Page 15 of A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke
He had been holding his book in his hand all this while so he simply stretched his arms, so that she only had to reach out to take it. She took the cue and did just that. As she took the book from his hand, her thumb brushed over his, and he almost jerked, startled by the bolt of electricity that friedhis nerves. It apparently had been a mutual thing, for the moment he looked up to check if she too had felt that, their eyes locked, and they remained that way, unaware of days rolling by.
Her violet orbs that had shone brightly suddenly appeared hazed over. When his breeches felt tighter, he reckoned his eyes must be just as hooded too. Realising that if this went on, things would become so much more uncomfortable, he tore his gaze away.
Clearing his throat, he broke the quiet spell. “What about it?”
She needed more time to recover for a moment passed before she replied. “Uhn? Oh yes… Why is this a book you would choose over again?”
“Hmmm. A soft nut to crack!” he said, feeling grateful for the light subject as he re-settled into his seat.
“It is said to be her best piece, as it displays a manner of maturity that was absent in her other books such as Pride and Prejudice, and the likes. It has also received such a great welcome since its release and sometimes it saddens me that she is not here to receive all of these accolades herself. Did you know that there weren’t any drafts from the eighteenth century? She started the book in the nineteenth century, and I assume that is the allure it has. It is so relatable to our modern society. I believe that is why it is so much easier to understand the trials Anne and Wentworth faced. What about you? Is this a book you would say you enjoyed reading?”
She took her time to examine the book, flipping through the pages softly with those delicate fingers. He wondered what they looked like beneath those gloves. Long? Slender? Capable of so many things?
“In the end. Love wins, doesn’t it? For me, that is all that matters. I find Anne a worthy heroine. A young lady like myself could learn a thing or two from her. Despite listening to her father’s and Lady Russell’s voices of reasoning, she waited for Wentworth all that while, whether she knew it or not. That kind of love is so profound, and I was glad to learn that he never stopped loving her, either.” There was a pause, and she frowned slightly.
“Do you think Wentworth would have had his fortune changed if she had agreed to go through with the marriage, anyway?”
“Hmmm…”It was really something to think of, and he did not want to give an answer she would consider wrong. Deciding to go with his sincere thoughts, he replied, “We never will be able to tell for certain. It is fiction, after all. However, I do think that if she had agreed to marry him, he may not have gone into the navy to build a name and fortune for himself. He may have engaged in some other venture, but not the navy. Somehow, it was a good thing she turned him down all those years before; it all ended up good, in the end.”
“It did, didn’t it? Yes. I would say so too. And to think he who was refused because of his status, was the one who saved her family from financial crises!”
“An amazing thing, I reckon. Absolutely amazing. It only goes to prove how quickly the tides change. In due time, the servant can become a master too.”
“Indeed. Indeed,” she replied bobbing her head in agreement.
After that, they discussed “Belinda” whose tale was much more humorous, then they moved on to “Dear Jane” which they could not come to an agreement on.
“I beg to disagree, Nicholas. If she had not fallen in love with Brighton, I am certain that Sir Guy would have made her very happy. All through the war, he remained faithful and wrote her letters. The least she could have done was to wait for him!” she cried.
“You seem to forget Sir Guy was only interested in her fortune from the onset. He only fell genuinely in love with her when upon his return, he found her besotted by Brighton. She made a good choice, if you ask me.” She huffed at that, and it took him a great deal to keep from laughing.
He basked in all the warm fuzzy feelings simply being there, sharing that moment with her gave him. He also immensely enjoyed every second of watching her laugh out loud without a thought of propriety, knowing he was the reason for that. He could not remember the last time he had experienced such pleasure, conversing with a lady. He knew that this was a moment that would plague him forever, and he wondered, if there was a way he could get himself out of the arrangement his parents had already made for him and seek Eleanor’s heart and hand instead. After all, it was common knowledge that one never met their fantasy woman more than once. Only one of such people was created for each person.
Chapter 10
Victoria Birmingham was immensely enjoying the first ball of the season. It was all so spectacular that she couldn’t help wondering how she ever managed to survive a whole year until the next season. Her mood shot up a notch higher as she sighted the Duke and Duchess of Yorkshire, her would be future in-laws. Beaming, she turned to her husband, then completely disregarding the people they were presently discussing with, she tugged him gently to gain his full attention.
Immediately, he turned to her, more of a reflex than a conscious effort.
“Yes? Is anything amiss?”
“No. Of course not. It is only that I see our future in-laws, and now that there seems to be a break in activities, I reckon it would be a good time to make the introductions.”
Not waiting for a response, she began to walk away, pulling him with her. Howbeit, she did not go as much as two steps further for Williams stood rooted, pulling her back. She looked up at him, her confusion written all over her face. When he spoke, she almost laughed.
“Viscount Finsbury, Viscountess, forgive my wife, please. She is rather eager to meet an old family friend of ours. Please, excuse us.” Of course, she thought, Williams had to make it seem like she had done something terribly wrong by refusing to take her excuse.
“Future in-laws, you said, Victoria?” the Viscountess asked, ever ready to have access to the latest gossip in town. Victoria looked at her like she was only just recognising her presence. She knew Maria was fishing, and she was more than happy to provide her with bait. Mustering the regalest smile she could, she spoke, “Oh, but of course. The Duke and Duchess of Yorkshire have declared an interest for Agnes’s hands in marriage to their son, Nicholas, the future Duke of Yorkshire.” The look of unpleasant surprise on Maria’s face pleased Victoria greatly.
“Agnes is finally getting married? I thought she was quite resigned to a life of spinsterhood.”
“Ahh. You thought wrong. Agnes was simply biding her time, you see. What is that saying again, the patient dog eats the bone that is the fattest? Indeed, I believe that is how it goes. You must excuse us please. You would not know, but it is impolite to keep your in-laws waiting.”
With that, she tugged at Williams, who offered an apologetic look, but followed this time. They walked through the crowds, barely stopping to greet anyone else. A few nods and waves was all that Victoria allowed. Soon, they reached Henry and Elizabeth, both of whom were quite excited to see them.
“Look Henry! It’s Duke Birmingham and the Duchess!” Elizabeth Stamford exclaimed as Victoria and Williams reached them. Williams and Victoria shared a knowing smile before Williams spoke.
“Elizabeth, we are way past such formalities.” He went in for a small hug and air kisses which Elizabeth warmly received and returned. Victoria did the same with Henry, and as they broke apart, she went to greet Elizabeth, so that the men could shake hands.
