Page 33 of The Truth about the Duke
She nodded. “Of course. I know where to look and I know what sources to search for. I am sure that you will have some books and documents also, however?”
Henry nodded. “Indeed.”
“It will not take me more than a sennight, I think,” she continued, as Henry’s eyes widened, marveling at her ability and her determination. “I shall have the information for you within that time, Melrose.”
Speechless, it took Henry some time to think of what to say in response. All he did at that time was keep her hands in his and his eyes locked to hers. Had he the same thoughts as she? Had he had any real thoughts as to what it was he might do by way of discovering who it was that had taken his father’s heirlooms? No, he had not, and yet, here she was with this simple, easyconsideration as to what he might do by way of discovering it. It was not only astonishing, it was more than a little remarkable and he found himself quite charmed by her.
“You are utterly astonishing.”
Those words did not make her smile though Henry quickly pressed her hands, wanting her to know that he meant those words to bring her nothing but good.
“You areastonishing,” he said again, more emphatically this time. “I do not think that I know any gentleman of my acquaintance who would eventhinkas quickly as you have done! You have made not only deliberations but brought an idea to me that will bring me the clarity I have longed for. A longing which I have held to my heart for many a year.”
She smiled then, a touch of pink on her cheeks. “I thank you for the compliment. It seems to me as though you appreciate bluestockings a little more than you have done before now?”
This made him chuckle, seeing the glint in her eye. “Yes, indeed. I think that my thoughts about bluestockings have been quite thrown about! I have no choice but to think well of them given that I have you as an example.” Reluctantly, he released her hands. “You have offered me more than I deserve, Lydia. Do not think that I am unaware of that.”
Her smile gentled as she held his gaze. “I think we have stumbled into something of a friendship, have we not?”
Or something more.
The thought was not an unpleasant one though Henry felt his stomach twist all the same. He had long had his list of requirements for the lady he was to marry and being a bluestocking was certainly not one of them! And yet, as he turned to continue walking alongside her, Henry recognized that the desire to stay in her company still lingered. It was not as though, after this conversation, he was finished with her and was eager now to step away. Instead, his heart wanted to be with herfor just a little longer… and that was something that gave him pause. It had all come about rather unexpectedly and now, as they began to speak of other things, Henry knew he would have to give it a good deal of consideration.
It might change everything.
Chapter Fourteen
“Might I ask what it is that you are doing?”
Lydia started in surprise, turning quickly to see her mother striding towards her.
“I am reading.” There was very little point in attempting to hide this from her, given that there was a pile of books to her left. “That is all.”
“Reading?” Her mother seemed to rush towards her all the more quickly, her eyes narrowing. “You are permitted to read novels but nothing likethis!” She pointed one long finger at the history book which Lydia had sitting to the right hand side of her, turning her sharp eyes towards her and Lydia did her best not to shirk from the angry look in her mother’s glare.
“I – I am doing some reading for the Duke.”
This deflated her mother in an instant. Slowly, her shoulders lowered, her hand fell back to her side and the angry look faded from her eyes.
“The Duke?”
Lydia nodded, relieved that she was able to tell the truth. “Yes, Mama. The Duke has shown an interest in a particular subject and when I told him I was a little knowledgeable about the area in question, we spoke at length on it.”
“Oh.” Lady Hampshire tilted her head. “I did notice – though I have not said anything as yet – that he appeared to be quite taken with you on your walk yesterday afternoon.”
Forcing a smile, Lydia tried to think quickly about what might suit her mother to know of, for she certainly could not tell her the truth. “He said that he knew the history of his estate and I told him what I knew of it. That is all.”
“Then it appears to have done you some good, thislearningthat you do.” Her mother sniffed superiorly. “Though it is just as well that he has not thought of it as displeasing as so many other gentlemen might have done!”
“Then… you do not mind if I read a little more? I think that he and I are to have another conversation soon and I think he would be delighted to know that I have spent more time studying the subject.”
Her mother considered this, then nodded, just as Lydia had suspected she would. “I suppose, if it is under those circumstances, then I can permit it.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
Lydia turned her attention back to her books, ignoring her mother as best she could and praying that she would soon take her leave. Much to her relief, she did precisely that and Lydia was able to continue with her studying.
Thus far, she had learned that Lord Chesterfield had been an excellent steward of his wealth. He was a well-respected fellow and had even managed to further his estate by purchasing some more land, though that had come a few years before the loss of the heirlooms. Lydia was not certain that it connected him to the theft, and thus, she had turned her attention to the next gentleman. Lord Montrose was also a gentleman of excellent means, though his estate had been a little more difficult to study given that it was in Scotland. She had considered his son, Lord Gellatly, but again, there had been difficulty in finding what shecould out about him. It was still a possibility thathewas the thief, she considered, though the Duke himself might have to do a little more in terms of discovering what he could about the fellow.
