Page 32 of An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke
Chapter Nineteen
“The Duke has been rather reserved these last two days, I must say.”
Edith nodded, glancing sidelong at Lady Eaveswood. “You understand why, I am sure.”
Lady Eaveswood nodded, though her smile was a little sad. “Yes, of course. Though I do think that it is a good thing to have the Marquess of Frankton and his wife with us. I cannot help but think that there must come something of a reconciliation between the two of them, given that they will not be able to escape one another’s company!”
“Though, alas, the Duke is doing all he can to do precisely that,” Edith sighed, quietly. “He has not only been reserved, he has been notable by his absence – and absent even frommycompany.”
“I am sorry for that.”
“There are only four days left of the house gathering,” Edith continued, lifting her shoulders and then letting them drop low again. “I do not know whether he is contented with me, whether he wishes for me to take my place as his bride or if our engagement is to come to an end! He has not made any such things clear to me though I am now afraid that this… quietness of his means that we are no longer to be engaged. I feel as though he is pulling back from everyone, including myself, which is such a great pity as things were beginning to improve between us.”
Lady Eaveswood stopped and, given that they had been walking together, it took Edith only a moment to turn around and look at her friend. “What is the matter?”
“You… it cannot be that you have an affection for him, can it?”
Heat rippled up into Edith’s face. “I do not know,” she said honestly, choosing to tell her friend the truth. “We have more in common than I realised. When he told me about the orphanage, when I learned about all he had done for it, my heart certainly did begin to soften towards him. We have shared more conversations of late than we have ever done and I have seen him smile more and more… though since the arrival of his brother, he no longer does so.”
“Good gracious.” Lady Eaveswood blinked and then, perhaps seeing Edith’s red face, waved one hand vaguely. “Now, do not think that I am surprised at this as though it is a bad thing. Rather, it is more that it was unexpected, that is all!”
“It has been unexpected for me also,” Edith laughed rather ruefully as her friend took her arm again so they could continue their promenade around the grounds. “To see that there is a generous, compassionate, caring gentleman there- is more than I ever expected to see in him.”
“And heisstill there,” Lady Eaveswood said, softly. “Albeit a little hidden at the moment.” She looked at Edith steadily. “Might you consider speaking with him? Telling him of what you feel and what you see?”
Edith shook her head, nervousness flooding her at the idea.
“But if you do not, then you will not know where you stand,” Lady Eaveswood said softly. “And mayhap, in speaking with him, you will find that the gentleman will open up to you a little more. He has not had anyone to listen to him these last few years and I wonder if he is simply unused to it.”
“He has had his mother.”
Immediately, a frown crossed Lady Eaveswood’s face. “I would be cautious around the Duchess, my dear. I do not say that lightly but only because we are friends and I care for you a great deal. I have watched the Duchess a great deal and, to mymind, she is always scheming, always making certain that whatshewants is what takes place.”
Edith opened her mouth to refuse this, only to close it again and then shake her head. Her friend was correct in that regard, she had to admit. Had not the Duchess shown that trait many a time, including when it came to Edith’s violin performance?
“Speak to him,” Lady Eaveswood said, quietly but with great determination in her voice. “I think it is the only thing you can do.”
***
“Miss Tidemore?”
Edith turned, having just been about to step into the drawing room, only to see none other than Lady Frankton step out from the shadows. The lady had been somewhat absent these last two days, though Lord Frankton had told them all that she was a little unwell, though it was nothing to be concerned about. Edith herself had not known what her relationship ought to be with Lord and Lady Frankton and had not found a way to discuss it with the Duke and so, now found herself in something of an awkward position.
“Lady Frankton.” Edith forced a smile, her breathing quickening. “Good evening.”
“I know that there is an evening’s entertainment planned and you are about to join the others but I did wonder if we could speak for a few minutes? It would mean a great deal to me.”
Edith hesitated, not certain whether she ought to agree to do so or not. What would the Duke want? What would he think if he saw the two of them talking together?
“Please,” Lady Frankton said with a good deal more fervency this time. “I understand that you may be reluctant but I can assure you that there is a good reason for my request. It could affect the rest of your life with the Duke here.”
Edith’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, a little uncertain as to whether or not the lady spoke the truth but as she looked back into Lady Frankton’s eyes, she found herself being convinced. There was a clear determination in the lady’s expression and there was no hint of a smile at the corner of her lips nor even the smallest glimmer in her eyes that spoke of deceit.
“Very well,” she said slowly, as the lady closed in her eyes for a moment in evident relief. “But you cannot ask me to stay for more than a few minutes. I must return here very soon.”
“But of course. I thank you.” Gesturing to the room to her left, Lady Frankton made her way towards it. “It will only be a few minutes, I assure you.”
Edith followed after her into the small parlor, finding herself a little curious now as to what the lady was to say.
