The silence in the room was heavy and suffocating. No one believed the correction.
Aunt Margery sat up straight on the sofa. She placed Fifi on the cushion next to her. She looked at her nephew with a deeply stern expression. She had to protect the situation before Lady Farrington exploded.
"Rowan," Aunt Margery spoke, her voice carrying a sharp warning tone. "I hope you aren't making fun of our dear cousin. Calling her a mouse in front of guests is hardly appropriate behavior for a Duke."
Rowan looked at Delaney. He saw the deep embarrassment staining her cheeks. He saw how she was staring at him with confusion. The sight physically pained him. He could not let them think he was insulting her.
Rowan interrupted his aunt, taking a bold step forward.
"I would never do that," Rowan said.
His voice was no longer strained. It was deep, firm, and filled with absolute sincerity. He looked directly at Delaney, entirely ignoring Lady Farrington and Celine.
