A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 7 : Truths Not Meant To Be Shared (Ep 2)

Hermione entered the Fawley Ball on Harry's arm, even though the Duke was just a step in front of her, Lady Parkinson on his arm. Behind herself and Harry was the Marquees of Salisbury, whom she had not yet been introduced to, and Ginny. How strange, that they must enter into the main entryway in such a manner - why could the Marquees not arrive with Lady Parkinson, and Harry with his wife?

In particular, Hermione needed to speak to the Duke - his plan had exceeded expectations, to the point that Hermione was unable to handle the results. She also needed to speak to him about the book, to thank him for it. Such a treasure... she had wanted to send a note, but a note had not felt grand enough, had not felt as though it would truly show her gratitude.

The Duke immediately dropped Lady Parkinson's arm once they were fully within the entry hall and approached, offering his arm to Hermione. Hermione did not even look at her brother as she dropped his arm, reaching immediately for the Duke's. There's slight bruising to his cheek that she wanted to ask him about, similar to the bruising on Harry's hand, and she lifted her chin, wondering if her brother had not received her message about meddling with her affairs.

"Your Grace," she said prettily, ignoring those around them.

"A dance, Miss Potter?" the Duke asked, bowing low over her hand.

Before anyone else could move, the Marquees had already stepped forward, clapping Harry on the shoulder, and Lady Parkinson had pushed her way between Hermione and Harry, speaking to Ginny.

It was obviously a coordinated effort between the Duke's friends to separate her from her family, not that she was complaining, and she gave the Duke a smile as she nodded, pleased that he was pulling her away from her brother.

If she smiled any harder, her face would surely hurt.

"Please, tell me that the reason for the bruise on your face is not the same reason for the bruise on my brother's knuckles," Hermione said as the Duke led her into the dancing hall, where other couples were finishing up a lovely waltz.

"I shall not lie to you, Miss Potter, so I shall say nothing at all," the Duke said, a smirk clear on his lips.

"At least tell me, then, that you got in one good punch. My brother has been... impossible , recently. I should hope that you did not take the brunt of his anger without returning a shot or two."

The Duke snorted, leading her slowly around the crowd, until they were nearing a cleared spot upon the floor. "Your brother was nearly doubled over at one point, gasping for air. I did not strike him more than once, for I knew he would regret it later."

Hermione gave a nod, then looked towards one side of the room, seeing Ron standing there. His eye was still dark from where she had punched him the night before, at the Abbott Ball, and she quickly looked up at the Duke, hoping he did not see where her gaze had gone.

It was not fast enough, apparently, for the Duke was now looking in the same direction she had just been, a curl on his lips.

"Please tell me that villain has not bothered you further," sneered the Duke, not even looking away from where Ron was staring back, glaring at them really.

"He tried," Hermione said, taking up her position to dance. "This morning, he came with my brother during calling hours, but whatever he had to say, he was sent away with the rest of the suitors."

"Ah, yes, a line of them," the Duke said as he looked back at her, amusement clear in his eyes. It was interesting how fast he went from angry to cheerful.

"Yes, an entire line of them," Hermione complained. "I barely spoke a word to any of them. How am I to sort through them all when one is not granted any time for a conversation?"