Page 65 of His Forbidden Duchess
Eloise ensconced herself in the library, not wanting to see anyone. She thought she’d escape into a novel; it was an easy way to keep reality at bay.
Just as she’d curled her legs beneath her and opened the book, she heard the butler’s heavy footsteps on the wooden floor. With a low sigh, she kept her focus on the words, hoping he would walk past without disrupting her.
She had no such luck.
“Your Grace, I am dreadfully sorry to bother you, but there’s a visitor for His Grace.”
Eloise looked up at him and blinked. Surely he could see that her husband was not with her.
Perhaps he is out drinking with Percy again.
“I see,” she replied simply.
She pressed her lips together, hoping he would go away. She only wanted a little peace, a place where she could escape her confused thoughts for an hour or so.
The butler cleared his throat. “Yes, one Viscount Kaylocke by all accounts.”
“The name does not ring a bell.” She frowned, her hand hovering over her book. “Is my husband unavailable?”
“I am afraid he has gone out for the afternoon, Your Grace. Viscount Kaylocke has, however, requested an audience. Shall I ask him to return at a more convenient time?”
Eloise sighed and closed her book. “No, it is all right. As the Duchess of Kingswell, I am certain His Grace would want me to entertain his guests in his absence.”
It still felt strange calling herself duchess, but it also made her smile. She knew that, as a duchess, she had certain duties to uphold. That included entertaining the rare guest when one arrived.
“Very well. I will show him to the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Beaumont.”
The butler nodded and took his leave, allowing Eloise a moment to gather herself. She stood up, took a deep breath, smoothed out her skirts, and prepared herself to do her duty.
Moments later, Eloise entered the drawing room, curious to find out who their guest was.
She discovered a tall, well-dressed man admiring one of the paintings on the wall. He turned at the sound of her footsteps, offering her a warm, appreciative smile.
Eloise instantly liked him. He had charm and sophistication and the warmest smile she had ever seen. She wondered idly how he knew Felix, and she decided in that moment that she would make more of an effort with his friends.
“Ah, the Duchess of Kingswell,” he said, bowing slightly. “I had heard you were beautiful, and I must say the rumors were quite accurate. I do hope I am not disturbing you too much?”
“Not at all, Lord Kaylocke,” she replied, returning his polite smile. “Indeed, it is delightful to have visitors.”
“Please,” he said with a shrug. “Call me Stephen. It was always my father’s title, and I am still not used to it.”
Eloise smiled along with his chuckle. “I must admit I am also getting used to being called duchess,” she said in a conspiratorial whisper. “I am afraid to inform you that the Duke is away at themoment, but I am more than happy to keep you company until he returns, should that please you.”
“That is more than agreeable, Your Grace.”
“Please,” Eloise said with a smile, indicating to the cushioned sofa. “Take a seat.”
She sat opposite him in one of the leather armchairs, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
“Thank you. And before I forget, I must offer my congratulations. It is my understanding that you have only very recently married.”
Eloise’s smile faltered the tiniest bit, curious about this man. The well wishes were normal enough, but something felt off about the way this man approached it.
She smiled politely. “Thank you. That is most kind. Do you live in the area?”
Stephen leaned forward, resting his elbow on the arm of the sofa. “Actually, yes, we are practically neighbors now,” he said with a smile. “Or as close to neighbors as one can be when the estates are almost an hour away from each other. I recently purchased the estate bordering Kingswell, you see, so neighbors we are, but still a good ride apart.”
