Page 64 of Duke of Silver
“Oh, there’s always work to do, Liz,” Alexander replied with a smile that seemed to soften the distance she often felt between them. “But what manner of husband would I be if I couldn’t even take out a little time for my wife? Besides, I think my saviordeserves a treat. Or two, don’t you think?” he added, his eyes glinting with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.
“Idothink,” she responded, a wave of giddiness washing over her. The anticipation of spending the day with him, of having him all to herself, was almost too good to be true.
That afternoon saw Elizabeth and Alexander exploring the shops on Bond Street, strolling arm in arm like any other couple in love. The novelty of this unhurried time together, without the pressures of their usual obligations, felt like a rare and precious gift.
“Oh, I think that is enough for now, Alexander,” Elizabeth chuckled as he purchased an ornate Asian jewelry box she had admired in an antiques shop. Her protests had been frequent, but he seemed determined to spoil her, buying nearly everything she had so much as glanced at in the earlier shops.
“In that case, let us stretch our feet some more at the park,” he suggested, the twinkle in his eyes making it clear he wasn’t ready for their day together to end.
As they walked through Hyde Park, Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice the curious glances they received. The ton was taking note of their public display, no doubt marveling at the sight of the Duke and Duchess of Sterlin strolling so companionably. But Elizabeth found she didn’t care. In fact, she reveled in it.
“It’s been a lovely afternoon, Alex. Thank you,” she said, her voice soft with gratitude as they paused by the Serpentine.
“No, thankyou. For giving me your day,” he replied, dropping a tender kiss on her hand before tucking it back possessively into the crook of his arm.
A warmth bloomed in Elizabeth’s chest, spreading through her like a comforting embrace. She realized, with startling clarity, that she loved this man. She had tried so hard to protect her heart, to keep herself guarded against the complexities and uncertainties of their marriage, but she had failed—woefully so. The truth was undeniable now: she had fallen in love with her husband.
For a brief, blissful moment, she allowed herself to bask in that feeling, pushing aside the fears and doubts that usually plagued her. She knew that loving him might come with a price, but that was a worry for another time. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to revel in the joy of this afternoon, to cherish the tenderness he was showing her.
“I do have a favor to ask, though,” Alexander said, pulling her from her thoughts.
She looked up at him, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
“The new powder blue dress we bought earlier—I want you to wear it to dinner tonight,” he requested, his tone warm but with an intensity in his gaze that she couldn’t quite decipher. There was something about the way he looked at her in that moment, something that made her heart leap with hope.
“Oh,” Elizabeth was momentarily surprised by the request. “You’re joining me for dinner too?” she asked, feeling her eyes widen.
“May I?” he asked, his expression softening in a way that made her chest tighten.
“You may, Your Grace,” she replied, unable to hide the smile that tugged at her lips. The warmth in his gaze deepened, and he beamed back at her, a sight that made her heart flutter.
“Oh, I am beginning to lose count of the number and shades of blue I have in my wardrobe now,” she chuckled, realizing how many of her recent acquisitions were in that particular hue.
“I could have you wearing the color all day, every day if I could,” he said, his voice earnest. “It brings out the brilliance in the rivaling blue of your eyes.”
Elizabeth felt the familiar heat rise to her cheeks, her blush betraying how deeply his words affected her. He had a way of making her feel cherished, as though he truly saw her.
“They’re like the glistening surface of the ocean on a beautiful summer afternoon,” Alexander said later that evening, as he kissed Elizabeth’s knuckles and led her into the dining room. She was wearing the powder blue dress, and the way he looked at her made her feel like royalty.
She couldn’t help but smile at his poetic compliment. “You know what Icouldget jealous of?” she said as he pulled out her chair for her.
He quirked an eyebrow, intrigued. “And what might that be?”
“My eyes. For the amount of compliments they get from you,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with humor.
“Oh, whoever heard of a woman jealous of her own eyes,” he laughed, the sound rich and full, filling the room with warmth.
“You really are full of wonders, aren’t you, Liz?” he added, his voice filled with affection.
They had only just begun to enjoy their meal when the butler appeared, his expression curiously disturbed. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, Elizabeth’s attention was drawn to the figure standing just behind him. Her breath caught in her throat as a gasp escaped her lips.
“Brother,” Lord Percy said, addressing Alexander as he stepped forward.
Elizabeth’s heart pounded. Was she seeing things? Or was Percy Hunton truly back in England and standing right here in their dining room?
CHAPTER 29
Percy.
