Chapter 29
Twenty-Nine
A udrey flipped the gossip sheet open, and her lips twitched as she skimmed the familiar names until her own— the Duchess of Haremore —appeared alongside Cedric’s.
The Duke and Duchess of Haremore were seen strolling through Bond Street and Oxford Street yesterday, pausing at various establishments arm in arm, as though they had stepped straight out of a fairytale. It is a curious sight indeed, given how they have never been seen together in public since their wedding. The Duchess, undeniably radiant, looked the very image of a woman in love, while the Duke… well, it seems even His Grace has found himself enchanted. Is this love’s return to London?
Audrey could not suppress the satisfied smile that spread across her face. Carefully folding the paper, she reached for her teacup and took a delicate sip before looking across the table at Cedric.
He was sitting as usual, his shoulders stiff, his movements precise as he spread marmalade onto his toast. To anyone else, he might have appeared utterly oblivious to the world beyond his plate. But Audrey knew better.
“You’ve read this, haven’t you?” she asked, placing the gossip sheet down between them.
Cedric glanced at it briefly, his expression betraying nothing. “If you are referring to The Scandal Sheet, then yes, I have read it.”
“And?” she prompted.
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers with infuriating calm. “And what, Audrey?”
She waved her hand toward the paper, as though it were evidence in a trial. “I was right. The ton is already speculating, and they like what they’re seeing.”
Cedric sighed, setting his toast down and leaning back in his chair. “It seems you were,” he admitted begrudgingly. “But that does not mean you ought to boast about it.”
“I absolutely should,” she declared smugly, reaching for a fresh scone. “I have earned the right, and you know it.”
He muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like insufferable, but Audrey chose to ignore it, her smile widening as she buttered her scone. Victory tasted sweet.
“Admit it,” Audrey said to Cedric, her gloved hand resting lightly on his arm. “This is far more enjoyable than you imagined.”
They were at the British Museum that afternoon, and it was more crowded than usual, the broad halls filled with the hushed murmurs of London’s elite. Audrey stood in the entrance beside Cedric and Lilianna, her gaze sweeping over the marble columns and towering exhibits with delight.
Cedric shot her a wry look. “I shall reserve my judgment until I have endured the entirety of it.”
Lilianna, standing just a pace behind them, smiled faintly at their exchange. “I think it is beautiful,” she said softly, her eyes lingering on a display of ancient Grecian statues.
“It is,” Audrey agreed warmly, her expression softening as she looked at her sister.
Some color has returned to her cheeks . Perhaps this outing is doing her some good.
They had only walked a short distance into the museum when a familiar figure came into view. The Marquess of Belleville stood before one of the larger paintings, his blond hair catching the light as he conversed with another gentleman. When his gaze landed on Lilianna, he smiled widely and strode toward them.
Audrey did not miss the pretty blush that stained her sister’s cheeks.
Good, Lilianna. It is time you forgot that coward Rashford.
“Lady Lilianna, how fortunate to find you here,” Belleville said, bowing deeply. “And Your Graces,” he added with a respectful nod to Cedric and Audrey.
“Lord Belleville,” Audrey returned smoothly, glancing briefly at Cedric. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but she could feel the tension radiating from him.
Lilianna curtsied, her cheeks coloring even more. “It is lovely to see you again, My Lord.”
Belleville smiled at her warmly. “Lady Lilianna, I was just about to admire a remarkable Italian piece nearby. Would you care to accompany me?”
Lilianna glanced at Audrey, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but when she saw her sister’s subtle, reassuring nod, her expression softened into something pleasant and bright. “I would be delighted,” she replied.
Belleville offered her his arm, and Lilianna hesitated only for a moment before slipping her gloved hand into the crook of his elbow.
“This way,” he said smoothly, guiding her toward the next hall, his head inclined toward her as he spoke.
Audrey watched them for a beat longer, satisfaction blooming in her chest. She turned toward Cedric, who stood beside her with his arms crossed over his chest.
“You disapprove,” she said quietly, though it was more of a statement than a question.
“It is too soon,” he replied, his gaze never leaving the pair. “You should not encourage him.”
Audrey resisted the urge to sigh. “And why not? Lord Belleville is well respected and influential. Even if he does not court her, his attention will improve her standing. Do you truly want my father to marry her off to some ancient duke?”
Cedric’s lips twitched faintly, though he refused to look at her. “I am an ancient duke, according to you.”
Audrey laughed softly, the sound carrying just enough to turn a few heads. “Hardly. You are far too… lively for that.”
He turned his gaze to her then, his dark eyes assessing. “You are playing a dangerous game.”
“I am winning, Cedric,” she replied confidently. “You only need to trust me.”
He exhaled sharply, as though the very idea pained him. “You are asking for a great deal.”
“And yet you know I am right,” she replied sweetly.
Before he could respond, she stepped forward, making her way toward Lilianna and Belleville.
The pair were standing before a vibrant painting of the Italian countryside, their voices low and animated as Belleville gestured toward some detail in the artwork.
Audrey approached them with a warm smile, her gaze darting between the two. “You make quite the interesting pair,” she said lightly.
Belleville turned toward her, his smile widening. “Do we?”
Audrey tilted her head, her expression playful. “Indeed. It is refreshing to see a gentleman who so clearly enjoys my sister’s company.”
Belleville glanced toward Lilianna, his eyes softening. “How could I not? Lady Lilianna’s insight is remarkable.”
Lilianna blushed faintly, her gaze dropping to the floor. “You are too kind, My Lord.”
Audrey smiled to herself, pleased, before returning to Cedric’s side. He was watching her with something akin to suspicion, though his expression remained otherwise unreadable.
“Well?” she prompted as they resumed walking. “That went well.”
“You are meddling,” he said flatly.
“I am helping ,” she corrected. “And look around you—people are watching them.”
Cedric glanced toward the groups scattered throughout the hall, several of whom had clearly taken an interest in Belleville and Lilianna’s interaction. “We will see what the ton has to say soon enough.”
“We will,” Audrey replied, her confidence unwavering.
“I must admit,” Cedric said suddenly, breaking the silence, as they dined later that day, “you were right about today.”
Audrey looked up, startled. “I beg your pardon?”
He set his fork down and leaned back slightly in his seat, his dark gaze meeting hers. “The museum. And Belleville. It was… well handled.”
Audrey blinked, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Are you complimenting me, Cedric?”
He shrugged faintly, though the corner of his mouth twitched. “Do not let it go to your head.”
“I could hardly help it,” she replied, her tone teasing. “Praise from you is rare, indeed.”
Cedric shook his head, though his expression softened as he reached for his glass of water. “And you’ve accepted an invitation for a ball, I assume?”
“I have,” Audrey replied proudly. “The Marchioness of Heathersfield’s. She never spoke poorly about Lilianna, not once. It is the perfect choice.”
He studied her for a moment before nodding. “Very well.”
“And you will encourage Lord Belleville to attend,” she added smoothly.
Cedric arched an eyebrow. “Will I?”
“You will,” Audrey replied, smiling sweetly. “Though I do not expect you to admit it.”
Cedric exhaled through his nose, though his expression betrayed the faintest hint of amusement. “I make no promises.”
Audrey laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. “You needn’t. I know you far too well.”
For a moment, the tension between them melted away, replaced by something quieter—something that neither of them was quite willing to name. Audrey felt her chest tighten as she looked at him, the man who had surprised her more in the past few days than he had in two years.
And for once, she allowed herself to hope that this truce between them would last.