Page 36 of Duke of Silver
“Since you are in the country, I presume you will be attending the Compton assembly?” Elizabeth asked Lord Broughton, her tone deliberately casual as she sipped her wine.
She had orchestrated this dinner carefully. It wasn’t merely an excuse to share a meal with her husband—something that had become frustratingly rare—but a calculated opportunity to use Colin’s influence to her advantage. Her gaze remained steady on Colin, though she could sense Alexander’s presence acutely beside her.
“I never miss an opportunity for a good gathering,” Colin replied, a broad smile lighting his face.
“As a matter of fact, we shall be attending as well,” Elizabeth said smoothly, shifting her gaze to meet Alexander’s. She held his eyes with quiet determination, knowing full well what she was doing. “It will be our first public appearance as a married couple, and we are very much looking forward to it.”
There. The words were spoken, and with them, the trap was set.
Now, let us see you wriggle out of this, Alexander, she thought, her gaze unwavering. She watched as his eyes narrowed slightly, the flicker of realization crossing his face. He knew. He understood the game she had just played, and his look told her he was well aware of the predicament in which she had placed him.
“Even more reason for me to attend,” Colin declared with enthusiasm, oblivious to the tension between husband and wife. “A first appearance as a couple—how splendid it shall be! Especially in the relaxed atmosphere of the country.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth replied, her voice light, though inwardly she reveled in her triumph. The remainder of the meal passed without incident, the gentlemen in good spirits, and Elizabeth content in her small victory.
Once Colin had departed, Alexander turned to her, his expression calm but carrying the weight of something unsaid. “Are you quite satisfied now?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of dry amusement. “And do not feign innocence, Elizabeth,” he added with a slight smirk.
“Oh, I had no intention of doing so,” Elizabeth replied. “And to answer your question, yes, I am quite satisfied.”
He chuckled, the sound low and dark, his eyes never leaving hers. “I suspected your invitation to Colin was not entirely without motive.”
Elizabeth allowed a small shrug, insolent yet graceful. “One cannot fault a wife for being resourceful.”
Their eyes met again, the tension between them thick in the air, but for the first time, Elizabeth felt as though she had won a small but significant battle. She could sense that Alexander knew it too, and she intended to savor this moment for as long as she could.
“That was quite an impressive maneuver you executed, cornering me into attending the assembly like that. Admirable, I must say. I believe you deserve full credit for it,” Alexander remarked, his tone carrying both amusement and reluctant admiration.
Elizabeth offered a slow, graceful smile, tilting her chin just so. “How very generous of you, Your Grace,” she replied with polite mockery, the sweetness of her tone not concealing the challenge beneath.
He stepped closer, towering over her with an air of quiet authority. His gaze, sharp and intent, seemed to probe for any sign of faltering, but she remained unruffled. Tonight, thevictory was hers, and she would not allow him to intimidate her now.
“So, it is all a game to you now, is it, Elizabeth?” His voice was low, a dangerous edge to it, as though daring her to admit the truth.
“Is it not for you as well, Your Grace?” She smirked.
CHAPTER 16
The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains as Elizabeth stirred beneath the covers. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the light, still heavy with sleep. A soft knock sounded at the door, and moments later, Lydia entered, carrying a small folded note in her hand.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Lydia said softly, offering a curtsy before approaching the bed. “A message for you.”
Elizabeth sat up, her curiosity piqued, as she took the note from her lady’s maid. Her fingers worked quickly to unfold it, her heart beginning to race even before she read the words inside.
Elizabeth,
I would be most pleased if you would accompany me for a ride this morning. I would like to show you more of the estate.
Alexander
Elizabeth’s breath hitched. Her heart fluttered at the unexpected invitation, her excitement rising despite her attempts to remain composed.A ride,she thought.With him.
“Shall I help you dress, Your Grace?” Lydia asked, noting the soft flush creeping into Elizabeth’s cheeks.
“Yes, please, Lydia. My riding habit,” Elizabeth replied, trying to maintain her composure. As Lydia began to prepare her attire, Elizabeth’s thoughts swirled. A ride with Alexander? The notion filled her with a kind of nervous energy she hadn’t felt in quite some time.
Once dressed in her deep green riding habit, which fit her slender figure perfectly, Elizabeth glanced at herself in the mirror. The color made her eyes stand out, and for the first time in days, she felt a surge of confidence. Lydia smiled approvingly, her expression pleased.
“Lovely as always, Your Grace.”
