Page 11 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
The grandeur of the Blackthorn residence in the heart of London stood as a testament to the wealth and stature of its esteemed owner, the Duke of Blackthorn and all his predecessors, who had taken good care of the property.
Tall, imposing doors adorned with intricate carvings opened to reveal a foyer bathed in the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The sound of footsteps on polished marble echoed through the vast halls as the duke himself, attired in impeccably tailored clothing, descended the staircase.
The morning sun cast a golden hue through the expansive windows, illuminating the opulence that surrounded him. Alexander, with a commanding presence that matched the grandeur of his home, moved with purpose toward the stables. The clinking of spurs against the marble floor resonated with each stride, a rhythmic accompaniment to the torrent of thoughts swirling within him.
As he reached the stables, his valet, Mr. Reynolds, awaited him with a majestic black stallion, its coat gleaming in the sunlight. The horse neighed softly upon seeing him. Alexander petted the horse’s muzzle in return. Then, he grabbed the reins and mounted the horse with practiced ease, ready for a morning ride that would, for a fleeting moment, offer respite from the complexities of his current situation, which refused to leave the confines of his mind.
“Summon Mr. Higgins for a meeting at noon,” Alexander instructed his valet, his voice carrying an air of authority.
The valet nodded immediately. “Yes, Your Grace.” He went off to fulfill the command.
The morning sun bathed the estate in a warm glow as he rode out, the rhythmic beat of hooves against the earth providing a counterpoint to the internal conflict that raged within him. The thoughts of Lady Anna Ravenscroft, with her captivating green eyes and the echo of their dance lingering in his memory, proved to be an unwelcome distraction.
Alexander had always thought himself a man accustomed to navigating the intricacies of society with a composed façade, but now he found himself grappling with the unexpected turbulence that a certain lady had stirred within him.
Slowly, he made his way through the gates of Hyde Park with air of regal poise. The park, an oasis of greenery nestled within the heart of London, unfolded before him in all its morning splendor.
Theclip-clopof the stallion’s hooves echoed through the park, creating a rhythm that harmonized with the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of city life. As Alexander rode along the tree-lined avenues, a crisp breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers, mingling with the earthy scent of the park.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled patterns on the well-manicured paths. Elegant carriages, drawn by sleek horses, glided by, their occupants exchanging polite nods with him. The fashionable elite of London strolled along the pathways, adorned in the latest trends, creating a vibrant tableau of society in motion.
However, the serenity of the landscape did little to soothe the commotion inside the landscape of his thoughts. With every beat of the stallion’s hooves, Anna’s image danced through the corridors of his mind. The unexpected encounter at the ball had left an indelible mark, but even more so, the knowledge that her late husband owed him an unmentionable sum of money made things even more complicated.
The rustle of leaves overhead and the distant sounds of the city became a backdrop to the tumultuous currents within him. He grappled with the enigma that was Lady Ravenscroft, her allure defying the norms of their rigid social stratum. It was a dance of conflicting emotions—fascination, curiosity, and a hint of something he hadn’t anticipated.
The solution was very simple. All he had to do was steer clear off the woman. That was the first step. The second one would be to collect his debt, as he always did, and close this chapter before things became unnecessarily complicated. Yet, he knew he could not stay away from her, just like he could not forget about the debt of her husband.
He had always been accustomed to navigating the intricacies of business and societal expectations, but now, he found himself in uncharted territory. His usual stoic demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man grappling with desires he hadn’t expected to surface.
Two hours later, Alexander was back home, climbing up the main staircase toward his study. He expected his steward to already be there, waiting for him, as per their agreement. Enough time had passed, and certain decisions needed to be made. As he entered his study, the flicker of the fireplace cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating the distinguished features of Tom Higgins, his trusted steward.
Tom was a man of marrying age although without a wife, with slightly salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed to the side, which instead of making him appear older only seemed to add to his earthly charm. His countenance bore the marks of a life spent managing the intricate affairs of the Blackthorn estate, and a pair of sharp, observant eyes conveyed an astuteness acquired through years of loyal service.
The two men greeted each other with the familiarity of a long-standing professional relationship. However, as Tom observed the duke’s demeanor, a shrewd understanding passed between them. There was a tacit acknowledgment that something weighed on Alexander’s mind, and his trusty steward could notice it immediately.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Tom said with a respectful nod. “I trust your morning ride was invigorating.”
Alexander returned the nod, though the lines on his forehead likely hinted at a mind preoccupied with matters beyond the scenic trails of Hyde Park. “Indeed, Tom. The park offered its usual respite,” he replied.
Tom, perceptive to the nuances of his employer’s disposition, decided to tread carefully. “Is there something specific you wished to discuss, Your Grace?” he inquired, choosing his words with a blend of professionalism and genuine concern.
After all, the man had been in Alexander’s employ for such a long time that he had become more than just a member of the staff. Alexander had come to value his insight and opinions, treating him more as a friend.
Alexander took a moment before responding, his gaze fixed on a distant point as if navigating the currents of his own thoughts. “Please, take a seat, Tom. There is indeed a matter we need to address,” he finally said, motioning toward the plush chairs that flanked the ornate wooden desk.
Alexander knew they could not prolong sorting out the question of Lord Ravenscroft’s debt much longer. To be quite honest, it had not been a priority, so he had brushed it aside in favor of more urgent business that needed to be taken care of.
However, the time had come to address this particular question as well. The room, hallowed by the weight of aristocratic history, bore witness to Alexander’s nervous state of mind, which he hoped his trusty steward might alleviate.
“As you yourself know, Tom, the Ravenscroft estate has quite an outstanding debt with us,” Alexander spoke, his voice carrying a blend of determination and a sense of moral responsibility.
Tom, well-versed in the affairs of the Blackthorn estate, maintained a composed demeanor, awaiting further instructions. “Indeed, Your Grace. Lord Ravenscroft’s gambling debts remain unsettled as per your instructions.”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting the gravity of the matter. “While it may not be a substantial dent in our coffers, I cannot allow such debts to linger unpaid much longer. It is a matter of principle, Tom. A reputation for leniency in debt collection is an open invitation for exploitation. We might lose our credibility, our standing. We simply cannot allow that to happen.”
Tom didn’t even need to nod at this. Alexander was certain the man agreed wholeheartedly. Alexander had always been committed to upholding the integrity of his financial dealings. He had merely been waiting for the right moment to prioritize Lord Ravenscroft’s debt, a moment which would have come very soon. But in light of what transpired at Lady Pentor’s ball, this issue needed to be settled as soon as possible.
“Shall I proceed with the necessary actions to collect the outstanding debt, Your Grace?” Tom asked. “You just need to say the word and I start the process.”
