Chapter 18
Lively music from a string quartet reached her ears as the carriage slowed to a stop outside Thornbush Manor. Joanna’s heart started beating faster, from nerves, but also excitement. She felt like she was a debutant again, attending her very first ball.
In a way, tonight was like a debut. She had all but disappeared from society for three years after her family fell into disgrace.
Now, not only would she make an appearance while dressed as a duchess, but she would be on the arm of the Duke of Blackwell.
They would certainly be giving the ton something to talk about.
She was just happy that, for once, they would be saying positive things about her instead of the usual nasty rumors.
Evan helped her out of the carriage. Mary left after them to head to the servants’ entrance. She would be spending some time in the servant’s quarters until it was time for them to leave. After all, they would not need a chaperone in such a public place.
Joanna took his arm, and they walked slowly up to the manor.
She took deep breaths as they entered the ballroom.
The large, spacious room was filled with couples who danced on the polished, hardwood floor.
Chandeliers lit up the room, bathing the guests in a cheerful yellow glow.
The music carried on as normal as they were announced, but it felt like everyone stopped to stare at them.
She kept a cordial smile on her face as they walked through the crowd of people whispering.
“Is that—”
“No, it can’t be. Her father is practically destitute.”
“I heard he owes money to every gambling hall in England!”
“How on earth did she earn the affections of the Duke of Blackwell?”
“Perhaps she found a way to blackmail him. There is something off about him. Everyone knows it. I would not be surprised if she uncovered a secret that he would rather stay hidden.”
Joanna clenched her jaw in anger and tried to look around for the last speaker, but she could not find them in the crowd of faces. How dare they speak so poorly of Evan?
The more time she spent with him, the more she knew he was nothing like his reputation. He might appear cold, but he was really incredibly kind.
“Let them talk,” he murmured to her. “By the end of the night, you will have charmed them so much that they will have forgotten they said such awful things about you.”
She looked up at him to see he wasn’t looking at her. Instead, he stared off into space, scowling. “I can forgive them for what they say about me, Your Grace,” she said. “I expected as much. I just wish they wouldn’t say such horrible things about you.”
He looked at her, perplexed. “About me?”
“Someone dared say your character is not impeccable. That you have secrets I could blackmail you with.” She felt absolutely indignant at the thought.
His expression softened for a moment before he looked away. “Do not worry about that. Their opinion of me matters little.”
She wasn’t so sure. He might pretend to not care what people said about him– he might even tell himself that. But she remembered how hurt he looked at the art gallery when he thought she saw him as a monster, the same as everybody else.
Penelope found them in the crowd. She grinned as she grabbed Joanna’s hands and kissed her cheeks. “I am so glad you came,” she said. “Tonight will be so much more fun with you here.” She looked up at the duke and a small blush rose to her cheeks. “Your Grace,” she said, dropping a quick curtsy.
“I presume you are Lady Penelope.” He kept his voice low so no one else could hear. After all, as far as Penelope’s parents were concerned, the duke had already met her. Twice. “It is nice to meet you. Officially, that is.”
“You as well. Please forgive me for the deception.”
“You are forgiven, and I promise not to mention it to your parents. In fact, I believe I owe you a great deal. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have met Miss Thorne.” He smiled softly at Joanna in a way that made her cheeks burn with happiness.
Penelope grinned at the sight of them together.
“I must leave and greet a few other acquaintances. My mother will be trying to get me to dance with every eligible man here, so if you could rescue me, I would be most appreciative.” She gave a small wave before turning to greet some other ladies that she knew, although with a lot less enthusiasm than with Joanna.
“So that is the notorious Lady Penelope,” Evan murmured to Joanna. “She is pleasant. But I admit I am glad it was you who met me for tea instead.”
“If you keep whispering sweet things to me, then my face will be as red as a tomato all night, Your Grace.”
“That will only encourage me, my lady. I love seeing you blush.”
Joanna’s breath caught in her throat as she looked up at his mischievous smile. So much for him being the Duke of Ice. He had a way of making her feel like her body was on fire.