Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 19

The ball was a success. Every influential figure of the ton was present as everyone wanted to see the new Duchess and her sister. Dukes were rare in England and most of them were old. Somehow the two sisters had managed to marry eligible Dukes. It felt like more like an exhibition then a ball. Everyone kept on pointing at Bella and Ella.

One can imagine the malicious things being said about the sisters but they carried themselves with grace and pride. Mr Longoria heard everything being said about his little girls. He saw how badly Bradford treated his Isabella in front of everyone. The ton blamed his Bella for the lack of care that Bradford showed. It was something that he should have anticipated. After all, he had lived with the worst of ton for years.

He wanted to kill his son in law for misbehaving with his pregnant daughter. Gabrielle's husband treated her better. Max treated her like a friend and confident, if not like a lover. He was happy that at least one of his daughters will be cared for.

As soon as the music started, Max dragged Ella to the dance with him. He wanted to stop some of the rumors that were circulating around the ballroom regarding their wedding. Bradford's careless behaviour was only making matters worse for everyone.

"How are you?" It was the first thing that Max said as they began the Waltz.

"I have been better and in better company." Ella smiled at Max's concern. It warmed her heart that Max cared about her.

"I promise it will get better once Bradford leaves for the gaming rooms. I have already made sure that he has enough to play with. It will keep him busy for tonight at least." Max smiled but it soon turned into a grimace. A drunk Bradford was trying to dance with a random debutante but kept on colliding with other dancers. Max tried to ignore him but Bradford's hands started touching the poor girl in inappropriate places. Cursing under his breath, Max made his way towards them.

Ella watched as her husband took hold of her brother in law by his shoulders and dragged him away from the ballroom. As soon as the two were out of sight, she realized that she was still standing in the middle of dancing couples. Blushing furiously, she made her way towards Emma and George.

"Don't you worry dear. William just left to assist Max. The two of them will take care of that spoiled idiot." Emma tried to reassure her as soon as she reached her friends.

"I am not worried about Bradford. Have you seen Bella? How is she holding up?" Ella tried to keep her voice calm but was worried about her sister. Too much stress caused women to miscarry and the baby was the only good thing in her sister's life at the time.

"Don't worry about her. She is dancing with your father. She didn't even see Bradford make a spectacle of himself." George pointed at Bella, who was indeed dancing at the other end of the ballroom. Instead of her father, Bella was dancing with a dashing young man. He was tall. Broad and had red hair. She seemed lost in discussion and would not have noticed her husband.

Ella thanked God for small blessings. Her sister will face this new scandal at a later time, when she is not surrounded by such vicious people. As she was about to turn away from her sister, she saw Lady Martha coming towards herself.

Ella learned from Aunt Amelia that Lady Martha was a woman who would say just about anything to make you feel bad. As she was already disturbed by her brother in law's behaviour, she decided to stay clear of the woman.

Ella had almost escaped when Lady Martha almost screamed her name. She was left with two choices, either give a cut direct or stay. Ella was still not confident enough to pretend she never heard her name being called, so she stayed.

"I was so surprised that Duke of Lancaster married someone of common birth. Now I know why he did it." It took all of Ella's willpower to keep her face expressionless. She prepared herself for something ugly.

"Really? Would you please enlighten me as well?" Ella tried to sound nonchalant. She hoped that Lady Martha wouldn't hear the nervousness in her tone.

"So that he can later do whatever he wants. You can do nothing about it. Your father's money couldn't keep a destitute son in law loyal to his daughter, what makes you think that a rich Duke will stay loyal to you?" Lady Martha's beady little eyes turned smaller. Ella started to turn away from the woman as she herself had no answer.

Before she could escape, a tall muscular body blocked her way out. Cursing her bad luck she looked up to see who was blocking her path. Ella was greeted with the sight of Max's ocean blue eyes that looked at her with concern. She felt herself relax in his presence.

"Lady Martha you are in my home and trying to insult my wife. I am sure that you are a respectable woman but I cannot let such a faux pas go without a punishment. I am sorry but you will have to retire early. My butler will show you the way out." Every Lord and Lady in the vicinity stopped to see the confrontation. Ella could see the surprise on their faces. It was obvious that they did not expect Max to treat his wife well.

"I will be waiting for you to lose your interest in the chit. Then we will see who protects her from me. Maybe she will stay in country like your mother did." Lady Martha once more glared at Ella before following a footman.