The Hazeltons’ town house was ablaze with the light of a thousand candles. Veronica stood in front of the closed doors to the ballroom next to Sebastian, her hand resting on his arm. Pride swelled in her chest as she glanced up at him. He was wearing his finest black evening attire, and he looked so handsome her chest ached. She was wearing one of her best gowns, a lovely deep emerald satin with small white stars sewn on the bodice and hem and a matching white sash around the empire waist.

Sebastian gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Ready?”

“Absolutely,” she replied, taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders.

A footman pulled open the doors to the ballroom, and they stepped inside. The Hazeltons’ butler took one look at them and his mouth fell open. Veronica cocked her head to the side and gave the obviously flustered man a beatific smile. Sebastian arched a brow at the man. “We’re the Du—”

“I know who you are, Your Grace,” the man hastened to reply, clearly gathering his wits. The butler took a deep breath and announced in a loud, clear voice. “Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Edgefield.”

Five hundred heads snapped to face them.

Veronica kept the glorious smile pinned to her lips as Sebastian led her forward into the crowd, which soon turned into a crush of people flocking to their sides to inquire after her health.

It took the better part of a half an hour to make it through the throngs near the entrance and into the ball. When they finally stepped out into an open space, Lord Hazelton was there, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed. “Your Graces,” he said, bowing.

“It’s good to see you, Lord Hazelton,” Veronica said, struggling to keep her face entirely straight. “My husband tells me you’ve been concerned about my health.”

“Y…yes, Your Grace,” Hazelton said, turning pale. “I…I hoped you were well.”

“It’s true, I’ve had an unfortunate run of poor luck these last two years. Under the weather and all that.” She waved a hand in the air. “Though I must have missed you at the other events I’ve attended recently.”

Hazelton’s eyes widened. “Other events, Your Grace?”

“Yes, I’ve been back and forth from the country several times of late. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t see you or Lady Hazelton during any of my visits.” She blinked at him innocently.

“Yes…yes. A pity.” The poor man’s brow was hopelessly furrowed in confusion.

“I’m so glad I am feeling well enough to attend this year,” Veronica continued. “I do so enjoy your Twelfth Night ball. Thank you for having us, my lord.” And with that, she and Sebastian stepped past him. Sebastian merely nodded once and said, “Hazelton,” in a clipped voice before escorting his wife off into the crowd.

They had barely finished laughing about their encounter with Hazelton when a waltz began to play. Sebastian turned to Veronica, squeezing both of her hands. “Dance with me?” he whispered in her ear.