Page 53 of Her Runaway Duke
“Does he love you?” Eliza asked, leaning forward.
Siena sighed. “I am not entirely sure. I would like to think that he is on his way to loving me.”
“My goodness, Siena,” Eliza said, blinking. “This is quite the turn of events. I am… not judging you at all, as I feel you should do whatever makes you happy, but I wonder if your one act of rebellion has only urged you on to more.”
Disappointment tugged her lips downward.
“I thought if anyone would understand, it would be you.”
Eliza rushed forward. “I do, Siena, I do, I promise. Your heart is pure, and I know that you would never do anything out of spite or for scandal. I should know that better than anyone.”
“Thank you,” Siena said softly. “I do care for him. Truly.”
“Are you going to marry him?”
“He would have to ask.”
“Has he… compromised you?” Eliza whispered. “No judgement from me either way, but it might make a difference to your future.”
“I wouldn’t call itcompromising,” Siena said slowly, her cheeks now fiery as Eliza gasped. “But yes.”
“Siena! Oh, you must tell me everything.”
Siena couldn’t help but laugh at that again.
“I do not think I could ever share such intimate details,” she said. “But everything you ever taught me about a man and woman joining together was very helpful.”
“Wonderful,” Eliza beamed. “Although I must admit, that was all from research and not from experience, much to my dismay.”
Siena snorted before becoming much more serious.
“I do not know what to say about the future. I do have tenderness for the duke, but I do not believe he wishes to ever marry, or welcome anyone to his home for an extended period of time. He wants to be alone. That is part of why he is here.”
“Would you stay with him if he asked you to?” Eliza asked, and it took Siena a little longer to answer that.
“If he would have me and allow me the freedom to see you and do as I please, then yes.”
“If he would have you? Why would he not? You are utterly perfect.”
Siena could only shake her head at that, as she smiled somewhat regretfully.
“It is so much more complicated than that.”
Eliza’s blue eyes gazed intently into hers. “Any man – and I meananyman, duke or not – would be lucky to have you. You are the one who must find love, Siena, do you understand me?”
Siena laughed softly. “I understand.”
“Do you miss London? Your family?”
Siena shook her head. “I miss you, of course, and a few of our other friends, but as sad as it is, I am glad to be gone from my family.”
“Theyarerather horrid.”
“Eliza!”
“Well, it’s true, and if you won’t say it, then I will say it for you.” She sobered somewhat. “They are making a bit of noise about your disappearance. As is Lord Mulberry, although he is quick to retreat to his clubs, so no one is truly convinced of the suffering he claims.”
“It will pass with the next scandal, will it not?”
