Chapter Seven
S ara stirred sugar into her tea, oblivious to the conversation flowing around her. She fought not to blush as she remembered how Ian had awakened her that morning. His amorous attentions the past two weeks since speaking their vows kept her mind filled with the most scandalous of thoughts. He stole kisses at the most inappropriate moments and left her in a muddled state of need before she drifted to sleep. Evenings, they spent in their suite learning more about each other before their desires demanded them to explore their needs. However, each time Ian would pull back before they took their passion too far.
She longed for him to make her his wife in the truest sense. She wanted to confess her love but held back. Sara didn’t want Ian to think she confused their passion for love. What she felt for Ian went beyond the attraction between them to how she viewed him as a duke, friend, father, and husband. His devotion to ease everyone’s burdens only added to her adoration for him. He showed what a caring gentleman he was by including his in-laws in his decisions for Mairi. He wanted them to share his life as if they were his parents. How could Sara not love such a compassionate gentleman?
Her life grew more perfect with each passing day. They fell into a routine, with Sara giving lessons to Mairi in the mornings while Ian conducted his business. Then he would entertain Mairi in the afternoons while Sara made the rounds with Lady Whetham as she introduced Sara into society. Each day, Sara grew more confident amongst the selected group of ladies they visited. She would attend her first ball this evening. To say she was nervous was an understatement. However, Ian assured her they would leave immediately if she became uncomfortable.
Even the reason behind their marriage seemed to fade into oblivion. The villain’s silence seemed peculiar, but Sara assumed her marriage to Ian threatened them to cease their taunts. Her husband was an intimidating gentleman who wouldn’t tolerate anyone terrorizing a member of his family. The culprit’s silence gave Sara the courage to embrace the opportunities before her.
“You are quiet today, my dear. I hope all is well?” Lady Roselli’s question broke through Sara’s musings.
Sara’s blush deepened. “Just lost in my thoughts.”
Lady Roselli softly chuckled. “I remember those days with my husband.”
Sara pressed her hands against her cheeks to cool them. “You must think me too forward.”
“Not at all. You are in the blush of your marriage, and I find your adoration of Somerville enlightening.”
Lady Roselli’s praise made Sara feel worthy of Ian’s devotion. She hoped everyone saw that she’d only married Ian because she loved him, not for what his standings could offer her. She never wanted to bring shame to him or his family.
“Thank you, my lady.”
“I overheard Marian mention you and the duke shall attend the Darlington Ball this evening.”
Sara nodded, trying to hide her grimace. “My first official foray into society. I hope I do not embarrass the duke or Lord and Lady Whetham.”
Lady Roselli tapped Sara with her fan. “Nonsense. You will only enhance the duke’s standing with your beauty. Though beware of the bitter mamas and the devastated debutantes, for they will attempt to ruin your evening at every chance.”
Sara frowned. “I do not understand.”
“Somerville’s arrival in London sent a silent statement amongst the ton of his return to society. Every family set their sights on securing a match with him and one of their unmarried daughters. However, your marriage to the duke ruined their chances, and they do not lose with grace,” Lady Roselli explained.
“Oh.” Lady Roselli’s explanation gave Sara doubts about attending the ball. Ian had assured her the ball would be the perfect event to introduce her to society as his wife. Most of the ton had traveled to their estates in the country. Only the few remaining peers would attend the ball. Perhaps they should wait longer before attending any events.
“Do not allow those vipers to frighten you away. Stand proud next to Somerville and show your devotion to him and they will come around with their acceptance. My husband and I will be in attendance, and he is eager to meet you. I have told him all about you, and he wants to meet the lady who has helped to heal the Whetham family’s and Somerville’s despair.”
“You have told your husband about me?” Sara asked.
“Yes. So do not disappoint my husband by not attending the festivities this evening.”
Sara smiled. “It will be my honor to meet your husband.”
Lady Roselli squeezed Sara’s hand before rising. “Then I shall see you this evening.”
Lady Roselli shared her farewell with her friends and the hostess before leaving. Sara’s gaze flittered around the group who talked amongst themselves, sharing stories. The mutual affection among the friends made Sara long for her own friends. While they wrote to one another every week, Sara missed them something fierce. As she navigated this new society, she wished she could share with them her journey and ask for their advice. Vivian, Grace, and Flora were the closest she had to family, and she needed their love and support more than ever before.
Especially this evening.
SOMERVILLE PACED BACK and forth in the foyer, impatient for Sara to appear. Her maid and Marian had shoved him away from their suite to help Sara prepare for the ball. When he noticed she’d tried to hide her apprehension from him, he’d wanted to ease her nervousness. She’d left with Marian for their daily socializing with excitement for the ball. However, when Sara returned, she had grown withdrawn. When he attempted to coax out her troubles, she’d assured him all was well. With one interruption after another in their preparations, Sara avoided him. It wasn’t until his mother-in-law reassured him it was perfectly natural for Sara to suffer from nerves over this evening’s entertainment that he ceased his worries.
He hoped the surprise he had waiting for her would help to soothe her tensions. However, her surprise would also raise unanswered questions. He had avoided telling Sara the truth he had discovered about her parents. Ian risked the fragile state of their relationship with his neglect of not being honest with her. No matter how he tried to rationalize his excuses, he would be at fault for hurting Sara.
“If you do not stop your pacing, you will portray the wrong message to your wife,” Stuart remarked.
Somerville turned toward his father-in-law. “What would that be?”
Stuart pointed his hat at Somerville. “That you are ashamed of her.”
Somerville glared at Stuart. “I hold no shame for my wife, and I resent your accusation.”
“Calm down. I am only stating how Sara might perceive your pacing. She is already worried she might shame us. You need to show how calm you are to reassure her.”
