Page 52 of An Unwanted Bride for the Duke
Tea flowed freely from silver pots, accompanied by boiled eggs, ham, biscuits, cakes, and sugared fruits. The room hummed with feminine conversation and amusement. Seraphine felt herself relax completely.
She accepted a cup of tea from a footman and soon found herself seated beside Thalia near one of the tall windows. The Duchess appeared remarkably content as she watched her guests enjoying themselves.
“I must congratulate you,” Seraphine said as she stirred her tea. “The house party has been a tremendous success. Everyone appears thoroughly entertained.”
Thalia smiled as she reached for a biscuit. “That is because I threatened them all with additional charades if they dared look bored.”
“I knew there would be some dark secret behind your hospitality,” Seraphine smiled.
“There usually is,” Thalia said.
Seraphine laughed softly while Thalia took a satisfied sip of tea. Around them, conversation rose and fell in pleasant waves. It was difficult to imagine that only days ago Seraphine had arrived determined to secure a husband as quickly as possible. Somehow Amberhall Manor had begun to feel almost like an escape from reality. Unfortunately, reality remained patiently waiting for her beyond the estate gates.
“You seem thoughtful,” Thalia observed, lowering her cup. “That is generally a dangerous sign.”
Seraphine smiled faintly. “I was merely thinking how fortunate you are.”
“Fortunate?”
Seraphine smiled and gestured lightly with her teacup towards the bustling parlor. “You have built a wonderful life here.”
Thalia's gaze followed the motion of her hand. She looked around the room at the ladies laughing over cards. A softness settled over her features that had not been there a moment before. “I suppose I have.”
There was no vanity in the admission. If anything, she sounded faintly surprised by it.
Seraphine watched her friend for a moment and felt a small pang of envy she could not quite suppress. “You never expected it, did you?”
Thalia let out a quiet laugh and shook her head, setting her teacup carefully onto its saucer. “Not remotely.”
The Duchess laughed quietly and shook her head. “If someone had informed me five years ago that I would become a wife, a duchess, mother, and hostess of country house parties, I would have accused them of drinking too much brandy.”
“I would have agreed with you,” Seraphine said.
“Exactly.”
The two women shared a smile. Seraphine could not help noticing the genuine happiness in her friend's eyes. It was not forced or exaggerated. It simply existed. The realization once again stirred that uncomfortable ache within her chest. Thalia had married for love. Rosaline had married for love. Meanwhile, Seraphine felt as though she was racing against a clock that only she could hear ticking.
Before she could dwell upon the thought further, another lady approached their corner of the room. Lady Kane carried herself with her usual cheerful elegance, her dark blue gown swaying softly as she crossed the carpet. She greeted both women warmly before accepting a seat beside them. There was an air of purpose about her expression that immediately caught Thalia's attention.
“Lady Kane,” Thalia said pleasantly. “You look as though you have news.”
“I do indeed.” Lady Kane smiled apologetically. “I am afraid I must leave Amberhall earlier than expected.”
Thalia's brows rose in surprise, and she set her teacup carefully onto its saucer. Around them, the chatter of the parlor continued unabated, but her attention was now entirely fixed upon Lady Kane.
“Oh dear. Is everything alright?” she asked, leaning forward slightly.
Lady Kane waved a dismissive hand and offered a reassuring smile. “Perfectly fine,” she assured her. “I shall simply be departing one day before the rest of the guests return to London.”
A flicker of distress crossed Thalia's face before she sighed dramatically and settled back into her chair. “That is disappointing.”
“It is for me as well,” Lady Kane replied with a small laugh, lifting her shoulders in a helpless shrug. “I assure you, I would much rather remain and enjoy your hospitality.”
Lady Kane accepted a cup of tea from a passing footman before continuing. “Unfortunately, my husband is returning from Cornwall sooner than anticipated. I should like to be home to greet him.”
“How terribly devoted of you,” Thalia said gravely.
Lady Kane laughed and teased. “I know. It is quite unlike me.”
