Deceived 51

Chapter 51

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Sponsored by LC. Thank you ❤️ (3/6)

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"My husband, Lord Edmund Roger Liberte..."

Blair desperately recalled the praise she'd overheard at a previous banquet and repeated it.

"He is a most accomplished gentleman. His status, wealth, hunting skills, and manners are all impeccable."

No. She shouldn't be reciting like a primary school textbook. Already nervous, and with a dozen eyes on her, her vocabulary was floundering.

"I'm sorry. I suppose I'm a bit nervous. As you know, we're newlyweds, so I don't know him well—no, it's just been a short time since the wedding… I'll continue. My husband is exceptionally tall and has a very robust build. He's also exceptionally handsome, always well-groomed, and above all, his strength is truly... incredibly... remarkable..."

Stumbling over the last part, of all things, made the ladies' eyes widen in shock. It painfully conveyed what the new bride had seen on her wedding night and how deeply shocked she still was. Seeing Blair cover her face with her fan and whispering, the others hurriedly explained.

"So, what I meant was, my husband is perfect in every way, not just physically."

"Oh, don't worry. We understood your explanation perfectly. Lord Liberte is truly... everything..."

"Perfect, I see. How enviable."

"Ah, no, I didn't mean..."

The women waved dismissively at the bright red Blair, as if to say it was fine. Seeing them exchange knowing glances and giggle, it seemed they had achieved their goal of teasing the new bride. But what was truly unbearable was something else entirely.

"Bravo! What a truly moving tribute!"

A loud clap of applause cut through the murmurs from somewhere.

"Well, Edmund. The next Duchess's love is quite something, isn't it?"

The Marquis of Lancaster and Edmund stood in the doorway of the wide-open drawing room, having returned from the hunt at some point. Blair was seized by an overwhelming urge to bolt from the room.

"So you've been showering her with such 'great' affection, have you?"

Edmund, who had been staring intently at her flushed cheeks like ripe apples, glanced sideways at his friend.

"That goes without saying."

"Now, now. Lovely ladies. If you're done admiring your husbands, care to join us gentlemen in viewing our prized hunting trophies?"

As the host chattered away to lighten the mood, they rose one by one. Edmund didn't budge from his position, so Blair had no choice but to face him. His piercing gaze left her utterly flustered. If the earth would part, she'd gladly throw herself in and vanish.

Glancing up at Edmund, who leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed, she started to move. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Blair flinched.

"...Why are you blocking my way?"

"Because I want to see Miss Blair blush."

"I'm going to see the hunt."

"Is there really a need to watch? Mine will be the biggest anyway."

His low, hushed voice carried a distinct double meaning. Blair's cheeks were now redder than ripe fruit.

"...P-please move aside."

"You put on such a lovely wife act in front of the ladies, yet you bare your claws before your husband."

"Strictly speaking, you’re my contractual partner. I don't think I need to be lovely in front of you."

Edmund's smile, which had been full of confidence, slowly faded. After staring at Blair for quite some time, the man finally seemed to agree with her opinion and took a step back. Then he extended his arm.

"Let's go, Lady Liberte."

Blair had no choice but to take hold of that firm forearm and move forward. She couldn't shake the heat lingering on her cheeks.

The men who had gone out on the hunt and returned placed pheasants of various sizes on one side of the banquet hall. True to Edmund's boast, his catch was by far the largest. The size difference was so stark that it appeared nearly three times larger than Isaac's kill, laid out right beside it.

"Good heavens... Lord Liberte is truly enormous... and your hunting skill is remarkable."

"Madam's praise was no exaggeration after all!"

As Blair paced nervously before the spread of game, someone jabbed her with a pointedly humorous remark. Blair forced a wry smile and hurried to escape the area. Edmund, the winner of the hunting wager, caught sight of her retreating figure amidst the surrounding attention and simply grabbed her wrist.

"Where are you going? The waltz is about to begin. "

"I thought I might have a word with the Countess of Gillingham."

"She seems quite busy enjoying her husband's company. Do you intend to interrupt them?"

Turning her head, she saw Edmund was right—the Count and Countess stood close together, chatting animatedly. They seemed to be getting along splendidly.

The man still holding Blair’s wrist gave a subtle tug. Startled, she found herself drawn into his broad embrace. As she leaned back against his firm chest and gasped slightly, his low voice murmured above her.

“Why not try whispering sweet nothings to your husband and acting affectionate, Miss Blair?”

"My husband and I aren't exactly on the best of terms."

"You praised him as so perfect, yet perhaps I'm the one at fault?"

"He's not exactly affectionate."

"Still, try to appear intimate. It's your duty."

His emphasizing voice drew closer, his breath scattering against her earlobe. The sensation tickling her sensitive skin made the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Blair instinctively hunched her shoulders and clutched his forearm.

She knew a certain level of affection was inevitable as a married couple, but this kind of contact only brought embarrassment. Would she ever get used to it? By then, wouldn't the contract period be over, and wouldn't she be parting ways with him?

Lost in thought as Edmund held her still, Blair suddenly twisted her head and met the fierce glare Isaac was directing at her from afar.

Since Nicoletta hadn't attended the hunting party, Isaac clearly had no intention of developing his relationship with her beyond mistress status. After all, several women were present here even as fiancées.

"The music has started. Come, Blair."

Edmund turned, his imposing frame completely blocking her view as he took her hand and pulled her along. An enchanting waltz filled the spacious ballroom. The circle dance, where several couples moved freely around the floor, required partners to switch after a set time.

Blair's first partner was, naturally, her husband, Edmund.

"Come to think of it, this is our first time dancing together."

"Actually, this is my first time dancing a ballroom dance. I've been taught, but balls aren't held often at Glassford."

"I see. It's an honor to share your first dance with you, Blair."

Edmund took her hand in his right, then lowered his left arm to encircle her slender waist. He stepped closer, smoothly lifting her skirt hem and sliding his leg between hers with consummate ease. Blair gazed up steadily at the man before her.

"You seem very familiar with this."

"I hope you haven't forgotten my age. Having attended countless balls since I was fourteen, it would be rather ridiculous if I were clumsy now."

"Ah."

"Does that offend you?"

"...Why would it?"

"I understand if it displeases you that this hand has touched many women. But my partner now is Miss Blair, isn't it?"

"Of course. I look forward to dancing with you. You're the one taking my first dance."

She lifted their joined hands and spun once around him. As they drew close, Blair looked up at Edmund defiantly and added with clear intent to provoke.

"I don't want to make a mistake with my next partner."

The one-note piece ended, and it was time to switch partners. Just as Blair started to step aside naturally, her hand was abruptly grabbed. Startled, she signaled with her eyes, asking what he was doing. Edmund casually placed his hand on her waist and continued the dance.