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He watched her for a moment. For an instant, he looked as though he had another question. But then she noticed the subtle way his posture stiffened before he spoke again without any trace of inquisitiveness.

“A Christmas tree?” Ambrose answered, looking as though the very notion required an explanation. “Is that not a rather odd thing to bring into the house?”

“Queen Charlotte had one brought in, surely it is not that unusual.”

“She is of German extraction, and there it is common to drag entire trees into the house, apparently.”

“My grandmother Gerda was German,” Marina explained. “She always had one at Christmas. I know it is not the usual custom here, but I thought it might be lovely to have something that reminded me of her.”

“Ah well, I cannot argue with that then, can I? That is quite all right,” Ambrose answered. “I shall be able to put up with a tree in the house for a few days, I suppose. Perhaps it will have people talking about something other than how odd we are. The Witch and the Beast.”

Marina nearly smiled. His face looked as though he had just been informed that Parliament intended to move into his drawing room.

Still, his answer gave her enough courage to raise the question that had been growing in her mind.

“Since we are speaking of Christmas,” she began cautiously, clutching her hands loosely before her, “I have been considering the arrangements for the ball. There is still so much to prepare and only a week left.”

The effect of her words was immediate. The duke drew his brow together, sharply enough to express the disbelief of a man wondering whether he had heard correctly. She did not miss the way his jaw flexed, and the way the muscles of his forearm tightened.

“The Christmas ball?” he repeated at last, his voice dropping even lower.

She nodded, though some of her confidence had already begun to dissipate beneath that stare of his. “Yes,” she replied brightly, “I wish for it to be grand, with great music, dancing, supper… Just think how much happiness that night would bring. And how much we might raise toward rebuilding the orphanage.”

The duke did not look the least bit impressed. It was almost as if he’d hoped she might forget it all.

“I do not wish to dampen your spirits, but we do not know how many people will come. The vicar sent word that he invited all the nobles from the surrounding five villages—likely including those who destroyed your home. He has not had many replies. We may find ourselves with an empty hall on our hands.”

She took a breath and nodded. “I think they will come, they are too curious about us not to.”

“Are you not uncomfortable knowing those people will be here?”

She shrugged. “I am not looking forward to it, but if they bring funds for the orphanage I shall put up with them.”

“I would donate double whatever they might bring in if it meant not having those people here. They sound dreadful.”

Her foolish heart leaped at this, for she knew he meant every word.

“I believe you, but we cannot be selective. There would be talk if we invited only some nobles but not others.”

“I know you are not comfortable with it, and neither am I, but we need this ball. It will be good for us to be seen as regular people. To show we are more than our reputations.”

“Enough.”

He had not raised his voice, but the irritation in his tone was worse than a shout. It surprised her. For a moment, she stared at him, her earlier brightness fading as she tried to understand what she had awakened in the duke.

Then slowly, she saw a slight flicker cross his face. His expression softened, and there was the faintest trace of regret in his eyes.

“I have not withdrawn my agreement,” he said at last. “You may make whatever arrangements are necessary.”

Marina looked at him, uncertain whether to be pleased or annoyed. She had not come to him asking for permission. She had only wished to share her excitement. But she was in no mood to wait while he decided how to save face. She decided to leave him.

Luckily for her, a footman hurried toward the nursery. He appeared at the doorway and bowed.

“Your Grace,” he announced respectfully, “the carriages have arrived.”

In an instant, Marina’s face transformed.

“Carriages?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.