Page 11 of The Duke's Return
“Out where?” he retorted.
“I may only be a duke, but I have seen the soldiers after war. The ones fortunate––or less fortunate, depending on some perspectives––who return.” Sebastian set his glass aside to give him a piercing stare. “Is this why you came back or is it the rumors?”
Julian rubbed his brow. “The rumors. I have to salvage the damage to my name before it’s permanent. It’s affecting my estates as well as my family. The duchess included. My return is only for a short while. I’ll be back on my ship soon enough.”
“Or is it too soon?”
“What are you getting at?” Julian said with a look.
His friend was still staring hard at him. Like he was inspecting an insect, looking at the wings and legs and beady little eyes. Julian didn’t appreciate it. He shifted awkwardly in his seat.
“War haunts a man,” Sebastian said at last. “Heroes aren’t made in the moments that appear easy or clear. Most of the good men die. Those who survive are those who did what was necessary. Coming back from that is never easy. Some never really leave the battlefield, Julian, no matter how far they go. Where are you now?”
A long moment of silence settled over them as he sorted out those words. He thought of the long nights and awful dreams. He recalled the time he spent healing in the infirmary, and those who never made it out alive.
“Julian?”
He blinked. He shook his head. And then put on the old familiar smile, a uniform he knew well enough. “I’m fine. And I’m here, Sebastian. I appreciate your concern. But my time as a soldier is the least of my concerns right now.”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“It’s not that serious,” he reassured his friend. “I promise. And I apologize for the… glass.”
With a shrug, Sebastian settled back in his seat. “It’s not my crystal so I have no concerns. But do take care. And what else are you going to do to manage your… situation?”
“Right now, I’m leaving town.”
“Running?”
Julian rolled his eyes. “We’re going to Southwick should you need me. I have a problem to address there that requires urgency. And then I’m hoping to tackle a few problems from there that might help my position in London. It’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of showmanship, if you’re interested.”
“Good Lord, no.” Sebastian snorted.
“Good. Because I will be doing a lot of showmanship with the duchess. To protect her name,” Julian added when his friend’s interest perked. “Nothing more. We still have an agreement: a marriage of convenience. Only it’s somewhat inconvenient at the moment.”
A knock sounded at the door. They turned as he called, “Enter.”
Mr. Norman was at the door alongside a chambermaid with a few cleaning supplies. “Your Grace. Your Grace.” He bowed to each of them. “I believe the duchess noted there had been an accident?”
“Did she hear us?” Sebastian asked.
Sighing, Julian shook his head. He leaned forward on the desk before welcoming them in. “There have been two accidents, I’m afraid. The candelabrum is to my right. But there is a crystal goblet to my left that needs cleaning as well. Thank you, Mr. Norman.”
“So the duchess was here before.” His friend studied the servants before turning to give him a look. “It sounds as though she did not take the news well.”
“I hardly know,” Julian grumbled under his breath. “How fares the duchess, Mr. Norman?”
The butler watched the chambermaid at work. “Her Grace is well. She has taken to her rooms to prepare for the journey after visiting the stables.”
“Stables?”
Nodding, Mr. Norman explained, “One of the horses had taken sick and she wished to be reassured of their improving health.”
Sebastian’s gaze was settled on Julian’s for some strange reason as he said, “She sounds like a very thoughtful duchess. For the rare appearance she makes amongst the ton, I believe she must be very present here.”
“Is she?” Julian asked his servants.
When the chambermaid glanced up warily, she didn’t look Julian in the eye but turned to Mr. Norman. She had to be awfully shy. Even as he nodded and gestured for her to turn back to them, the chambermaid kept her eyes down when she spoke.
