although not because of the reasons his wife had mentioned but simply because he couldn’t resist the plea in her lovely eyes and couldn’t go against her wishes.
It had been a sweet sentiment which Nancy had not minded much as it had gotten her what she had wanted.
Still, she had almost not expected Lord Whitwood to actually attend, much less attempt to speak with her.
“I wanted to apologize to you. What I did… there is no excuse for it. My problems with my nephew should have been kept between us. The respectful thing to do would have been to steer clear of you and your marriage, but I did a dishonorable thing. And I am deeply sorry.” Lord Whitwood bowed.
Georgiana was visibly displeased, and Nancy could not risk a scene on such a lovely evening, so she motioned for Lord Whitwood to rise.
“I have forgiven you, Lord Whitwood. I do hope that my understanding will enlighten you on my husband’s displeasure as he will remain rather standoffish towards you until he feels as though he can forgive you. It is not out of spite. He just wishes to protect me,” she explained.
“I am clearly not doing a proper job of it if such people still think it wise to approach you,” a voice said from behind her.
Nancy jumped, startled as a hand pulled her towards a warm body, but she relaxed instantly, recognizing her husband’s touch.
“Your Grace, I?—”
“I would like to dance with my wife, now. Please excuse us,” Richard said curtly.
Nancy sighed as he pulled her away. “That wasn’t nice, Richard. He merely wanted to apologize,” she told him softly.
“He will survive. Besides, he deserves it. Don’t you remember that he tried to break us apart?”
“I do, my love. You have every reason to be upset with him. But from what you told me, it sounded as though he was really sorry and would like to foster some sort of relationship with you. He is your only family left,” Nancy pointed out.
“That is not true. You are my family now.” Richard had grinned at her. “As is the rest of your family.”
“That we are, darling. But you know what I meant. You don’t have to play nice with him. I do not want you to hold onto any resentment, but if you wish to be upset with him for a while longer, I understand. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to show good faith. It sounded like he also needed some family to rely on. And you are all he has.”
“Very well. We can preoccupy ourselves with him later. You’re mine for the night.”
Nancy finished her drink and handed the glass over to a passing footman, pointing out sweetly, “I am yours always.”
“Very good. So, you understand.” Richard grinned, leading her to the dance floor.
Nancy couldn’t explain the rush of emotions that welled up within her as they began to dance. It felt nothing like the first dance they had shared during the previous ball.
He only had eyes for her now, his touch warm and secure around her as they moved to the lovely music that filled the ballroom. It had been everything she had wanted that night, everything she feared she would never get.
Richard had meant it when he told her he would give everything he had and more for her happiness, and he proved as much every day.
“Have I mentioned how breathtaking you look tonight?”
Nancy laughed a little. “You have, numerous times.”
“Well, the night is young. Surely you can stand to hear it a few more times,” he teased.
“That is true. Flattery is always welcome in our marriage.” She nodded.
