Chapter 33 #2
Ophelia watched her husband, and she felt a small stab of pride. Even as he tried his best to pretend that he cared for nobody, that he was an island unto himself, the rage that Lord Hallbridge forced on him was proof that such assertions were not entirely true.
But was it Ophelia’s past that had Adrian so infuriated, or was it to do with Harriet and his role in her life? She could not say.
“Adrian…” Ophelia touched her husband gently on the arm. “It is not worth it. Leave him be.”
Adrian breathed in deeply. “I will do and say nothing. But if he looks at you the wrong way or… or if he says anything at all…” A growl rose from his lips.
And once again, the conflict that Ophelia felt was impossible to deny. She wished it were as simple as Adrian having no feelings for her, but that just was not the case. And as such, that he was so determined to pretend otherwise… even he does not know how he feels.
Yet, Ophelia was done fighting for him. She was done waiting in hope. If anything was to change, it would be on Adrian to do it. And that, she knew, was as likely as Lord Hallbridge falling on his knees in apology.
“Come.” Adelaide took her by the hand again. “Let us mingle. Your Grace, are you going to join us?”
“He is fine,” Ophelia said quickly, even scowling at Adrian in warning. “I am sure my husband is capable of mingling on his own.”
Adrian almost looked insulted, even hurt. But she maintained her scowl and he looked away as if in shame. “I will find you before supper, so that we sit together.”
“If you must,” Ophelia said.
Ophelia spent the next ten minutes being led by the hand as Adelaide introduced her to the various guests. Mostly, she just stood there and smiled, saying little where she could. What made it difficult, however, was how often she was forced to lie.
Every time that Adrian was mentioned, whenever she was quizzed on her marriage, she did her duty and told of a wondrous marriage that she was thrilled to have found herself in. Oh yes, and always, she assured them, that she loved Adrian as the moon loved the stars.
Why do I bother? Who cares about another scandal when I have nothing to live for anyway…
Time and again, she found herself searching for Adrian.
He stood mostly alone, looking sorrowful and sad.
And while it broke her heart to see him that way, she reminded herself that was his choice.
He wanted to be alone. He wanted to be forgotten.
He wanted to live in a state of depression because… well, that’s just who he was.
“I must visit the retiring area before supper.” Adelaide led Ophelia to the corner of the room. “Would you like to join me?”
“Oh, I will be fine,” she sighed.
“Are you sure?” Adelaide pressed, glancing across the room at Lord Hallbridge. “Being alone, maybe that is not such a good idea.”
Ophelia smiled. “As you said, he will not try anything in such a small setting. Why, I doubt he will notice me at all.”
Adelaide did not look convinced, just as she looked worried about leaving her alone. But Ophelia held her smile and then waved her away. The truth was, Ophelia needed to get used to being on her own, so why not start as soon as possible?
The moment that Adelaide left the room, Ophelia realized the mistake she had made, because no sooner was she alone did Lord Hallbridge see her, smile that wicked smile, and approach her.
Ophelia braced…
“Miss Ophelia,” he purred as he came on her, standing as if to block her retreat. “Oh no, wait, it is Her Grace now, is it not? How far we have come.”
“Lord Hallbridge.” Ophelia stood as tall as she could and as proudly. She was a duchess, and she needed to make it known that Lord Hallbridge had no power over her. “It is nice to see you again.”
“I could not agree more,” he said, smirking all the while. And those green eyes, they roamed over her as if hungry. “Truly, I was so pleased to hear that you would be here this evening. It has been so long since we have had the chance to speak.”
“I doubt that we have anything to speak of.”
“On the contrary.” He stepped in suddenly, far too close, and dropped his voice. “There is much I would love to speak of. Alas, such a setting as this…” He glanced about. “Far too many prying eyes.”
Ophelia swallowed. “Lucky me. And lucky you.”
“I know I have no right to ask this, considering what happened, but…” He smirked as his eyes roamed her again. “Might we step into the hallway for a moment and talk? The regrets that I have… the things that I did. I would never forgive myself if I were not given the chance to repent.”
Ophelia eyed him with great skepticism. While he spoke the right words, sounding as if he was sorry, that look in his eyes told a different story. “Whatever you have to say, you can say here.”
“I do not think so,” he said. “And I must insist. A few minutes only, I promise.”
“To which, I must deny you.”
He exhaled, even managing to look regretful.
“Alas, I do not want to do this, but you have left me no choice. You will join me, Your Grace, otherwise I might feel personally aggrieved. And when such things happen, I tend to speak of things that are better left unsaid.” He fixed her in a knowing stare.
“You have done well to escape the rumors that forced you to flee the ton, enough that many have likely forgotten them. I do wonder, however, what might be said if I were to remind those here tonight of what you did to me.”
“What I…” Ophelia’s stomach dropped. “I did nothing. You were the one who –”
“Was pursued and scandalized by you,” he cut her off.
“Why, I was lucky to escape with my reputation intact. I have been willing to let the past lie, for I do so hate to revisit such horrid memories. But if you will not follow me outside, I will remind everyone here of what you did.” A shadow passed behind his eyes as he looked at her.
“I do wonder what your husband might say when he learns the truth.”
“That is…” Ophelia shook, the fear rising inside of her. “Lies!”
“Perhaps,” he shrugged. “But who will they believe?”
Adelaide was wrong! Lord Hallbridge has not changed. If anything, he is worse!
Ophelia should not have cared about his threats. Soon, she would be leaving for the country, forced to live in ignominy, likely to never return to the ton again. What difference did a few old rumors make?
But her husband… despite her best efforts, Ophelia’s thoughts return to Adrian. She should not have cared about him. She did not want to let him control her. But she knew too that if Lord Hallbridge did as he threatened, it would ruin her husband, and Ophelia just could not bear to do that to him.
“Two minutes,” she sneered. “That is all I will give you.”
“More than enough time.” He stepped back and smiled in a way that showed all his teeth. “Please, after you…” He turned and gestured across the room.
With no choice, Ophelia walked ahead, making for the doorway. This was not a good idea. She knew that no good would come of it. But to protect her husband’s name, even if she wanted to hate the man, there was nothing she would not do.
Such was the price of being in love, even if that love was not returned.