Page 62 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
Considering how to tell her the truth, Noah decided it wasn’t fair to tell his mother alone and said, “Good news, Mother. Where is Grandmother? I think it’s best to tell you both at once.”
The delighted look on his mother’s face was one Noah knew he was going to hate to crush but they should have known better than to make plans for him.
“She is in her parlor,” the Duchess replied, “Come with me.”
The second-floor parlor wasn’t far and they both arrived to see the Dowager Duchess reclining on a chaise, with a book in her hands. The older lady looked up at them and her lips curved, “Good news, I expect.”
“Oh, the best,” Noah replied sagely. “Mother, sit.”
When the Duchess sat, folded her hands on her lap, and looked up expectantly, Noah began. “I just finished walking with Lady Constance and we spoke about our pending courtship…”
The expectant looks on both faces grew. “…and there will not be one.”
The Dowager Duchess’ book met the floor, while rage painted her wrinkled face, “You stupid boy! What did you do now?”
“I told her about Lady Emmeline and she admitted that there is a man she loves with her whole heart back at her home. She only came to appease her father. What kind of heartless cad would I be, to take a lady away from the one she loves, just for the sake of money? We would live a loveless life, and even if I can survive that, an unspoiled flower like Lady Constance would wither away.” Noah’s tone was steady. “You two should have never decided to intervene in my personal life. The only good thing that has come from this meeting, is that she has agreed to speak with her father about investing into our ventures. Goodbye, Mother, Grandmother. I hope you have learnt your lesson.”
Noah left the silent room feeling like the spirit of favor had finally smiled upon him. He had barely reached his study when Cole found him and told him that Lord Berklingshire was requesting an audience with him.
“His demeanor was studious, Your Grace,” Cole said, “Not angered in the slightest.”
“Hm,” Noah contemplated, “Get a bottle of the best sherry from the wine cellar and escort the Earl to my study.” Stepping inside he smiled, “Let’s prove your scheming obsolete, Leverton.”
* * *
“So, we have an accord then,” Noah said while standing up and reaching over to shake the Earl’s hand. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” The Earl replied, while tugging his waistcoat down after shaking Noah’s hand, “Our resources will do well together.”
The Duke sobered, “Berklingshire, I do regret this fallacy coined by my grandmother, but it has one bright spot to it. Please, let your daughter marry the one she loves. I can tell you from experience that losing your true love is not only heartbreaking but it shatters you to the depths of your soul. Do not let her be soulless, Berklingshire… for me.”
The man sighed, “You make a good point, Duke. Good evening to you, I’ll have the contracts sent over as soon as I can.”
There wasn’t a promise to let Lady Constance marry the one she did love, but Noah had done his part–he would not push anymore. Ultimately, it was the Earl’s decision to make his daughter happy or not. “Good evening to you too, Berklingshire.”
* * *
The night was descending and Noah was feeling a deep-seated turn in his fortunes. After being inside for most of the day, he decided to take a walk. He left the house and meandered through the very same garden when he heard voices and a particular voice—his mother’s.
Edging up to the nearest cover, Noah spotted his mother covered by a cloak, and her voice wafted over to him.
“—the mercenary was paid, then?” the Duchess asked.
“Yes, Your Grace,” the man’s deep voice replied, “I made sure to see the exchange, but from my observation, nothing much came of it.”
Mercenary… what mercenary?
“Thank you,” the Duchess replied, then handed a small parcel over to the man, “I’ll be in touch.”
What the devil is going on?
He waited with steel straightening his spine and anger coiling in his body until the man left the garden. His back had barely disappeared when Noah stepped out of his cover.
“Mother!” Noah exclaimed, “What are you doing with that man?”
The Duchess jerked and spun around, her hood falling over her head. “Noah! Wh—what are you doing here?”
“Answer my question, Mother.” Noah’s tone was sharper than a two-edged sword, “What was that about?”
