Page 53 of The Duke's Return
If she was going to host a duke, Genevieve told herself, she was going to do it right. She gestured for Mrs. Waverly to go and was just about to relax when Julian appeared.
“Tristan! I thought I saw your horse from the window but couldn’t be certain. Whatever are you doing in the middle of nowhere? I know I didn’t invite you,” he added cheerfully and welcomed his friend.
She stepped out of the way as the two men greeted one another. Once there was a break in the conversation, she cleared her throat. “We’ll have tea and trays prepared for the two of you momentarily. Shall I have them sent to your study or the parlor, perhaps?”
Though Julian had tossed her an odd look before greeting his friend, she thought that was it. Until he turned and raised his eyebrow at her. “Tea and trays already?”
Her shoulders straightened. “I thought Lord Northcott might be hungry after his ride. But if you like, I can always go to the kitchens to halt the order.”
“No, that’s not necessary.”
And yet he had not answered her question. “Very good, then. What shall we do with the tea? I have sandwiches being prepared that I know you’ll both enjoy.”
“Think you know me so well?” He asked teasingly, though not in the same charming manner that made her heart flutter. Rather, this ruffled her more than anything. He smirked and rockedback on his feet like everything was no more than a jest. “Have everything brought to my parlor, then. Will that be all, dear wife?”
If he’s truly going to ask, I might as well tell him.
“Not quite. I thought I would mention that I walked by the pond this morning at first light, before coming upon our guest. Two of your tenants were nearby and wished for your ear on a matter. Something to do with sheep, I believe? And there should be a letter on your desk from the youngest of your aunts regarding a matter I already addressed with her. She’s requesting the final say to come from you, if you could please add your own response before I take it to post.”
Julian blinked. He rubbed the back of his neck and seemingly needed a minute to think. Finally, he grunted. “Very well, I’ll see if I can attend those matters today. Tristan, shall we?”
Locking her jaw so her mouth wouldn’t drop open, Genevieve forced herself to not react. Something was up with Julian that inspired him to cut her off like that. But what it was, she didn’t know.
What is he blaming me for now? Is this about last night? I hardly even know what he thinks about the situations that happened last night. Perhaps it was all a dream. Perhaps it was all a lie.
Still, it hurt her to see the way he practically forgot about her. She thought they had made more progress.
“Very well.” Tristan took a step to follow his friend who was already walking back down the hall. But he paused to glance at Genevieve with an inscrutable expression. “It was a pleasure to meet you again, my lady.”
She forced a nod. “And you, my lord. Do ask for me should you need anything during your visit.”
Then he left to follow Julian, leaving her behind.
I feel as though he is determined to drive me mad, to confuse me until all I can do is spin around in circles.
Everyone had departed and so Genevieve was left to her own devices in the hall. Sighing, she slumped back to glance around the hall. No one was about. But if she screamed or banged her fists, someone would surely come running. Besides, a duchess never reached in such a manner.
No, a duchess was always calm. Always collected. So she inhaled deeply and then took herself to her chambers where she might eat peacefully on her own. Maybe then she could put Julian out of her mind if only for a minute.
CHAPTER 21
It was a carefully measured amount of brandy that Julian put into one glass and then the next. He did everything carefully at the moment. If he made one wrong step, something told him he’d be paying for it.
Especially with Tristan watching his back.
Isn’t a good thing to see my old friend?
Normally, it was a delight. Tristan was one of his oldest friends since university. They’d befriended two other young lads as well. Once, he had called the four of them the Compass Rose since their related duchies were tied to different areas of England. It was even in their names. The Duke of Southwick had one of the southern -most seats in the nation. Or at least the most elegant.
It was Julian who was the jester of the lot. The top dandy and doodle. The smiling one, the rake, the darling of the ton. A role he had fallen into easily once he was finally free of the weight of his family.
But lately it was different. He was different. Wondering who he was now, he forced himself to turn around face his old friend with a familiar smile.
“Here I thought you enjoyed a morning drink,” Tristan said in a mild tone as he accepted the glass.
The man didn’t drink. A duke since before he was an adult, Tristan was the most formal and reserved of their friends. Even Sebastian, hardened by his youth on the streets of London, had more charm than him. Rather, he preferred to frown and glare and judge everything in silence.
How he ever married is a wonder. Although I suppose the marriage wasn’t exactly to their liking at first. Still, Lady Verity is an absolute darling. A saint, too, to put up with this man. And what that makes Genevieve to deal with me… Well, I’m surely a sight for sore eyes; she’s free of me most of the time so she can’t think too ill of me. Can she?
