Richard arrived at the ball early. Far too early. He had mixed feelings about the Langford name being placed behind the king's bride. Mixed was perhaps too gentle a word. The feeling was more like swallowing glass. Livia, once Diana in the life he had built around her, would be presented tonight beneath his father's protection.
Whatever he felt about Henry, whatever bitterness still lived in him, he would support Livia. Quietly, if that was all he could manage. From a distance, if that was all she needed. But he would be there. Tonight, if anyone sneered within his hearing, the Duke of Kingsmere would remind them that the Langfords had teeth.
His name and title were announced at the entrance.
"The Duke of Kingsmere."
