Page 63 of Duchess Needed
“I am so thrilled you could attend. It is so lovely to see you again!” the duchess of Ravencroft said with a cheery tone.
Phoebe forced herself to smile a bit, as she nodded.
“Likewise, Jane. Thank you for inviting us.”
“It is my pleasure, darling. But... are you well? You seem –”
“I'm fine,” Phoebe said curtly, pulling her hands away. “Just... recovering from a mild headache, is all.”
“Oh. Well, I do hope you have a nice time, this afternoon. If at any point you feel under the weather, please do not hesitate to return home. I would not be offended in the slightest. Health is wealth, as they say,” Jane instructed firmly.
Phoebe managed to muster another smile, this one real this time, and she nodded.
“I will. Thank you.”
Jane gave her a quick hug before she left with her husband, leaving Edward and Phoebe alone. She felt a tad parched and wondered if it would be all right to head off towards the refreshments by herself. After glancing at him a few times, she mumbled under her breath as she slipped away,
“Excuse me.”
To her utter surprise, he silently followed her, but she ignored his presence and the worried glances he sent her way as she helped herself to a glass of sherry.
It was likely he did not wish for her to make a scene due to the new guidelines of their relationship. She refused to see it as more, refused to needlessly get her hopes up.
“Phoebe! You’re here.”
She turned around just as her sister put her arms around her, embracing her tightly.
“I was wondering when you would arrive!” Anna complained with a pout as Rowland drew closer.
Although her siblings’ presence was unexpected, she was thankful to see them nonetheless. When Rowland stepped forward to embrace her as well, she let herself hold onto him for longer than might have been necessary, reveling in the warmth only family could provide. If Rowland thought she was acting odd, he did not remark on it, simply stroking her hair until she was ready to let go of him.
“It is wonderful to see you both,” Phoebe breathed with relief.
“We were rather surprised that the Duke and duchess of Ravencroft invited us to another of their events, but it has been rather nice,” Rowland said, leaning forward to whisper softly “Especially because it means Anna would be granted a better opportunity to land a much more beneficial match, given how influential the hosts are.”
Phoebe nodded in understanding, wishing that she had gotten situated in her duties to host a ball that would allow her sister to meet as many eligible bachelors as her heart desires. As of now, she could barely manage her current responsibilities these days, so perhaps that was a plan that would take fruition in the distant future.
Phoebe suddenly remembered that Edward had been behind her and turned around to apologize for not including him in he conversation, but to her dismay, he was no longer where she had left him.
“Are you looking for the Duke? He wandered off only moments ago,” Anna informed her, gesturing in a vague direction.
“Oh,” Phoebe mumbled, feeling ridiculous over the disappointment flooding her veins.
What did she expect? It was clear that he had known her brother and sister would be there, so he only lingered by her side until he could pass her off to someone else. That much was obviously so why was her heart still such a fragile thing?
“...be? Phoebe!”
“Hm?” Phoebe turned to Anna, blinking slowly.
Everything felt difficult all of a sudden. Even her breathing felt labored and she cleared her throat in a bid it distract her from how uncomfortable she felt.
“Are you all right? You look a tad pale,” Anna fussed, gently taking hold of her hand.
The warmth of her sister's hand brought tears to her eyes and she shook her head slightly.
“I'm — I'm just tired. And thirsty,” she whispered slowly.
Anna frowned and glanced around the garden before sighing in relief.
