Page 29 of The Big Bad Duke

Leila stepped into the grand ballroom of Kensington House, her breath catching at the sight before her. The charity ball for the women’s shelter and the Lykai orphanage was indeed one of the most extravagant events she’d ever witnessed. The entire space had been transformed into an underwater paradise, with flowing blue and green silk draped from the ceiling like ocean currents. Crystal chandeliers were wrapped in translucent fabric that caught the light, creating the illusion of sunlight filtering through water. Shells and pearls adorned every surface, while the gentle sound of water trickling from ornate fountains placed throughout the room completed the oceanic theme.

Even the guests wore clothing in varying shades of blue and green, enhancing the illusion.

It was beautiful.

It looked peaceful.

It reminded her of home. Of Ege Denizi—the Sea of Islands, or as the Greeks called it, the Aegean Sea.

For a brief, precious moment, Leila allowed herself to lose herself in the wondrous ballroom—and to find peace within it.

As she stood there, taking in the scene, Caroline, the Duchess of Kensington, appeared before her, moving gracefully through the sea of guests.

With her shiny red hair, tall, statuesque figure, and an exquisite gown the color of seafoam, adorned with diamonds covering her neck and hands, Caroline resembled a water fairy from the old stories Leila used to read as a child.

“Lady Leila! What a pleasure to see you here. Welcome.”

“Your Grace,” Leila said, offering a respectful curtsy. “I must tell you how thoroughly impressed I am with your organizational skills.” She gestured to encompass the room. “You’ve transformed a simple ballroom into a magical place. And the turnout tonight is remarkable. I’m certain you’ll raise substantial contributions for your causes. It must have taken you so much work to achieve this.”

Caroline’s eyes brightened with genuine pleasure at the compliment. “How kind of you to say. I love organizing balls, so it’s more of a pleasure than work. And since I enjoy doing it, why not dedicate my talent to something useful? The more people learn about the causes I support, the better. And what better way to spread the word than by inviting people to dress beautifully, dance to music, and eat?”

Leila chuckled. “A perfect trap. I need to learn this, as I have a similar mission to yours.”

“Oh?” Caroline raised a brow.

“I patronize shelters back in Smyrna for unfortunate souls who were lost as children—or even abducted for dark purposes. As a port city, many people find themselves smuggled to and from our shores.”

She swallowed, keeping the bitterness from seeping into her honey-smooth speech. She had learned it, practiced it, and said it hundreds of times, but it never felt easy to push the words out, for they were lies. She eased into a smile and continued, “I am here in England on this very mission, to collect funds for that purpose, while my husband pursues his own political endeavors. Of course, he is unwell at present, so he’s unable to attend functions with me. But hopefully, he will recover soon and be able to fulfill his obligations. In the meantime, I have the opportunity to gather as many donations as I can.”

Caroline’s eyes widened, a thoughtful expression overtaking her features, before she nodded to herself resolutely.

“Come,” she said, linking her arm through Leila’s. “I want to introduce you to some dear friends of mine.”

“Thank you,” Leila replied, at a loss for a better response.

“They’re all interested in charity work. I’m certain they’ll help you with your cause.”

“That’s kind of you.”

“No need to thank me. That’s the purpose of my balls—to make connections. To connect kind, generous people with one another.”

Leila bit the inside of her cheek, feeling uneasy as she walked beside the duchess.

It’s a good thing, she told herself. I will be able to fulfill my mission faster with the help of these women.

“How is your husband’s health?” Caroline asked as they made their way through the crowd. “It’s been a few days since you arrived, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, you’re correct. He is still recovering from a fever. The doctor says it might take a few more days before he’s ready to step outside the house.”

“Truly? From a fever?” Caroline’s voice carried a note of disbelief.

“Well, I don’t know the actual cause of his illness. I do not fully understand what the doctor says in English, but I trust his expertise.”

“Of course,” Caroline said sympathetically. “But your English is perfect.”

“Thank you.”

Thankfully, no further prying into her husband’s illness occurred as they approached a small group of women standing in the corner of the ballroom, sipping wine.