Chapter 2

"You look lovely tonight, my dear" whispered the Duke into Christine's ear, lingering with his lips near her ear. "Your father was right when he said you would compliment me very well."

Christine blushed slightly and gave a curtsy to the next couple that came through the door of the great hall. Turning, The Duke of Hillshire again greets his guests as they arrive.

Christine lets her eyes wander over the elegantly decorated ballroom pride bursting over the accomplishment of pleasing Carson.

Once everyone had arrived and everyone was taking part in socializing and dancing, Christine followed Carson around as she knew he expected her too.

She was standing behind him as he spoke with one of his friends. Dreamily she watched the couples gliding across the floor as they waltzed, a slight wishful feeling began in her thoughts as she watched.

"How fun it would be to be able to participate in a few dances." But quickly shoved the thought away, she was a married woman now, her wishes should only be to do what her husband wanted and he was here only to discuss business.

All of a sudden she felt someone grab her hand and she glanced down slightly into the glowing hazel eyes of Carson's cousin. "Gwendolyn, how lovely to see you this evening." Gwendolyn's blonde curly hair bounced and her face beamed.

"Oh, it's a lovely evening and you seem to be missing it. Do come with me to get a glass of champagne and a tart to nibble on." Her petite nose scrunched up a little as she spoke.

"He won't even notice you're gone and I need a second opinion on which tart I should choose. They all look so good!"

Christine could not help but smile and after a few more minutes of Gwendolyn's cheery pleading Christine finally agreed and the 2 young women slowly made their way through the sea of people towards the refreshment table to which Christine had taken such pain to prepare up to Carson's expectations.

As they went Gwendolyn continued to talk in her bubbly voice and Christine found herself smiling and starting to enjoy her refreshing company.

She began to realize just how lonely she had become and how much being able to talk with someone her age felt good.

They finally made it to the refreshment table and Gwendolyn picked up 2 glasses of champagne handing one to Christine.

Lifting her glass a little she jokingly toasted. "To the most magnificent lady in the room." After which she quickly took a sip. Christine took a sip of hers too and they both giggled.

It had been too long, she missed the companionship of her sisters, a wave of homesickness began to invade her thoughts but she quickly pushed them aside, chiding herself for giving in to such childish feelings.

She was a Lady not a girl. She had duties to her husband and had no room for such thoughts. Gwendolyn's voice broke through her thoughts and she mentally shook herself back to what was happening around her.

"Well, which do you suggest we try first?" Christine looked at the table, seeing what Gwendolyn was pointing at she smiled, she agreed those cakes were some of the most delicious.

"I suggest trying the chocolate, if you ask me, they are the very best of the flavors." Gwendolyn's smile broadened and she picked up a chocolate bite size cake and popped it in her mouth.

The young ladies continued talking and laughing as they sampled each of the pastries and other hors d'oeuvres set about on the table.

After a while Gwendolyn excused herself to go find the powder room. Christine was not sure what to do, she had no idea where Carson might be and did not know how long Gwendolyn would be.

She moved to a chair against the wall and sat down, soon she was entranced with watching the couples dancing and cried out in shock when a strong hand suddenly took hold of her wrist, wrenching her up from her position on the chair.

"There you are." Carson hissed in her ear. He continued to pull her from the room though the doorway that led down the hallway to the bedrooms.

The hallway was dark and after he had pulled her into the blackness and away from the noise of the people, he stopped and forcefully pushed her against the wall.

"Where have you been? I have been searching for you for over an hour. Who gave you permission to leave my side?" His voice rose as he spoke, rage growing in his voice.

As he questioned her, he slammed his palm against the wall beside Christine's head. "You are never to leave my side without permission, do you understand?" He placed his face up against hers, their noses just touching.

"You are supposed to be there as my wife and support." He yelled.

Christine was practically in tears and tried turning her head away from the onslaught, only to have her cheek slapped to put her facing him again. Suddenly Carson stepped back breathing heavily as the door to the hallway squeaked a little and Gwen's voice was heard calling Christine's name as she came down the dimly lit hallway.

Ever since Gwendolyn had met Lady Christine at her second cousin's wedding a year and a half ago she was determined to become friends, she had enjoyed her sunny, gentle, caring nature and her elegant, graceful kind manor and poise.

She had enjoyed spending the last 3 hours with her getting to know her and becoming fast friends.

After taking care of herself in the powder room she returned just in time to see Christine disappearing out the door. She quickly rushed to follow her but, when she entered the hallway she heard Carson's voice and paused in her steps.

She listened for a moment then quietly retraced her steps, as she got to the door she flinched as she heard his voice get more enraged.

She quickly pushed on the door making it squeak a little as it opened further. Then she called out to Christine hoping it would break up whatever was going on.

Carson turned to Gwendolyn sharply but quickly straightened his expression to one of concern. "Gwendolyn, what can we do for you?" Carson takes Christine's hand in a soft manner, and lovingly pulls her to his side. "Can we help you with something?"

Gwendolyn glanced at Christine and the tear stains of her cheeks. "We were just headed back to the party, dinner will be served soon." He carefully pulled Christine closer to his side. Gwendolyn faltered a little but quickly composed herself again.

"I was wondering about my room preparations for my stay here for the next 2 weeks. You mentioned I should talk with Christine about the matter."

Carson nodded and relaxed slightly more. "Yes, I will see that she attends to your needs after dinner. But come, let us enjoy ourselves some more." Taking Gwendolyn's hand and placing it on his other arm he escorts the 2 women back to the ballroom.

That night Christine led Gwendolyn down the hall to the room she called the 'rose room.' Opening the door Gwendolyn caught her breath as she took in the beautifully decorated room.

It matched her personality perfectly. "Oh, how beautiful." She breathed as she entered.

3 maids entered carrying chests containing her clothes and such. "You are excused." She said turning to the maids.

With a unison of cutesys the maids took their leave. Gwendolyn then turned to Christine with a gentle smile. Taking her hand in hers.

"Remember, if you ever need my help I am always here for you." Christine looked at her in a puzzled expression. "What do you mean?"

"I heard what Carson was doing to you, you know you don't have to take that kind of abuse. Right?" Gwendolyn took her other hand with pleading in her eyes.

Christine removed her hands from Gwendolyn and began straightening the few items on the dresser. "I was in the wrong, I should never have left Carson's side. He was right in reprimanding me."

Gwendolyn quickly steps in front of Christine again with pleading in her eyes. "He hit you, that is not right no matter what you may have done wrong. Please understand that I am not here to criticize him or your relationship, I just want you to know that I am here to be your friend and am willing to help you in any way I can."

Tears were streaming down her face as she finished her words. Quickly Gwendolyn pulled Christine into a warm embrace then let her go.

Christine's eyes were also moist because of the friendship she was beginning to see in Gwendolyn. She took her leave pausing in the doorway.

"Thank you. Sleep well." She left heading to her own rooms for the night. As the door closed Gwendolyn gave a sigh wishing she could do more for this lady Christine, but she knew she really could do nothing until Christine was ready for help.