Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeline Hunter [114]
There is better to be had than you ever knew.
Yes, damn it.
It was the last clear thought he had. The storm permitted no more as it absorbed his mind and body. It obliterated all considerations of gentility too, being born, as it was, of her erotic submission.
Chapter Twenty-four
The new Marchioness of Wittonbury was a quiet woman of small stature and soulful eyes. She wore a white dinner dress that complemented her dark hair and a strand of pearls that she occasionally fingered and admired, as if she had just received them as a gift.
She seemed an intelligent woman too. Her English was not perfect, but she contributed to the conversation at dinner in her accented speech. Sometimes Daphne caught her looking at the marquess with touching warmth. They were clearly in love, and that alone gave the party a special joy that affected the whole evening.
Daphne had not known the marquess well. She had only seen him once before he left for the Continent, and his paralysis then had affected his body in various ways. The isolation it encouraged and his reclusive habits then had caused a sickly pallor.
Now his efforts to walk had obviously given him new strength. His gait was not natural yet, and he appeared in some pain at times, but with his wife at his side he entered Castleford’s home on his own and moved from the drawing room down to dinner on his own too.
They all went to the theater after dinner, except Audrianna and Summerhays, who returned home so Audrianna would not get overtired. The rest of them filled Castleford’s box at Drury Lane. The drama onstage proved forgettable, and a buzz of conversation moved through the boxes as people visited each other. Daphne could hear the conversations taking place beside them and below. Peterloo was much discussed, but so was the return of Wittonbury.
Castleford moved to her side just as Joanna approached him. Wittonbury sat in the front row, looking more like his brother Sebastian in this light than he probably had in years.
“Your Grace, you have my gratitude,” she said. She looked at her husband, and her gaze softened. “You have his too. This return has been—difficult. But needed, he believes. He says it is to introduce me to his family, but when he first met my father, he spoke of getting strong. Strong enough to—” She searched for the words in her memory. “Be brave outside.”
“Brave it out,” Castleford said.
“Yes, that was the words. It will be easier now, perhaps? After such great men show him friendship?”
“My reputation is not the best, Lady Wittonbury. My friendship is not known to rehabilitate men’s reputations. Quite the opposite. However, his brother and Hawkeswell are both respected and admired.”
She regarded him thoughtfully. “Perhaps you are too modest? I thank you for whatever you have tried to do tonight.”
She returned to her husband. Daphne tapped Castleford’s arm with her fan. “She is correct. You are too modest. Enough people fear you that they will not slight him now.”
“I assure you that most of society loathes me, not fears me.”
Actually, some parts of society adored him. The very best and highest parts. “Will you invite the prince regent to dine with him, as you did with Verity?”
“Perhaps. In a few months. If it appears necessary. Do you promise to join the party if I do? Perhaps I will make it a ball, so you can wear those diamonds.”
“If I am invited, perhaps I will attend.” She tapped his nose with her fan and moved to the back of the box to talk to Verity, who had pointedly caught her eye.
“It is all done,” Verity said quietly, her back to the wall while she watched for anyone who might overhear. “Audrianna has had the mail waylaid with no difficulty. She told me at dinner that all but two are affirmative.”
“Mystery and the chance for gossip must be compelling them. It is better than I expected.”
“Everyone is in place.” She took Daphne’s hand. “We are with you on this, but you must know that we worry for you. Even if you are successful, there will be no keeping this quiet. No living this down.”
No braving it out, either. “I will be glad