Page 50 of Duke of Silver
But perhaps she had imagined it because his expression was inscrutable now, his features carefully composed. Yet, the sting of guilt lingered in her chest, nagging at her. She had felt a glimmer of something—vulnerability, perhaps—but it was gone, replaced by his usual calm reserve.
“I’d been in a hurry,” Elizabeth excused, her voice softer than she intended.
He nodded, the motion almost perfunctory. Silence fell between them, thick and heavy with unspoken words. Elizabeth shifted, feeling the awkward tension in the air pressing down on her, making her acutely aware of how strained their relationship had become. She cleared her throat, desperate to break the silence.
“The dress is beautiful,” she said, hoping to steer the conversation to safer ground. “I didn’t realize you had quite the taste, Your Grace,” she added, attempting a teasing tone.
His lips quirked in a small, almost imperceptible smile. “I am glad it is up to your standards then, Your Grace,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness.
Elizabeth felt some of the tension ease from her shoulders, a small measure of relief washing over her. At least they could still exchange pleasantries, even if the words felt somewhat hollow. “Pray tell, what is the occasion?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
“Do I need an occasion to give gifts to my Duchess?” he returned, his tone light, yet his gaze held something deeper, something she couldn’t quite decipher.
Elizabeth felt a warmth spread across her cheeks, a blush she couldn’t control. The compliment, though simple, touched her in a way she hadn’t expected. “I am glad you like it,” he added, his voice gentler now.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth beamed, her smile genuine, the awkwardness momentarily forgotten.
“My pleasure,” he replied, with a small bow, making a show of gallantry that drew a soft chuckle from her.
But the ease of the moment faded as quickly as it had come. Elizabeth’s thoughts returned to the troubling news she had been burdened with all day. “There is something I wanted to talk to you about,” she began again, this time more tentatively.
He looked at her, his expression shifting to one of expectation, the air between them suddenly charged with anticipation.
“I had tea with Lady Compton,” Elizabeth started, choosing her words carefully. “And I’m afraid she came bearing similar news to what Georgianna shared.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, and he let out a low, frustrated curse under his breath, his eyes darkening with displeasure.
“What is more,” Elizabeth continued, her voice steady despite the anxiety curling in her stomach, “I overheard the servants discussing these rumors as well. They seem to be spreading faster than we anticipated.”
“Good lord. Is this never-ending?” he muttered, running a hand over his face in clear frustration.
Elizabeth hesitated, then took a breath, gathering her courage. “I was thinking that perhaps it is time we return to Town,” she suggested, her voice careful, almost cautious.
When he quirked a questioning brow, Elizabeth felt a pang of trepidation settle in her chest, her confidence wavering under the weight of his scrutiny.
“If we return to the Season and show society just how content we are in our marriage, perhaps we can nip these rumors in the bud. After all, it all began in London,” she elaborated, her voice steady despite the nerves that tugged at her resolve.
“Quench the flames from their source,” he murmured, his expression thoughtful as he considered her suggestion.
“Precisely,” she agreed, a flicker of hope igniting within her at the possibility that he might see reason, that he might consider her proposal with the seriousness it deserved.
He seemed to deliberate for a moment longer, his gaze distant as if weighing the merits of her plan. Then, finally, he nodded, though the set of his mouth hinted at some condition yet to be revealed. “We return to London on one condition,” he said at last, his tone carrying a gravity that made Elizabeth’s heart skip a beat.
“And what is that condition?” she asked, her voice betraying the slight nervousness that had crept back in.
“You wear your new dress to dinner tonight,” he replied, a touch of amusement coloring his words.
Elizabeth blinked, taken aback. For a moment, she could only stare at him in surprise, her mind racing to comprehend his request. Not only had he agreed to her proposal with unexpected ease, but he was also suggesting they dine together—a rare occurrence that left her momentarily speechless.
“You’re joining me for dinner?” she managed to ask, the question slipping out before she could temper the surprise in her voice.
“Since we’re leaving for Town soon, I might as well grace the dining room this once,” he quipped, his lips curving into a smile that was both teasing and unexpectedly warm.
Elizabeth gave him a look, a mix of skepticism and amusement, though she couldn’t quite keep the corners of her own mouth from turning up in response.
And then he chuckled—a deep, rich sound that sent a pleasant warmth rushing to her cheeks. It was a sound she had heard so rarely, yet it had an immediate effect on her, easing some of the tension that had built up between them.
“I think it’s overdue. I have business back in London waiting for me anyway,” he declared, his tone shifting back to the practical, though the smile still lingered in his eyes.
