Page 45 of Deviant Duchess
“But Your Grace…it matches your gown perfectly,” Kathy insisted.
“It truly is so very pretty,” Adeline agreed. “It would be such a shame not to wear it.”
Deborah bit her bottom lip, torn between sticking to her refusal and giving in to their encouragement. A knock on the door interrupted them, and as she called ‘enter,’ a footman stepped in.
“Pardon, Your Grace, but the Duke requested that I hurry you along. You are starting to run late for the gala,” the man said tentatively.
Deborah sighed, hating that Cedric was rushing herandthat he was right.
“Tell him I will be down straightaway,” she replied, then turned to Kathy.
“Very well then,” she relented, “Put it on me, please, Kathy.”
With a smile, Kathy quickly stepped up to her and fastened the necklace around her throat. Immediately, Deborah despised how beautiful it made her feel and how perfectly it matched her ensemble, as Kathy had pointed out. Still, she ignored the itch to rip it off and turned to Adeline.
“Alright, little one, it is time for bed,” she said gently, caressing Adeline’s cheek. “Allow Kathy to help with your bath and be a good girl, and I would wager that she will read you a story before bed.”
Adeline looked to Kathy, who winked. Adeline then giggled and hopped off the bed.
Deborah kept smiling until both left. Once alone, though, her lips dropped into a grim line, and she sat back down at her vanity, pulling a box from the bottom drawer on the right side. She had picked up many new things while shopping with Adeline, but there was one in particular that she had bought when she was alone. From the box, she drew out the thin, silver dagger; its hilt decorated to look like a hairpiece. If Sylvester was at the gala tonight as he was supposed to be, she was determined to use it and get her revenge once and for all.
“Would you stop staring?” Deborah snapped.
To no surprise, Cedric’s grin only widened. It seemed nothing she said or did could make that silly look disappear from his face.
“What else do you expect me to do?” He asked, escorting her through the full ballroom of the gala. “We are supposed to be acting as if we are in love, remember?”
Deborah fought the urge to roll her eyes, hating that he was right. So far, he had been far better at pretending than she was. She had to get her anger under control, and soon. Otherwise, their peers would surely start to notice her sour disposition.
“Besides, as I have already mentioned, you look positivelyravishingin that dress,” he added, “You chose very well.”
Deborah’s stiff shoulders loosened, and she managed to give him a kind look.
“They we are,” Cedric said with awe as his dark eyes lit up, “See? Pleasure looks much better on you than that frown.”
Deborah tsked her tongue and gave him a scolding look, knowing he was speaking of their intimate time together a few days ago and not the present. Cedric chuckled as he smirked handsomely and perked a brow.
“Is that where your mind always strays?” She whispered.
“Why not?” He asked, feigning innocence, “I cannot imagine any place better for my mind to be.”
She tried not to smile at his flattery, but she could not help the way her lips began to curl upward as she shook her head.
“You know I am glad this matches your gown,” he went on, reaching out to smooth his fingertips lightly over her necklace, “But I must admit I was thinking of how you would look wearingonlythis.”
Deborah let out a sigh, suddenly tired of being angry with him. She could not be mad and pretend to be in love with him at the same time, she decided, not when she had so much else to think about. So, she let herself smile and gave in to his flirting.
“You chose the necklace very well,” she replied softly. “Thank you, by the way. It is lovely.”
Cedric practically preened, making her laugh despite her sour mood.
“A lovely necklace for my lovely duchess,” he said smoothly. He then moved to stand in front of her and caressed her cheek as he leaned in, drawing the eyes of their fellow guests.
“Sylvester is here,” he whispered in her ear, then gave her a quick peck on her cheek; again, no doubt to show their supposed affection.
Deborah’s mood shifted at once; her frustration turning to excitement.
“He is?” She whispered, pressing her palm to his fine black jacket and looking at him with adoration. She was not sure if it was for show or genuine, but either way, it seemed to draw the attention they desired.
