Page 3 of A Dilemma for the Duke

Rockford nodded. “It would be my pleasure.”

She didn’t miss the hint of curiosity that flickered in his eyes as he took a seat.

“Lady Harriet, how is your father?” Rockford asked, all his attention directed at Harriet. For a moment, a very brief one, Lora thought she saw the mischievous boy she once knew.

Adam led her away, his expression growing more serious with each step as they moved to a private corner of the room. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to her, his voice low and urgent.

“A message is being prepared to send to the king opposing the expansion of Dr. Manning’s clinic.”

“Opposing the clinic?” Lora’s heart skipped a beat. “But why would anyone do that? It’s been doing so much good.”

His fingers raked through his hair, leaving it tousled as he exhaled a slow, deliberate breath. “There are several reasons. First, some local physicians and apothecaries see the clinic as a threat to their livelihoods. They believe it undermines their practices and takes away their patients.”

She felt a surge of frustration. “That’s rubbish. The clinic serves people they don’t want near them, the poor who can’t afford their fees. We provide care to those who have nowhere else to turn.”

“Exactly,” Adam agreed, “but they see it differently.”

“What do you mean?” Lora’s eyes narrowed.

“Some believe the clinic’s focus on treating the poor fosters dependency and idleness, undermining the social order by encouraging reliance on charity rather than honest work.”

“That’s absurd.” Lora’s eyes were as dark as a storm brewing over the North Sea. “Most of the injuries we treat are from people working themselves to exhaustion. Some are hurt because of the dangerous conditions they’re forced to endure. The clinic helps them heal so they can return to work.”

Adam placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know, Lora. But there’s also a third issue, which is both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, your work has attracted the attention of individuals with significant influence in court.”

“We’ve worked hard for that recognition.”

“I agree, but on the other hand, some influential people are concerned that the clinic’s success is drawing too much attention to social inequalities. They fear it could lead to calls for broader reforms, which they are not willing to entertain.”

Lora took a deep breath, her determination growing firmer. “We can’t let them succeed in undermining our work. The clinic is vital to the community.”

“Absolutely,” Adam said without hesitation. “We must rally those who agree with us to our cause and present an undeniablecase to the king. Every moment counts, and we cannot afford to fail.”

A rich chuckle from Rockford drew Lora’s attention. She turned to Adam with a slight smile. “We best get back.”

As they approached the table, Adam touched Lora’s arm, slowing her pace. “Lora, you should consider speaking to Rockford about this. His position as a Member of Parliament could be very beneficial in responding to those against us. He is the Deputy Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. He’s responsible for managing domestic affairs, including law and order, immigration, and for our cause, the important one, public health.”

“Rockford?” Lora shook her head, glancing at her brother. “I can’t associate him with being serious about something this important.”

She knew her brother well enough to recognize when he was trying to push her in a direction she didn’t want to go. She took a deep breath as Rockford stood and held out her chair.

She nodded her thanks, looked into his eyes, and stopped, fixed in place. For a moment, the serious words exchanged with her brother faded. She couldn’t help but admire Rockford’s dark hair, the way it fell just so, those piercing blue eyes that seemed to see into her soul, and that irresistible smile, capable of charming the birds from the trees.

Chapter Two

“Ladies, if you’llexcuse us.” Rockford and Adam stepped out of the tearoom and were greeted by the crisp autumn air. The tree lined streets of Sommer-by-the-Sea were busy with activity. Shops and market stalls lined the cobblestone streets on Westmore Commons, the hum of conversation mingled with the scent of fresh baked bread and roasted chestnuts. Meanwhile, townsfolk went about their daily routines, greeting each other with friendly nods. Altogether, it created a comforting, cozy atmosphere.

“Unless you’ve drastically changed, you don’t strike me as a man to take a seaside holiday. What’s brought you here?” Adam asked, stepping aside to avoid a woman carrying packages.

An autumn breeze caught the trees, sending a cascade of red, orange, and yellow leaves raining down.

“Barrington’s request. Even though I am retired from the service, when your former commanding officer invites you to visit, youvisitas quickly as possible.” A hint of a smile played on Rockford’s lips.

Adam nodded. “I can imagine. Barrington has always had a commanding presence.”

Rockford fingered the gold coin in his pocket, a tangible reminder of his duty. “He sent me this three days ago.” He removed the coin from his pocket and showed it to Adam. “Myinvitation. Barrington is a man of few words.”

Adam turned the coin over in his hand, his thumb brushing lightly over the engraved initials. “BB, for Barrington’s Brigade.” There was a note of respect in his murmured voice. “I’ve heard tales about the Brigade’s exploits.” He handed the coin back to Rockford, fully aware and in awe of Rockford’s sense of loyalty and responsibility.

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