Page 13 of Her Beastly Duke
Julius lookedat the shelves which covered every inch of the wall, from floor to ceiling. His library was a place of work and a bit of a refuge. There was something about being among the volumes that comforted him. That was just how it was. He could not explain it but was grateful to have such a place. He sat at his desk, ruminating. When he awoke and
dressed this morning, he came to the library and had breakfast. He ordered breakfast be sent to Miss Walcot and herbrother, and he stood at the large sash window and watched them depart. He was certain Miss Walcot would return.
If anyone had told him a tale of his experience last night, he would have called them mad. It was simply too outrageous to be believed. A daring chit came to his house uninvited, challenged him to a duel and knocked his rapier from his hand. He could hardly believe they were in each other’s company for such a short time, yet she made him feel so comfortable. He wanted more of that. Everyday. Julius kept abreast of all the politics. He did not bother to take up his seat in the House of Lords, although it was not that he lacked interest. He did not want the stares and the whispers. He wanted to know what was happening in politics but did not use his considerable influence. They pretended not to look, but behind his back, they had much to say. He refused to force himself to be around the lot of them. They tolerated him because he was one of the richest men in the country, swayed by his title and connections.
He was content to remain on his estate. That was what he told himself until Miss Walcot arrived and sent him reeling. She made him yearn for something that only the previous morning he thought he would only need in his dotage. Companionship. He was truly lonely and had been fighting it, never wanting to admit it to himself. Yet, deep down, he was aware of it, acknowledged or not. He was intrigued that her mere presence on this one occasion made him face it. She pierced the veil of the hovering loneliness he had hidden behind when he least expected it. Deep within his soul, he sensed there was something different, for the darkness was not suppressing his emotions. Through this tiny crack, a curious sort of anticipation enveloped his mind.
Miss Walcot, a woman who had upended the normal state of affairs, was soon to live under his roof. The mere thought of it stirred a strange excitement within him. The conversation theyhad, though it may not have held much significance for her, was a rare and cherished moment for him. He couldn't recall the last time he had such a long, engaging conversation with a woman.
Who are you really, Miss Walcot?
He recalled the flash in her eyes when he suggested she remain at Berkley Estate. She was angry, yet she controlled it well. He rather envied her. If he had shown the same level of restraint, he would not need to wear a mask. Thoughts of her caused an odd compunction to surface. He must get to know her to understand her drive and complexities.
He could remember the time when he was not detached and empty. It seemed like another lifetime when he fancied himself in love. In hindsight, his behavior was filled with bravado and recklessness. Isabelle’s husband was the one who issued the challenge, so he chose the weapon, referee, and location and made the rules. Julius felt compelled to accept the challenge, although he was not experienced in using a sword. They were unevenly matched. Isabelle’s husband was stronger and more skilled and immediately overwhelmed Julius. Once Julius was injured, the duel was over, and he hung his head in humiliation. He hated reliving the memory even now; he felt ashamed that he had done something foolish. He could have lost his life.
Julius's head dropped to the desk, his gaze shifting to the documents that demanded his attention. Tenant agreements, ledgers, and correspondence, all waiting for his usual routine to resume. But today, his mind refused to cooperate. It was a rare occurrence, for he was not accustomed to his mind wandering. Perhaps, when he was younger, but not since …. He touched his face, a reminder of the scar that was a constant companion, a reminder of a past he could never forget.
For once, he was not thinking about profit and loss, and Miss Walcot was the cause of it. To hell with it. Julius blew out a slow, audible breath before he rang for Otis, who promptly appeared.
“Miss Walcot will be our guest for a while, Otis. Will you ensure the room is ready for her lengthy stay? Ensure that when she arrives, she has all that she needs,” Julius said.
“As you wish, Your Grace. Will there be anything else?”
“Let me know as soon as she arrives.”
“Certainly, Your Grace.”
Julius did not miss Otis’s smile. Otis seemed animated at the prospect of having a guest. It had been many years since anyone other than Baxter and his family visited the estate. Julius was sure there would be a flurry of activity and bustle below stairs. There would be no gossip. His staff knew he would not tolerate it, but he could not stop them from speculating about Miss Walcot’s stay at Berkley Estate.
“That will be all.”
Julius gathered all the documents on his desk and placed them aside. He opened the desk drawer and removed the paper and quill. He looked at all the letters Baxter had written to him, and he decided that today, he would reply. Baxter would be pleased to hear from him, but the last thing Julius wanted was for Baxter to do what he threatened in his letter. He did not want his brother’s entire family descending on Berkley Estate—not now.
CHAPTER 6
Berkley Estate, Gloucester
Briar and Duncan had arrived, and the butler led them to the library. Briar looked around the familiar shelves, but the forgery was no longer there when she glanced at the easel. Her cheeks were heated when her eyes fell on the rapiers, and she could feel the duke’s scrutiny. She would not let him see how much his gaze unnerved her.
“Good morning,” The duke stood up from his chair and greeted them.
It was only then that Briar realized he was wearing a half mask. It would certainly be uncomfortable to wear the mask all day. Briar wondered why he felt the need to wear the mask when both she and Duncan had already seen his face. She did not like the mask and did not believe it was necessary. The mask made it difficult to ascertain his emotions and expressions. Although the mask was gold, it may as well have been black because it appeared ominous, cold, and dark.
“Good morning, Your Grace. I am returning the full amount for the painting.” Duncan took a step forward before the duke held up his hand.
“You may keep it. Consider it a payment for the work that Miss Walcot will do. We will discuss any additional compensation when Miss Walcot fulfills her obligations.”
“You are very generous, Your Grace. Thank you,” Duncan replied with a nod.
Briar’s eyes found his and held his gaze. “I will fulfill my obligations, Your Grace. You have my word.”
“I will be on my way then. I have matters to attend to at Walcot Hall.” With that, Duncan left the library.
They were alone. The atmosphere in the room changed. It became charged with something she could not name. Briar and the duke regarded each other, yet neither of them spoke.
Finally, the duke stood up. “Did you have a pleasant journey?”
Briar smiled tentatively. “I did, thank you.”
