Page 35 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“It seems I may have been a bit harsh with my own approach to you as well. I didn’t lie when I said that I don’t begrudge you of your upbringing, but I feel I may have overlooked it.”

Derek rubbed his face as he sat on the chair at his desk. “And what does that mean?”

Eleanor came and sat in the chair on the other side of the desk. “That I forgot that this,” she waved to their surroundings, “is all new to you. You come from a world where people have to work day in and day out for small portion of what we take advantage of on a daily basis. You’re not used to dealing with high society, and they’re not used to dealing with you. You can’t control them, but you can control yourself.” She looked him over. “At least, I think you can control yourself.”

Derek rolled his eyes. “Yes I can control myself. But why should I? Why do I have to play the game?” he asked as he pointed to himself. “This whole world was ridiculous and wasteful. So much more could be done within this society if people stopped pussyfooting around each other and get to the problem at hand.”

If Derek ran any of his businesses the way thetonoperated, he would be bankrupt overnight.

“That’s just it, Your Grace, you have to play the game because we already are. You’re not the only one who has to change the way they behave when it comes to how to act in society.”

Derek shook his head. The idea of acting like the rest of them left him feeling like slime.

“I will not appear weak to anyone.”

Eleanor sighed and slouched back in the chair. He could tell the conversation was just as draining for her as it was for him. Good. Misery enjoyed company.

“Your Grace. It is not a sign of weakness.” Eleanor looked up to the ceiling then brought her eyes back to his, and her eyes lit up. She had an idea.

“You’re a businessman, correct?”

Derek just nodded. The headache brewing behind his eyes didn’t allow for any other movement.

“I’d wager you’ve made countless deals in your career, and based off of your success, I would think you have come out on top in the majority of those dealings. True?”

Derek smiled. “Of course.”

“Well, were you weak and bending to their will?” Eleanor’s voice dipped low. Her body leaned forward, her hands resting on the desk for emphasis. “Or were you manipulative?” Her eyes became hooded. “A mastermind, perhaps? Using your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses against them.”

Derek had to adjust himself in his chair. A flash of Eleanor’s body laying across his desk as she spoke words about business tactics interested him far more than he was willing to admit.

“You make an interesting point.”

A look of pure satisfaction washed over Eleanor’s face, and blast it if she didn’t look absolutely stunning.

“I knew I could get you to see it my way,” she said smugly. “Well, now that is settled, so I shall leave you to your work.” Eleanor stood and walked out of his office leaving a certain air of superiority in her wake.

Derek sighed back into his chair and rubbed his face with his hands. “Definite trouble, that one.”

CHAPTER 11

Eleanor poured tea into her cup while her mother and Sarah prattled on about the newest scandal concerning a young debutante and a rakish lord who apparently ran off to Gretna Green.

Beatrice was busy reading a book that lay in her lap out of her mother’s line of sight. Eleanor could only shake her head. The Duke had more on his plate than he bargained for with this family.

“And that’s when her father came in and tackled the man to the ground!” Sarah’s voice squealed, catching Eleanor’s attention.

“I would be horrified if any one of you girls did that.” Charlotte feigned shock. For as much as her mother worried about family gossip getting out, Eleanor wouldn’t put it past her mother to spread the news herself.

“That would require there be men worthy enough to run away with, Mother.” Eleanor’s voice was devoid of any emotion. After the past few days, she was tired of only talking about marriage and suitors. Her eyes fell on Beatrice. Maybe her sister was onto something, always escaping into books.

“I’m sure there are plenty of worthy men out there if you were to be open to the prospect.”

Charlotte choked on her tea as the Duke walked into the Breakfast room. “Your Grace! I did not realize you would be joining us for breakfast. I would have waited if I had known.

Graynor sat down at the other end of the table, opposite of Charlotte. “No need to apologize. I found I had some unexpected free time this morning, so I decided it would be a nice change to spend breakfast with you lovely ladies.”

Charlotte and Sarah both blushed under his compliment while Beatrice barely acknowledged his presence, her eyes still focused on the book in her lap.

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