Somerville swiped his hand along his face at his thoughtlessness. Stuart was as wise as ever. He had always taken his father-in-law’s advice, and this situation was no different. When Sara glided down those steps, he needed to wait for her with eagerness to show off his new bride. She didn’t need to see his nervousness. He wasn’t anxious about her shaming him or what the gossipmongers’ opinions were. He worried her evening wouldn’t be the success she deserved.
Ian nodded his understanding at Stuart. He moved near the stairs with his hands behind his back and waited for Sara and Marian to descend. His father-in-law joined him, patting him on the back with reassurance that the evening would be a success.
“Ah, there are the gems of the ball,” Stuart complimented as Sara and Marian walked down the stairs arm in arm.
Marian left Sara and slid her hand through her husband’s arm. “Still as charming as ever, my love. But the only gem this evening is our dear Sara. Does she not look lovely?”
“Like a fresh rose that has bloomed under the sun’s attention.” Stuart winked at Sara.
Sara blushed and dipped into a curtsy. “Thank you, my lord. Your sincere compliment warms my heart.”
Stuart chuckled. “Sincere and truthful.”
Marian swatted at Stuart. “I told you, Sara, to be aware of my husband when he turns on the charm.”
Stuart brushed a kiss across his wife’s cheek. “Someone has to charm the poor girl. Her husband behaves like a smitten suitor who is bumbling in his attempt to charm her.”
“Oh, Stuart. Cut the boy some slack. He’s never had to charm a wife before.” Marian guided Stuart away to give Sara and Somerville time to themselves.
Sara’s appearance struck Somerville speechless. When she appeared at the top of the stairs with her hair billowing around her shoulders and her dress molded to her soft curves, he wanted to tear up the stairs, sweep her into his arms, and carry her back to their suite. The turquoise gown only highlighted the depth of her ocean-filled eyes, bringing out the sparkle of Sara’s personality. The gown left her shoulders bare and cupped her breasts with its design. He must keep her near his side this evening to scare away any scoundrel who would dare to approach her.
Sara patted her hair and smoothed the sides of her dress. Ian’s silence sent a fresh wave of nervous energy through her. Was there something wrong with her appearance? Had he changed his mind about attending this evening’s festivities? She wished he would speak.
“Ian,” Sara whispered.
Somerville raised his head from his perusal and noticed Sara’s apprehension. “Forgive me, my dear. Your beauty has left me dumbfounded and unable to function as a proper gentleman.”
He must work on his charm. He no longer bumbled; instead, he rambled on with ungentlemanly manners and perused his wife like a scoundrel. His behavior was shameful at best, and he needed to be reprimanded. Since his in-laws had given them space, he needed to control his baser urges and offer Sara the assurance she needed before they left.
He stepped forward and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles. “I apologize for my crassness. You are a vision I cannot wait to have stand by my side this evening.”
Both of his compliments sent a tide of warmth rushing through her to settle in her soul. They held a charming nature that eased her insecurity and gave her the courage to attend her first social event as Ian’s wife. While people would clamor for her attention because of her title, she wanted them to like her for her personality alone.
“I hope I do you justice.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her against his chest. “You far surpass it, Sara. I could not be prouder of you and the courage you display by accompanying me this evening. However, I fear we cannot leave until you finish your attire.”
Sara glanced along the length of her, trying to see what she might’ve missed. Marian had helped her dress for the ball. “I am confused what I may have forgotten.”
Ian released her and picked up the jewelry box from the table against the wall. He opened the lid to display a necklace with a turquoise stone surrounded by diamonds lying on a strip of velvet. “A background adornment to enhance your beauty.”
Sara coasted her fingers across the gorgeous stone. “I cannot.”
Ian ignored her protest and clasped the jewelry around her neck. It lay nestled on her chest, dipping between her breasts. The diamonds were perfect, glistening against her pale skin. The diamonds were the first of many jewels he would spoil her with. What made Sara so worthy of them was that she never expected them and would cherish the gifts he bestowed upon her.
“You can.”
Ian never gave Sara a chance to voice her objection. He pulled her back into his embrace and took her lips under his in a slow gentle kiss, expressing what he held in his heart but being too much of a coward to tell her. It was the perfect moment to share his love, but he allowed his dishonesty to keep him from exposing his heart to Sara. He only wanted the truth between them when he declared his feelings. His lies would only confuse her when she learned the secret he held.
Sara gave up her resistance to the treasure Ian gifted her. He pressed his mouth against hers in a silent message, declaring himself with an unspoken confession. With each pull of his lips, Sara clutched at him and returned his kiss with her own silent message. She wanted to declare her love but worried he didn’t reciprocate the depth of her feelings. While she’d promised to attend the ball, she wanted nothing more than to spend another quiet evening in their bedchamber lying in each other’s arms. Only tonight, she wished for Ian to make love to her.
A throat cleared from behind them. “I see you recovered your ability to charm your wife. However, I fear I must disturb your amorous attention to encourage you to join us in the carriage. The Darlington Ball awaits your presence,” Lord Whetham teased.
Sara pressed her head against Ian’s chest in embarrassment. “Your father-in-law must think me most wanton with my behavior.”
“Stuart only teases you because he finds you a delight,” Ian reassured Sara.
“My behavior is scandalous,” Sara disagreed.
Ian kissed the top of Sara’s head. “Your behavior shows my in-laws your devotion, and they find joy in our happiness. Now, shall we make our appearance? I believe this evening will be a success in more ways than one.”
Stepping away from Ian, she pressed her fingers against the diamonds and made a silent wish that Ian’s belief extended to when they were alone in their bed. The evening had started on a magical note when she walked down the stairs and saw the lust and adoration shining in Ian’s gaze. His every action showed Sara his devotion to sharing his life with her.
How could the evening not end with the magic of love?