Page 38 of Duke of Silver
“You ride remarkably well,” Alexander said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “I am... impressed.”
Elizabeth beamed, her cheeks flushed from the ride. “Thank you. My uncle Sebastian is an excellent rider. He taught me well.”
Alexander’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Then I suppose we’ll have to do this again sometime.”
“I would enjoy that,” Elizabeth replied, feeling a renewed sense of hope rising within her.
As they steered their horses back toward the woods at a slower pace, the tension between them had shifted into something far lighter—something that felt almost... promising.
Lady Winston
This correspondence comes as a matter of necessity. While I have previously shown a measure of leniency towards your actions, recent events compel me to be direct.
Your unannounced visit during what should be a private period for my wife and me was both ill-timed and inappropriate. I must ask, in no uncertain terms, that you cease any furtherattempts to insert yourself into our affairs, particularly those pertaining to matters that no longer concern you. I trust that you will understand the importance of this request and act accordingly.
Should you choose to disregard this warning, I will not hesitate to take steps to ensure that there are no further misunderstandings between us.
Regards,
Duke of Sterlin
Alexander let the ink dry before folding the letter and sealing it with his crest. His jaw tightened as he pressed the wax, his thoughts lingering on Georgianna’s audacity.
He had warned her before, albeit indirectly, but this time the message would leave no room for doubt. She had meddled far too long, and now she was testing his patience. He stood from his desk, shaking off the tension as he reached for the bell to summon the butler.
Just as he pulled the cord, the door swung open.
“Sterlin!” Colin’s jovial voice filled the room as he strode in, a grin plastered on his face. “I hope I’m not interrupting your musings.”
“Not at all, Broughton,” Alexander said with a dry smile, tossing the letter aside for the moment. “What brings you here this time?”
“I come bearing gifts, of course,” Colin replied, producing a neatly wrapped parcel from behind his back. “A small token of my appreciation for the Duchess’s hospitality. It’s only right, seeing as I’ve been indulging in your fine dining and company.”
Alexander’s brow lifted in surprise as he took the parcel. “Gifts for my wife now, is it? I must say, I’ve never once received such finery from you, Colin. After all these years, I’m feeling rather neglected.”
Colin laughed heartily. “Ah, you sound positively jealous, Sterlin! I suppose it’s your wife who has earned my gratitude—seeing as she’s the one who graced me with an invitation, unlike her stingy husband.”
Alexander smirked, shaking his head. “Jealous? Of my own wife, no less? It seems your time in the country has softened your sense of judgment.”
“Or perhaps your wife has simply charmed me,” Colin shot back with a wink. “It’s Spanish lace and silk from China. I daresay she’ll appreciate it more than you ever would.”
“Undoubtedly,” Alexander chuckled, his mood lightened by the easy banter. “Let’s see what she makes of your grand gesture, shall we?”
He rose from his seat and strode to the door, ringing the bell. When the butler, Alexander said, “Send for the Duchess, please.”
Mr. Ryton bowed and responded, “Your Grace, the Duchess is not at home.”
Alexander stilled, his brow furrowing slightly. “Not at home?” He hadn’t known she had plans to leave the estate, and it wasn’t like Elizabeth to go off without mentioning it. His thoughts briefly flickered to where she might have gone, but he dismissed them as quickly as they came.We’ve agreed to live our lives separately, after all,he reminded himself, though a nagging unease began to stir.
Colin did not appear to notice Alexander’s change in demeanor. “No matter! She’ll receive it when she returns. I’m sure the lace will be a pleasant surprise.”
Alexander forced a smile, nodding. “Indeed. I’ll make sure she does.”
Colin gave him a knowing look. “Now, now, Sterlin. Try not to let the jealousy overcome you. You might actually end up competing with your wife for my affections.”
Alexander snorted. “If she claims your affections, you’re welcome to them,” he retorted with a smirk. They laughed, the camaraderie between them easy and natural, but the unease in Alexander’s chest hadn’t disappeared.
Once Colin departed, leaving behind the delicate gift for Elizabeth, Alexander’s thoughts returned to his wife. He couldn’t shake the question of where she had gone—why she hadn’t told him.
