Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,14

end.”

“Thank you.”

“Absolutely wonderful, Eleanor,” the Duchess of Burbridge agreed. “You’re so talented.” Her gaze shifted to Douglas. “What an amazing duchess you have.”

He dipped his head, ridiculously pleased to be included in the compliment. “I couldn’t agree more.”

To his surprise, his smile remained as the conversation flowed around him with Eleanor’s hand still in the crook of his arm.

~*~

“How are you finding married life?” Mrs. Sloane asked Eleanor a short time later when Douglas had been drawn into another conversation a few steps away.

Several other people had a turn at the pianoforte and the evening had been entertaining. Especially since Douglas had remained by Eleanor’s side for so long.

“Enjoyable.” Eleanor couldn’t help but glance at her husband who spoke with Burbridge and Mr. Sloane. At least, this evening had been so. Wasn’t it preferable to focus on that? “And you?”

Eleanor returned her attention to the lady, puzzled by her behavior since her arrival. Mrs. Sloane, who had been Lady Samantha Brown, was someone Eleanor normally preferred to avoid. She was rarely kind and took every opportunity to point out any flaws or missteps. She had a sharp tongue and didn’t hesitate to share her opinion regardless of whether it was requested. But something had changed.

Mrs. Sloane smiled, her breath releasing in a soft sigh as her gaze swung to her husband. “Very enjoyable. Gabriel has changed my life for the better.”

“Oh?” This was the first time Eleanor had met Gabriel Sloane. He was tall, dark, and handsome with a physical presence and a quiet watchfulness that made one wonder at his thoughts.

“Indeed. I was on the path to change before I met him, but he looks at me so differently than anyone else ever has. I am still striving to live up to his expectations. Isn’t it amazing how love can shift one’s outlook?”

Eleanor smiled politely despite her shock. Her own had altered since her marriage but not necessarily for the better. Not when she was slowly releasing her wish for something more. Her attempt to change who she was would take time and might not have the desired effect.

Making love with Douglas during the night had been wonderful, but he’d been absent the remainder of the day which had dashed her hope once again. Though he’d shared that he’d enjoyed her performance at the pianoforte, that only served to confuse her more.

Mrs. Sloane met Eleanor’s eyes. “I want to apologize for the things I said and did in the past. I was rude and careless.” She scowled as she glanced at Lady Elizabeth again. “No different than that one. Sadly, she rarely has anything good to say.”

“You never—” Eleanor halted when Mrs. Sloane lifted a brow. “Thank you. I accept your apology.”

“I appreciate that more than I can say.” Her attention was caught when Lady Elizabeth laughed shrilly, causing heads to turn. “I don’t know why Lady Burbridge invited her.”

“Her father donated generously to the charity.”

“How unfortunate that he didn’t teach his daughter better manners. I want to advise her that one day soon, she’ll regret her behavior, and the path to redemption isn’t easy.”

Eleanor wondered if the woman would ever feel that way. But she was even more curious about what caused Mrs. Sloane to change.

“May I have your attention, everyone.” Lillian stood in the center of the room with a smile. “It’s time for charades. Choose a partner.”

Dismay flooded Eleanor. In the past, she would’ve been one of the first to join in such a game. But not now. She couldn’t imagine that Douglas wanted to play. He would be uncomfortable and therefore so would she, regardless of whether they were partners. She turned to look for him, expecting to see the back of him as he left the gathering.

To her shock, his gaze met hers and he lifted a brow in question. Her heart thudded dully. He wanted to play? With her as a partner? She slowly nodded and flutters filled her stomach as she walked toward him.

“Would you care to be my partner?” she asked just to make certain she hadn’t misinterpreted his silent communication.

“If we must play, then I would have none other,” he said dryly.

“Perhaps we can join for a round or two and then retire for the evening.” While she thought the game might be enjoyable, she didn’t want Douglas to be miserable.

“The rules are simple.” Burbridge joined his wife, pitching his voice over the murmuring of the guests. “Now that you’ve selected partners, we’ll divide into two sides. Each pair will