Page 37 of The Duke's Sinful Deal
“I know I must endure it,” he corrected.
Arabella said nothing further, though the slight curve of her lips suggested she had more to say on the matter. Instead, she turned toward the path that led into the heart of the gathering, herposture straight, her expression composed in a way that suited the setting more naturally than he had anticipated.
Maxwell followed at her side, aware almost immediately of the shift that moved through the crowd as they entered. It was subtle, the kind of change that would go unnoticed by those unaccustomed to watching for it. Conversations faltered, if only for a breath. Eyes lingered a fraction too long. Fans paused mid-motion before resuming their steady rhythm.
He had seen it before.
He would see it again.
Arabella, however, did not appear to notice.
“Lady Pembroke,” she said warmly as they approached a small group near a cluster of white roses. “How kind of you to host such a gathering.”
The older woman inclined her head, her smile polite, though her gaze flickered briefly toward Maxwell before returning to Arabella. “Your Grace,” she said. “We aredelightedyou both could attend.”
Arabella answered with easy grace, her tone light, her manner entirely at ease as she moved through the expected pleasantries. Maxwell remained beside her for a moment longer, then stepped back, allowing the conversation to continue without his presence.
It was not long before she was drawn further into the gathering.
“Arabella!” a young woman called, her voice bright as she approached, her expression open with recognition. “You must introduce me properly now that you are a married lady.”
Arabella turned at once. “Miss Odell,” she said, her smile widening. “And Miss Harding. How good it is to see you!”
Introductions followed, quick and fluid, the kind that required little thought from those accustomed to them. Jane Odell and Cissie Harding had once belonged to the wider circle of young ladies Arabella encountered each Season, but somewhere over the years, acquaintance had softened into genuine friendship. London felt easier with them in it, and judging by the warmth of their greeting, the feeling was mutual.
Maxwell inclined his head as required, offering the briefest acknowledgment before stepping away once more as their conversation took on a life of its own.
“She has not changed,” Jane was saying, her tone teasing as Maxwell moved out of earshot. “Marriage has not subdued you in the slightest.”
“Should it have?” Arabella returned, laughter threading through her words.
Maxwell did not linger. He moved toward the edge of the gathering, where the crowd thinned and the air felt lessconstrained, his gaze sweeping the grounds without settling on any one point. It was there that he found Roderick, standing with a glass in hand, his attention divided between the crowd and whatever private thoughts occupied him.
“You came,” Roderick said, his brows lifting slightly as Maxwell approached.
“I was invited,” Maxwell replied.
“That has never been sufficient reason before.”
Maxwell did not answer that.
Roderick’s gaze flicked past him, toward the center of the gathering where Arabella stood among her companions, her expression animated as she spoke. “She looks well,” he said.
“She is,” Maxwell replied.
“And you?” Roderick asked.
Maxwell’s expression remained unchanged. “I am here.”
Roderick let out a quiet breath, something almost resembling a laugh. “A glowing endorsement of married life.”
“It serves its purpose.”
Roderick studied him for a moment, then glanced again toward Arabella. “You have chosen well,” he said.
Maxwell’s gaze followed his, settling briefly on her. She moved easily among the others, her presence drawing attention without demanding it, her laughter unguarded in a way that felt entirely at odds with the careful restraint of the surrounding company.
“She is… suited to this,” he said.
