Page 54 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
“Good evening,” she said softly as she approached the table.
“Good evening,” Philip replied, his gaze sweeping over her as he stood to pull out her chair. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she murmured as she sat, smoothing the fabric of her gown. “You look…refreshed.”
A smile grew at the corners of his lips as he resumed his seat. “I thought a bath was in order after the day’s work.”
As the first course was brought to the table, they exchanged pleasantries, a rhythm of conversation that felt easier than before.
Philip regarded her with a faint smile as he took a sip of wine. “How was your day?”
“It was pleasant enough,” Aurelia replied, lifting her glass. “Though I must confess I did not accomplish much of anything.”
Philip arched an eyebrow. “No reading, then?”
Aurelia flushed a soft pink, knowing exactly what he was referring to. “No,” she answered quickly, trying to maintain her composure. “I did not feel the need.” She looked up at him, her voice taking on a playful tone. “I took a long stroll around the manor instead.”
Philip’s eyes lit up, though he masked his surprise behind a knowing smile. “A stroll? I am glad to hear it. Fresh air does wonders.”
Aurelia noticed the subtle change in his demeanor, and how pleased he seemed by her simple activity.
They both turned their attention to their meal, the conversation flowing easily between bites of roast pheasant and delicate greens.
“And you, Philip?” Aurelia asked after a moment. “How was your day?”
“Uneventful for the most part,” Philip replied, his tone casual. “Business matters, letters, nothing of great excitement.”
Aurelia tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips as she picked at her meal. The last time she had asked him about his day, his response had beenI don’t see how that concerns you.
Aurelia felt a warmth between them now, something softer, as though the wall he had built between them had finally begun to crumble.
As they continued to eat, Philip leaned back slightly in his chair, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “You asked me once about my travels. You wanted to know if I preferred my time in India or Arabia.”
Aurelia’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “And? Have you decided?”
Philip paused, his finger resting on his chin as if lost in thought. “I believe I preferred Arabia,” he said at last. “The region is rich in culture and goods, unlike anything I have seen. The sights, the smells, the markets; it is an entirely different world.”
Aurelia leaned in, fascinated. “What was it like?”
Philip smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. “There is nothing quite like riding across the desert on camelback, the vast expanse of sand stretching out before you. It is vastly different from riding a horse; the gait of the camel is slower, but it gives you time to take in the landscape. The heat, the quiet…it is humbling.”
Aurelia sighed softly, her gaze distant. “I wish I could close my eyes and appear there, just to experience it for myself. I imagine it must have been wonderful.”
Philip’s eyes gleamed with something like affection. “Perhaps we could go together one day.”
Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat at his suggestion, thinking it would be wonderful if she could travel with him and her father.
“I have always dreamed that it would be nice to travel with my family,” he added
“Philip.” Aurelia began hesitantly. “Speaking of family…my father…”
Philip’s expression shifted immediately, darkening at the mention of Lord Keldbrooke. He sat up straighter, his easy manner from moments ago evaporating.
“I need to know everything that happened,” Aurelia continued, her voice soft but firm. “He is the only family I have left. I cannot simply forget him.”
Philip set his fork down with deliberate care, his jaw tightening. “Aurelia, I told you before, you must stay away from him.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion. “But why? He is my father. Surely you understand that I cannot…”
