Page 40 of Duke of Silver
Elizabeth smiled at the thought. “How wonderful. I shall have to visit once they are complete. I do hope there will be a bookstore among them. I’ve been longing for something new to read.”
Lady Compton clapped her hands together, delighted. “A bookstore, you say? What a marvelous idea! We shall have to go together and explore once it opens. You and I shall make a grand day of it, Your Grace.”
Elizabeth’s smile deepened. She hadn’t expected to find a kindred spirit in Lady Compton, but the idea of an excursion was a welcome one. “I should like that very much.”
Georgianna, who had been sipping her tea with a practiced indifference, set her cup down with a faint clink and looked at Elizabeth with a deceptively sweet smile. “And how receptive is the Duke to such pursuits, I wonder? Many gentlemen, I have found, are not as inclined toward… shall we say,literary diversions?” Her tone was light, but the insinuation was clear—men, especially those of rank, had little patience for bluestocking wives.
Elizabeth felt the familiar pang of irritation, but she kept her expression serene. “On the contrary,” she replied smoothly, meeting Georgianna’s gaze. “The Duke himself is quite well-read. His library is one of the finest I have ever seen, with an impressive collection of works from across the world. In fact, I often find myself borrowing from it.”
There was a flicker of something in Georgianna’s eyes—displeasure, perhaps—though her smile didn’t waver. “How fortunate you are to have such access,” she said, her voice taking on a more measured tone. “Not all husbands are so accommodating.”
“You know,” Lady Compton chimed in, glancing between Elizabeth and Georgianna, “we have quite a well-stocked library here, though I must confess it’s no match for the Duke of Sterlin’s grand collection.” She leaned forward with a grin. “Still,if you’re ever inclined, Your Grace, I’d be delighted to have you explore it and perhaps borrow a book or two.”
Elizabeth laughed, grateful for Lady Compton’s light-heartedness. “I would be delighted. It seems I’ll never tire of perusing libraries, no matter how large or small. I may just take you up on that offer.”
Before the conversation could shift again, Georgianna placed her teacup down with an air of deliberate care. “And when, may I ask, do you plan to return to London, Duchess? I do hope it’s not until the rumors have settled. It would be unfortunate to return amidst such scandal.”
The words were pointed and intentional. Elizabeth felt a prickle of annoyance rise in her chest, but she schooled her features, refusing to give Georgianna the satisfaction of rattling her.
Lady Compton gasped softly, now aware of what had been said. “What a silly thing to say!” she exclaimed, waving a hand in dismissal. “Of course, the Duchess has no plans to visit Town anytime soon. Isn’t that right, Your Grace?”
Though Georgianna’s smile remained fixed, her gaze shifted to Elizabeth, her eyes glinting with a challenge. She was waiting for Elizabeth’s response, no doubt hoping to stir some unease. But Elizabeth had learned to swim in these treacherous waters, and she would not falter.
With a calm smile, Elizabeth replied, “My dear friend Lady Compton is quite right. I have no such plans to return to London in the near future.”
Georgianna’s smile widened, though it held no warmth. “Very brave of you,” she remarked, her tone light but touched with something darker. “To remain so steadfast amidst such... unpleasantness.”
Elizabeth’s pulse quickened, but she remained poised. She took a slow sip of tea before replying, her words measured and cool. “There is a kind of braveness that borders on foolishness, Countess. Sometimes one finds oneself in places they are not wanted, simply because they overstep.”
The tension in the room sharpened instantly. Georgianna’s eyes narrowed. Lady Compton, once again oblivious to the exchange, frowned slightly, her brow furrowing.
“Is something the matter?” the Viscountess asked, her concern genuine.
Georgianna’s lips stretched into a stiff smile. “My tea has gone cold,” she said, her voice tight.
“We can’t have that!” Lady Compton exclaimed, rising from her seat. “Allow me.” She hurried to pour a fresh cup, her cheerful nature cutting through the tension like a beam of sunlight. “There, fresh as can be!”
As Lady Compton set the new cup before Georgianna, Elizabeth’s gaze met the Countess’s once more. While Georgianna’s eyes held a steely glare, Elizabeth simply smiled, her composure unshaken.
Elizabeth returned home feeling oddly satisfied, a triumphant sense of victory humming through her. Georgianna had been put firmly in her place, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but replay the scene with a touch of amusement. As if that weren’t enough, she now had a book from Lady Compton’s library tucked under her arm—an unexpected treasure from an otherwise tense tea.
As she passed through the grand hallway, lost in her thoughts, a figure suddenly appeared from one of the side rooms. She jumped, her hand flying to her chest as her heart raced. Her gaze quickly focused on the familiar face before her, and she exhaled, calming herself.
“You startled me,” she said, her voice steadying as she met Alexander’s amused expression.
Alexander quirked an eyebrow, clearly entertained. “I wasn’t aware I had such an effect on you, Duchess,” he teased, the corners of his mouth lifting into a playful smirk.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. “I wasn’t expecting you home this early, that’s all.”
“And where did you imagine I’d be? Roaming the countryside?” he asked, his voice light and teasing. “How was your tea with Lady Compton?”
Her brow furrowed slightly. “You knew?”
His grin widened, clearly enjoying her surprise. “Servants spread news faster than wildfire. Did you think your outing would go unnoticed?”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, recovering her composure quickly. “Ah yes, I keep forgetting I’m the most important topic of conversation among the household staff,” she replied with a touch of sarcasm.
“Quite the wit today,” Alexander said with a chuckle before offering her his arm. “Come along. I’ve something to show you.”
