The Fraudulent Duchess | ONC 2022

Chapter Seven | The Ball

     I did not speak to the Duke of Bedford for a week. My training continued, although Lady Gwendoline focused on my dancing skills rather than anything else. I knew that the Duke visited the Winton Estate; I saw his carriage outside of the house. However, he never came to speak with me. I was not sure why I expected him to talk to me; we were only married when in public. Although I wanted him to tell me what happened at the Duchess' house, and why he had been in such a bad mood afterwards.

"You could pass as a reasonable dancer," Lady Gwendoline announced a few days after my dinner with the Dowager Duchess.
"High praise from her," Lord Winton smirked. "She is hard to please."
Lady Gwendoline rolled her eyes, muttered something about wanting to take advantage of the good weather and left the ballroom with a novel.
"My sister never remains still for long," Lord Winton chuckled. "She gets bored too easily."
"Well, I am grateful that she has remained interested in my training," I replied.
"When she knows that something is important, she will stay with it."
"I am grateful for that."
"I am off; I have to speak with some farmers."
Lord Winton headed for the door, and I surprised myself by calling out, "I have a question...if you do not mind."
Lord Winton stopped and turned around.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Well, this might seem like an odd question," I prefaced. "Do you know why the Duke of Bedford was in a bad mood after the dinner?"
Lord Winton sighed and walked closer to me. I suddenly regretted asking when I saw the grave look on his face.
"I am sorry, I should not have asked," I said hastily.
"No, it is quite all right," Lord Winton assured. "Cecil has never been one who wanted to talk about his feelings. And you have a right to know what is going on. Do you remember that during the dinner he refused to drink any alcohol?"
"Yes. And he told the Dowager that he never drinks; and that she should know that about him."
"Exactly. The Duchess' comment put him in a mood because he expected her to know that he does not drink."
"But why does he not drink?"
"His father passed away due to alcohol intoxication."
"What?" I gasped.
I was shocked. Of course, there was no reason that I should have known the circumstances of the previous Duke of Bedford's death. However, I did not expect there to be a tragic reason behind it.
"It happened eight years ago," Lord Winton explained. "When Cecil found out the cause of his father's death, he swore off alcohol."
"I understand why. I would too if it had been my father," I nodded.
"Well, that is why he was in a bad mood. He does not mind when hosts offer him a drink and he declines. But he expected the Duchess to remember that he does not touch even a drop of alcohol."
I nodded, not knowing what else to say. It was a lot to digest; I understood why the Duke was in such a foul mood after the dinner. I felt guilty for pressuring him to talk during the carriage ride.
"Anyway, I must get to my meeting," Lord Winton announced.
"Of course, I am sorry for keeping you," I replied. "Thank you for explaining things to me."
"It was no problem. Good day, Susan."
"Good day, sir."
Lord Winton gave me a curt nod and then left the ballroom.

The evening of the ball held by Viscount Taywards, I wore yet another one of Lady Gwendoline's dresses. The Duke of Bedford came to pick me up, and he had his normal smile on.
"Good evening, Susan," he greeted in a friendly manner as he helped me into the carriage.
"Good evening," I nodded.
"Are you ready for the ball?"
"I am as ready as I can be. Although I am rather nervous."
"Do not worry. We only have to dance for a bit, then you can sit down for the rest of the evening."
"I look forward to that."
The Duke chuckled. I could hardly believe that a week ago he had been in such a foul mood. He seemed perfectly happy at that moment. One would never guess that he had such a sad past. I wanted to say something; I wanted to express my condolences. But it happened so long ago, and I did not want him to get angry again.
"Are you all right?" The Duke inquired, noticing my silence.
"Yes, I am perfectly well," I nodded. "Just a tad nervous."
"Do not worry, Susan. Ernest told me that you are a good dancer now."
"I am not sure if good is the correct word. Lady Gwendoline said that I can pass as a reasonable dancer."
"Well, a reasonable dancer to Gwen means a good dancer to any normal person," the Duke chuckled, which made me smile.
I was glad that the Duke seemed to be back to normal. I hoped that he would remain in a good mood for the rest of our deception. I was not sure if I would be able to handle him if he were to go silent again.