Chapter 19 #2
“How was your journey, Your Grace?” she finally asked, her voice sounding too bright even to her own ears. “I hope it was not too arduous.”
“Uneventful,” Adrian replied curtly, his gaze fixed straight ahead. “The roads were clear and the weather held.”
“That is... fortunate.”
More silence. Isobel resisted the urge to fidget, wondering how on earth her sister had fallen in love with this man. He was about as warm as a winter's frost, as approachable as a stone wall. What could Valerie possibly see in him?
“I must thank you,” Adrian said suddenly, and Isobel nearly stumbled in surprise.
“Thank me? Whatever for?”
Adrian stopped walking and turned to face her, and for the first time since entering her room, something shifted in his expression. The coldness thawed ever so slightly, and the corner of his mouth lifted in what appeared to be the beginning of a smile.
“For helping my bride,” he said quietly.
“Richard informed me of your task and has made it known that you have put forth a lot of effort into finding the one responsible for Valerie’s illness.
I know that it is risky, and I do not approve of this method.
Nonetheless, you have my gratitude. Thank you, Isobel, for caring so deeply for Valerie. ”
The sincerity in his voice and the warmth that had suddenly appeared in those dark eyes transformed him entirely.
It became clear to Isobel exactly what her sister saw in this man.
Beneath the cold exterior was someone who cared deeply, who loved fiercely, who would move mountains for the woman he had chosen.
It made her heart ache with a strange mixture of happiness for her sister and longing for something she herself would never have.
“You are very kind, Your Grace,” Isobel managed, forcing a smile. “It was difficult, but I would do anything for my family – including Valerie, even though we were not raised together. Besides – can you claim to be family if you have not risked your life for them or because of them?”
Adrian chuckled and shook his head, “As an only child, I must admit that I cannot support your claims, due to my lack of experience.”
“Ah,” Isobel grinned. “Well, as I have lived my whole life with three siblings – two ladies and a gent – allow me to tell you that near-death experiences are a necessary part of a healthy childhood. Especially when the threat is shared, as it strengthens the bond between siblings. I believe my brother’s love for me grew a hundredfold after his carelessness nearly led to me breaking my leg.
I got a nasty sprain and he carried me around for a whole month. ”
“I do not know whether I should apologize or congratulate you,” Adrian admitted with a smile.
Isobel found it easy to smile back, hoping that the ease of this conversation lingered for a long time, even after Valerie and Adrian were wed.
“It was a long time ago, so it doesn’t matter. I do love Valerie. I think I loved her before I even met her, and as such, I would do anything for her. But… I must apologize for my inadequacy, as we have not yet apprehended the culprit.”
Adrian shook his head. “You have done plenty, Miss Wightman. Do not worry, because you have my full support now. Whatever I can do, you need only tell me. I will ensure that whoever touched Valerie will pay dearly.”
His words bore a heavy weight that sent shivers down her spine. She knew he meant every word and hoped that the culprit would face the consequences of their actions.
They reached the ballroom then, the doors opening to reveal a glimmering, excited crowd.
The guests were dressed in their finest attire, necks, ears, and fingers carrying sparkling jewelry, lips pulled into pleased expressions as appetizers were nibbled and punch was drunk.
A string quartet was playing a beautiful melody, to which a handful of guests had already begun dancing.
As Isobel and Adrian walked in, a hush fell over the room, and then applause broke out. Isobel felt her cheeks burn as all eyes turned to them, but Adrian merely inclined his head graciously and led her further into the room.
Once again, she found herself feeling sorry for Valerie, who was still stuck in the attic. This was her time to shine, her chance to be smothered in love and attention, but instead, Isobel was taking that from her.
Almost immediately, they were surrounded by well-wishers.
Lady Pemberton gushed on and on about how lovely they looked together, while Lord Ashford clapped Adrian on the shoulder and made a joke about finally being tamed by matrimony.
Several of Valerie's friends giggled and whispered behind their fans, their eyes bright with romantic speculation.
“You make such a handsome couple,” one woman said, sighing dramatically. “Like something from a fairy tale.”
“Indeed,” another agreed. “The duke has been gone for so long, Miss Wightman. You must be delighted to have him back.”
“I am,” Isobel said with a nod, hoping her smile looked genuine.
An elderly gentleman with a bushy white mustache wagged his finger at Adrian playfully. “Leaving such a beautiful young woman alone for so long, Your Grace! Shame on you. Another man might have tried to steal her away.”
Adrian's expression became grave, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I assure you, Lord Bellingham, no such theft could have occurred. And now that I am here, I have no intention of leaving Miss Wightman's side again.”
“Quite right, quite right,” Lord Bellingham chuckled.
They made their way around the ballroom, stopping to exchange pleasantries with various guests.
Isobel found herself relaxing into the role, accepting congratulations and well-wishes with practiced grace.
Adrian remained at her side throughout, his presence steady and reassuring even if his demeanor remained somewhat formal.
Just as she had begun to feel a little drained, she caught sight of her father across the room.
Gregory stood near the refreshment table, his expression gleeful as he surveyed the gathering.
But when his eyes met Isobel's, something flickered across his face, and she recalled it had been a moment since they had conferred on the matter of the culprit.
“If you will excuse me for a moment,” Isobel said to Adrian, “I should speak with my father. I have not had a chance to greet him properly this evening.”
Adrian nodded graciously. “Of course. I shall wait here.”
Isobel made her way through the crowd, her heart beating faster with each step. She had been avoiding her father as much as possible since their last conversation, but she could not put it off forever. Not when she had information that might finally bring this nightmare to an end.
“Father,” she said quietly when she reached him, dropping into a small curtsy.
“Valerie,” Gregory replied, his voice equally low as he reached for a crab cake. “You are playing your part well. The guests seem entirely convinced.”
The praise felt hollow, and Isobel had to bite back a sharp retort. Instead, she cleared her throat and lowered her voice to inform him that,
“I believe we have found something that does generate some suspicion. And I do have a suspect to tie the clue to.”
Gregory regarded her with mild curiosity. “Well then? Out with it.”
Isobel glanced around the room for a moment before she leaned in closer.
“I suspect Aunt Deborah has something to do with this.”