Page 79 of Duke of Silver
“You make it sound like we’ve lost them,” Elizabeth said with a wry smile.
“You have,” Anna replied without hesitation. “Desperately in love and utterly out of your minds. Look at you, Lizzy. It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours, and it’s clear to anyone—even a blind man—that you’re already pining for him. I’d wager Titan that your husband is feeling the same right now.”
“WagerTitan?” Elizabeth asked, shocked at her cousin’s confidence.
“Indeed. I see what you do not. What your pain is blinding you to, perhaps.”
Anna’s voice softened as she continued. “I believe Alexander is a good man, Lizzy. There’s an explanation for his behavior, and I think it’s his jealousy. I know he’s hurt you, but don’t be too quick to assume the worst. Give him a chance, when the time comes.”
Elizabeth’s heart squeezed at her cousin’s words. She wanted to believe her, wanted to believe that there was hope. But the hurt was too fresh, too raw. “Ifit comes,” she said, her voice tinged with hopelessness.
Anna smiled optimistically, her confidence unwavering.
A second knock sounded at the door before Peggy appeared, her playful energy filling the room. “A late-night party without me?” she teased, eyeing the scene with mock indignation.
Anna threw a pillow at her. “You weren’t invited for good reason!”
Peggy picked up a pillow and tossed it back, but Anna dodged, and it hit Elizabeth square in the face.
Laughter bubbled out of Elizabeth as she retaliated, and soon the room was filled with the sounds of giggles and teasing as the three girls engaged in a lighthearted pillow fight. The dogs barked excitedly, jumping around the room as if joining in the fun.
For a brief moment, Elizabeth felt lighter, finding comfort in the warmth of her family’s love. They reminisced about old times, making promises to always be there for one another.
Despite that, there was a space in her heart that Alexander had already taken, and nothing could fill it.
CHAPTER 35
Alexander returned home from the House of Lords in a foul mood, his head pounding with the weight of the decisions made that day. But the moment he entered the estate, something felt off, as though the house itself were holding its breath. He was greeted by the butler, who, strangely, looked more anxious than usual.
“Where is the Duchess?” Alexander asked, shrugging off his coat and handing it to the waiting footman. The question seemed innocent enough, but a knot of unease twisted in his gut as he awaited the answer.
The butler hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously before meeting Alexander’s. “Her Grace has... left the estate, Your Grace.”
Alexander blinked, the words taking a moment to sink in. “Left? What do you mean, ‘left’? Where has she gone?”
“I am afraid... we do not know, Your Grace. She did not inform anyone of her destination. In fact, none of the staff even saw her depart.”
The knot in Alexander’s stomach tightened into a painful twist. He felt his pulse quicken, a sense of dread creeping up his spine. “What do you mean, no one saw her? She couldn’t have simply disappeared!”
The butler remained silent, his head bowed slightly, clearly uncomfortable under the weight of Alexander’s growing frustration.
A storm of panic and anger began to swirl inside him. Where had she gone? Why hadn’t she told anyone? His mind raced with the possibilities, none of them easing the fear clawing at his chest. He turned, ready to tear through the house in search of her, when he was met by Percy standing at the entrance to the hallway.
“She’s gone to her family,” Percy said quietly, his expression unreadable.
Alexander’s heart stuttered at the revelation. “To her family?” he repeated, his voice tight with disbelief. “Why?”
“She left this morning,” Percy explained. “After last night... she needed space.”
Without another word, Alexander made for the door, ready to bring her back. He wouldn’t allow this. He couldn’t. But Percy stepped in front of him, blocking his exit.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Percy barked, his tone sharper than Alexander had ever heard from his younger brother.
“I’m going to get her,” Alexander growled, his patience snapping like a taut string.
“No, you’re not,” Percy said firmly, his hand braced against the doorframe. “You’ll only hurt her more if you go after her now.”
Alexander glared at him, his temper flaring. “And what business of yours is it?” he shot back.
