“Come now, Your Grace, not every man or woman who visits the continent is a spy,” an older gentleman with white hair and a handlebar mustache spoke up.
The duke huffed loud enough for everyone to hear and pushed out his chest. “Mark my words, my lord, any man who associates with people who sympathize with Spain or France is a traitor themselves. Why would any noble person of good standing want to visit a country that does not agree with our King and Queen?”
“Are you saying that we cannot even be acquainted with a person who chooses to visit the continent, Your Grace?” The older man seemed indignant.
“Certainly not. Why would anyone make such a foolish error? Guilty by association is what I am saying, Lord Devenport.” The duke nodded definitively.
Stepping forward, the duchess suddenly appeared and placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “Come now, Your Grace, let us not discuss such matters this evening. I think we should head into the dining hall before the food grows cold.” She smiled at her husband despite the scowl creasing his brow.
The guests began to join their partners and headed toward the doors just as Benedict leaned in and whispered in Julian’s ear. “The duke makes a good point, though I do not think that anyone who wishes to visit the continent is a spy.” He chuckled again before moving away from Julian.
Lily disappeared from view, and Julian scowled when Eleanor suddenly appeared at his side. “Miss Everet, have you seen my wife?” He asked stiffly while looking over her head.
“She went to powder her nose before dinner, my lord. I do not think we should wait for her. I am certain one of the other gentlemen who does not have a partner will escort her in.” Eleanor reached for his arm and began to pull him forward before Julian could protest.
Craning his neck, Julian attempted to search for her, or at least spot someone he knew would escort his wife.
Please let Benedict find her.
He turned his gaze ahead, not wanting to make a scene as the couples of lesser ranks waited for him and Eleanor to follow the queue.
The walk to the dining hall was short, yet it felt like a lifetime as Julian wished he had held back and waited for his wife.
Candles lit the inside of the dining hall, causing the crystal glasses and gold-rimmed plates to gleam in the light, yet all Julian could think of as he took his place beside Eleanor was the fact that his wife was not with him.
Panic gripped his chest when Benedict entered with Arabella on his arm.
Where is she?
The panic was replaced by relief that once again vanished when he realized that Lily was left to enter on her own with no escort. His pulse began to race as lords and ladies whispered to one another around the table.
“Why is she not with her husband?” The lady beside Eleanor pursed her lips in disapproval.
“And did you see, she entered before Lord and Lady Darcy, who outranked her?” another lady remarked, adding fuel to the fire.
Panicking, Lily headed toward the nearest seat, not noticing the names that had been placed in front of each glass.
Lily…
Julian’s heart ached for her as he wished he could go to her side and escort her to him.
“It is not her fault, my lord, she does not know the responsibilities that come with being the wife of a viscount,” Eleanor leaned in close and whispered to Julian.
Chapter 18
The guests continued to chatter in hushed tones. Not wanting to look up, Lily looked at her hands. She was letting Julian down with her lack of knowledge, and it was all she could do to keep herself from crying.
“She is American, you know. They are always so informal,” one lady remarked, her tone a little higher than a whisper.
The pit of Lily’s stomach flipped as she closed her eyes for a second.
They are all watching and judging me.
Her palms began to sweat as she realized she had taken a seat beside the duchess, a prized position that would have been reserved for an honored guest. Did they think she had made the faux pas on purpose? She was just about to turn and run from the dining hall when the duchess suddenly appeared at her side.
“My goodness, Lady Barnard, I must apologize for the confusion. One of the under butlers must have made an error.” She quickly scooped up the name card in front of Lily and closed it in her palm. “May I show you to your proper place across from your husband? I am certain that you would be more comfortable in his presence.” She smiled kindly at Lily.
Still wanting to cry, Lily forced a brave smile and allowed the duchess to show her to her proper seat across from Julian.