Page 66 of His Forbidden Duchess
Eloise chuckled softly. “That is true. It is no small feat to traverse Kingswell.”
She studied him curiously. She thought again about his name: Stephen Birks, the Viscount of Kaylocke. Felix didn’t often speak of his associates, but she believed she would have remembered that name if he had mentioned it.
“I am surprised that I have not heard of you before now. Pray tell me how you know my husband. He has so many friends that it is easy to become confused. Did you say you were business associates?”
Stephen shrugged, offering an easy grin that put her mind to rest once more. “To be honest, I only arrived in London recently and thought it might be worthwhile to introduce myself to the Duke. We have had some small dealings together, but we are nothing quite as adventurous asbusiness associates.I did venture to the club in London in the hopes of finding him, but it appears I missed the news of his wedding altogether. Hence my arrival here.”
Eloise laughed, charmed by his candor. “Well, it seems you have made quite the entrance. I am sure His Grace will be glad to have you as a neighbor.”
“Funny thing about owning an estate,” Stephen continued, “I thought I would be lord of the manor, but it seems I am more a glorified gardener. I am beginning to think the hedges have more say in things than I do.”
Eloise’s laughter chimed through the room. “Goodness, you are quite right,” she agreed. “Estate life is certainly more difficult than many people believe. I am certain the Duke will be able to recommend some trustworthy staff.”
“That would be very gracious indeed, and certainly very appreciated. I never considered myself to be particularly green-fingered, and yet here I am with acres of greenery to deal with.”
Eloise laughed again, pleased she had agreed to see their visitor. His agreeable company was as much of an escape as reading would have been, and she found herself pleasantly distracted from her thoughts. She even fancied herself arealduchess, one with a real marriage, not in name only.
“You have quite the wit, Stephen. I am sure you are a delight at social occasions.”
“I try my best, Your Grace.”
Eloise was about to speak again when she heard the slow, deliberate footsteps of her husband just outside the door.
She stiffened and turned to look.
Felix entered the room with aplomb as he always did, his frame intimidating to those who did not know him. His presence filled the room, altering the atmosphere with his dark expression.
His eyes were fixed on Stephen. Eloise watched him closely, curious about their relationship.
“I see we have a guest,” Felix replied.
Eloise could hear the rigidity in his voice.
He moved to stand next to Eloise and placed a hand on her shoulder, a nod to the fact that she belonged to him. Despite the tension in the room, she enjoyed the warmth of his hand on her body.
Stephen stood up, a wide smile on his face, and held his hand out to Felix. “Your Grace. A pleasure to meet you at long last. I was just introducing myself to your lovely wife while I waited. I understand how busy you must be.”
“Indeed,” Felix replied in a clipped tone. “Perhaps you would care to introduce yourself to me as well.”
Stephen laughed good naturedly. “Goodness, of course. Where are my manners?” He held his hand out again. “Stephen Birks, Viscount Kaylocke.”
Felix looked him over and then glanced at Eloise. Something flashed in his eyes. Was it jealousy?Surely not.But his jaw had tightened, and Eloise began to wonder if it was.
“Viscount,” Felix replied without a smile, “while I appreciate your patience in waiting, I must admit that I rarely, if ever, entertain unscheduled visits.”
Eloise’s brows furrowed at his tone. She had always known Felix to be strong and forceful, but she had never heard him speak so rudely and certainly not to a perfectly nice gentleman like the Viscount.
But if Stephen noticed, he did not show it. He remained polite and lowered his ignored hand. “Of course, Your Grace. I should have sent word beforehand. I was just so eager to meet my new neighbor.”
“Neighbor?” Felix raised an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Eloise said in a tone that she hoped would brighten the mood. “Stephen has taken the?—”
“Stephen?” He turned to her, eyebrows still raised, his voice an octave higher in disbelief. “Have we already forgone formalities?”
Stephen cleared his throat. “Well, it was lovely to meet you both. I will take my leave and return at a more convenient time.”
Felix’s gaze returned to him, steely and determined. “That would be advisable.”
