Page 27 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
“Thank you, my friend,” Alexander felt strangely relieved. Sharing his burden had actually alleviated it a bit. “I know your reservations regarding this are still present, but I assure you I have considered all the repercussions of such an arrangement, and I shall see to it that nothing goes awry.”
Alexander locked gazes with Tom, but it seemed the steward still had something on his mind.
“Your Grace,” Tom added, “there is another matter that requires your attention, something that has come up unexpectedly, but it is my duty as your steward to inform you—and again, make all the necessary arrangements.” Alexander only lifted an inquisitive brow, which prompted Tom to continue.
“A northern gentleman by the name of Sir Rupert Harland has expressed a desire for a business meeting with you. He has requested the opportunity to discuss certain matters of mutual interest, as he himself put it.”
Alexander welcomed the distraction. “Sir Rupert Harland?” he repeated the name. “I am not familiar with the gentleman. What business does he have with me?”
Tom took his ledger and started to flip through the pages, obviously in search of some of the notes he had made regarding said gentleman. Once he had found them, he continued. “It would seem that Sir Rupert is involved in various enterprises in the northern regions. He has mentioned an eager interest in establishing connections and potential collaborations with estates of noble standing, such as yours.”
Alexander’s curiosity was piqued. He still didn’t know much about the aforementioned gentleman, but this could potentially be the distraction he needed. A new business partner, a new business venture. He leaned back into his chair once again, but this time, a sense of unexpected relief washed over him. At least this part of his life was returning to normal.
“Very well, Tom. Arrange the meeting. I am interested in learning more about Sir Rupert and the nature of his proposal. Let him know that I am willing to hear what he has to say,” Alexander informed his steward.
Tom nodded, and now, it truly seemed to Alexander that for one blissful moment, life was as it was before.
“As you wish, Your Grace. I shall make the necessary arrangements for the meeting,” Tom agreed.
“Thank you, Tom,” Alexander replied. “That will be all for now.”
Recognizing his cue to leave, Tom immediately stood up, gathering his ledger and the documents that lay on the table. He greeted his master respectfully and exited the study, leaving Alexander in the midst of his own thoughts. All he needed to do was focus on work, as he had done so far, and the rest would sort itself out.
Those were the thoughts occupying Alexander’s mind as he got up from his chair and paced to the window, in an effort to open it and let in some fresh air. The arrival of a northern gentleman held much promise. Alexander welcomed unforeseen opportunities, hoping they would set the stage for a new chapter in his life.
Only changes brought challenge and intrigue, in addition to benefits. He wondered which side would prevail this time.
Chapter 14
An entire week had slipped by and there was still no word from him. That meant Anna was still enveloped in the lingering intoxication of what had happened at Blackthorn Manor. The memories seemed to weave themselves into the fabric of her thoughts, of her mind, of her everyday life.
She could not do even the simplest of tasks, such as have breakfast or do her embroidery, without thinking about Alexander. The warmth of his touch lingered in the air around her like cologne perceptible only to her.
Each night In the darkness of the chamber, with only the moon as her witness, she would trace the imprint of his lips on her body, each mark a reminder of the passion that ignited a flame she never even knew existed in her. But instead of soothing herself, she only made her desire grow stronger, and her yearning more insatiable.
As she moved through the corridors of her daily responsibilities, the world outside remained oblivious to this fire that burned deep inside of her. Only Eliza knew of it. But if one was to take a closer look… the sparkle in her eyes, the subtle flush of her cheeks, the occasional moment lost in thought, it would all become clear. These veiled hints would reveal the truth.
That morning, Anna was lost in a daydream, sitting in the parlor with a book in her lap, which she had not even glanced at for the past fifteen minutes. Nothing had the power to occupy her mind, and it both thrilled her as well as petrified her. For what would happen after the expiration of those three months? Dare she hope that they might prolong for another three months? But then what?
She sighed heavily, scolding herself for such silly thoughts. This was a business arrangement, nothing else. She had allowed herself to enjoy it, but that was all. Pleasures of the flesh, of which she had had so little in her married life, if any. She was free to enjoy herself.
But not too much,that treacherous little voice reminded her.
Just as she was about to contradict that voice inside her head, a knock on the door interrupted her flow of thought.
“Yes?” she called out.
The door opened and Eliza appeared, holding something in her hand. A moment later, Anna could see it was a letter.
“You have not even touched your tea, my lady,” Eliza pointed out.
Anna looked to her side. It was true. The tea sat there, untouched. How much time had passed? Anna had no idea. Maybe an hour? It could have been even more.
“Oh, I was too focused on the book,” Anna said a little defensively.
“The book.” Eliza smirked, much to the amusement of them both.
“Yes, it is a very good book,” Anna was quick to reply. “It is…”
