Page 78 of A Gamble with the Rakish Duke
“Yes, Father. I am choosing a man who saw my talent and who saw not only a woman but also a person. I am leaving the past behind. I can’t stay with someone who has called me stupid and worthless. I am worthy of so much more,” Alexandra declared, jutting her chin.
“She is,” Prescott confirmed with wonder. Although Oliver didn’t turn around to look at him, he could hear the smile in his voice. “The brilliant student had become a master. Oh, how our genders have betrayed us, Your Grace.”
Alexandra nodded at him. This time, when she turned to her husband, her smile was brighter.
“Let us go home, Alexandra,” Oliver said.
He knew he had to say the words. He was there to take her back, to let her know that she didn’t have to leave for the country unless it was with him.
She looked at him curiously.
Uncertainty tainted their little reunion, and he would have to reassure her that he would listen to her from now on.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Alexandra reveled in being held by Oliver. She felt secure with him and was relieved that he came to rescue her. She was so close to agreeing to anything her father asked her to do, even if it meant being his slave forever.
Yet, there were still some loose ends. She could still remember feeling anger and disappointment upon discovering that John betrayed her. Yes, she could understand his reason, but it still stung. It also reminded her how unsafe it was to keep a secret among theton.
As for Oliver, she didn’t know what he was planning to do with her—with their life. Again, she understood why he did what he did, but she couldn’t believe that he had given up on her so quickly.
He was here, though, and that mattered. She was glad that he found her, but she wondered if he would have still followed her if she were already in the country.
Alexandra was ready to listen to his reasons, nonetheless. They were about to leave her father’s house when John stopped her.
“May I have a word, Your Grace?” he asked meekly.
Alexandra could see that he was trying to ignore Oliver’s glare.
“I must hear what he has to say, Oliver,” she said softly, patting her husband’s hand gently as if she could soothe him that way.
“If that is what you wish, Alexandra,” he replied gruffly, looking deeply into her eyes.
Whenever he did that, it was difficult to leave him. She wanted to kiss him, but she was uncertain if that was the wise thing to do. Not at this point.
“I will wait for you in the carriage.”
“I won’t take long,” she promised.
Then, she squared her shoulders and faced John. In a flash, she remembered the first time she’d met him. She was still a young girl, and he was a man who had several connections in the music world.
She remembered the awe, the excitement, and the feeling of accomplishment when he declared that she had true talent. At a young age, she realized that she didn’t want to be merely anonlooker when it came to the pianoforte. She wanted to be like her mother and more. Definitely more.
The years passed, and she discovered that she was indeed more. The notes were not merely a means to an end—shecreated the notes.
Now, the man who had helped her craft and sell her compositions stood before her, looking fragile and nervous. His long-fingered hands, which she used to admire, were clasped together as if in prayer.
“Yes, John? You must know that your betrayal hurt me. You have made me feel unsafe. I wouldn’t have dreamed of selling my compositions under a man’s name if I knew this would happen. Perhaps my naivete had led me to believe that I could do it without being detected,” Alexandra confessed.
“I am terribly sorry, Your Grace. There were rumors about where J. Lewis was submitting his compositions. Your father followed me there, confirming his suspicions. He said that there were notes that reminded him of your mother’s playing. The passion. The gentleness that mingled with ambition,” John explained, the look in his eyes pleading.
“I suppose you were put in an impossible position, John,” Alexandra murmured.
“You didn’t come for a long time, as you rightfully sent your messages with your maid. But he must have noticed somethingstrange about our meetings. So, he spied on me again. It was then that he confirmed the rumors about me.”
“I am so sorry that you’re in dangerous situation, John. As much as I understand how confusing and restricting your situation is, you and James must keep your relationship a secret, unless you know you will be accepted. I promise that I won’t tell a soul about it, and my father wouldn’t dare after Oliver’s threat,” Alexandra reassured him, reaching out to touch his arm briefly.
“I won’t tell anyone about your identity either, Your Grace. Please tell the Duke that I am eternally grateful he decided to give Lord Hartwell a call this afternoon. It saved James and me.”
