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He strode toward them and gave a respectful bow, with his fingers lingering on hers more than propriety required. She could feel the warmth of his skin even through the fabric of her glove.

“Lady Rosamund,” he murmured, his voice almost a purr. “I was beginning to think you have gotten lost in the short path between Rosewood Cottage and Ashbourne Hall.”

“Getting lost in that route would be quite a feat, but I would not attempt it to rob you of your audience, Your Grace,” Rosamund said with a smile.

“Oh, I believe I see an old friend of ours from Bath,” Alice murmured, gave a little curtsy and left Rosamund alone with the Duke.

“Wait, but -” The protest died on Rosamund’s lips.

“I am here, Lady Rosamund,” the Duke said with a grin.

“But you may find one of your widows and heiresses later and leave me on my own,” Rosamund teased, somehow knowing that this time, he would not leave her side.

“No, my lady. I have no need for seasoned widows and shy debutantes,” he said. “I am here for the true owner of Ashbourne.”

She frowned at that.

“Oh, do smile, Lady Rosamund. Can I not say that? No matter how long I live here, it will remain your family’s house. It is Ashbourne Hall after all, is it not? Meanwhile, I must eventually see to Westbourne once more, as I should.”

Rosamund did not know if she liked that. She did not have time to ponder the thought as he focused on making her laugh, and even on dancing with her.

“Look at some of the eagle-eyed Dowagers watching us from their corners,” he whispered, “and the young women I suspect are behind some of the gossip columns.”

She giggled when she saw he was right. Some women - and men - were looking at them with undeniable focus. Some were gaping visibly and shamelessly. Yes, the guests were noticing, and whispers were spreading across the room. While others were content with watching, the Dowager Baroness of Ernstedt, Lady Sutton, approached Rosamund when the Duke went for refreshments.

“You have done quite well for yourself, my dear,” the older lady purred. “You have managed to reclaim the Duke of Westbourne’s attention after it destroyed your father. One must certainly admire your perseverance.”

The insult was like the slap that woke someone from a pleasant dream. Before she could even say anything, the Duke was back with their refreshments. He handed her a glass of wine.

“Then, you are mistaken, Lady Sutton,” he said, in a calm voice. “Lady Rosamund never needed my favor, and had never sought anyone else’s. We must be entirely clear that any scandal connected to the past belongs to the men who made those choices years ago. Lady Rosamund should not be involved in their disgrace.”

“Your Grace, I merely meant -” Lady Sutton began, turning a bright shade of red.

“Lady Sutton, I believe you know what you meant when you said it,” the Duke interrupted.

“I apologize, Lady Rosamund. What I said was uncalled for,” Lady Sutton said.

“I am accepting it,” Rosamund replied graciously.

They mingled with the other guests and were separated for a time. Later, Rosamund slipped into the terrace and found the Duke alone there, leaning against the stone balustrade. He quickly turned toward her when he heard her approach.

“Thank you for what you said to Lady Sutton,” she said.

“There is no need to thank me for telling the truth,” he replied.

“The truth?" she echoed. “You seem to have developed a fondness for it, Your Grace.”

“Well, you have proven to be an effective teacher,” he said, which made her smile.

“Yet, I have been unfair to you, as well,” she admitted, as she walked toward him.

“Unfair?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. He was now facing her, leaning a hip on the balustrade.

“I spent years deciding exactly what kind of man you were,” she explained. “I did not allow you to be anything else in my mind.”

“To be fair to you, Lady Rosamund, I was hardly a saint.”

“Oh, do not choose this time to be so agreeable,” she complained. “It completely ruins my apology.”