And at the sound of her laughter, the crowd around the theater turned to her. Many of the people’s eyes widened in amazement. Victoria Kirby, she knew, was well known.
The Duchess of Chase, however, was a mystery to these people. And they all seemed captivated, something which she found quite surprising. She knew it was partly because none of them could understand why a beautiful duke would marry a woman like her.
She might as well enjoy their confusion and intrigue.
And so she easily picked up her skirts with her fingertips and began to stalk forward just as her husband had said, prepared for the pricks of the crowd.
But no one said anything bold.
There were only simple murmurs as they walked through and up to the staircase that admitted them into the theater. Everyone began to whisper behind their fans and chatter, but Chase acted as if nothing of import was occurring.
No, instead he linked his arm with hers and beamed down at her. “My God,” he declared, “you are a fine figure of a woman.”
She glared up at him with mock ire. “Is that all you have to say about me?”
He cocked his head to the side. “I think I’ve already stated that you are the most intelligent woman in London. May I not also admire your figure?”
She laughed again. “I suppose you may if you’re going to compliment my intellect as well, but I find all these compliments to be most…”
“Deserving,” he supplied.
“Astonishing,” she replied.
“Good. I’m glad I can astonish you. A woman of so many parts deserves to be astonished every now and then.”
She laughed again.
She could not stop herself. Was he truly trying to make her laugh to make her feel at ease? Yes, she realized. That’s exactly what her husband was doing. He was trying to set her at ease in a group that she was usually quite tense in. He was doing everything that he could to make her feel powerful amongst them.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“For what? The truth?”
“No,” she said. “I see what you’re doing.”
“And what is that?” he asked, leaning down toward her slightly.
She pursed her lips. “You are trying to build me up.”
“Of course I am,” he said easily. “That is what husbands do.”
She rolled her eyes. “Not all husbands,” she said.
He waggled his brows. “Well, I admit I’m an exceptional fellow.”
It was tempting to bat him on the arm with her fan. And then she realized it would be a playful gesture, and so she did so. She batted him with her fan and then whipped it open and tilted her head and looked up at him flirtatiously. “Let us go in, then, Your Grace. If you will lead me to our box, nothing would give me more pleasure.”
“Nothing, Duchess?” he teased.
She felt herself flush behind her fan at his intimation.
Chase led her up the stairs, then through the curved halls that led to the boxes. Quickly, he escorted her into the small private area where there were four seats set up, all covered in crimson velvet with gold decorations everywhere.
She peered down at the orchestra seats.
The groundling area was full, and all of them were staring up at the ton in their boxes. It was a strange thing to be in such a prominent area.
Of course, her father owned a box as well, but they seldom went to the theater. It was not something that the marquess truly enjoyed.