Page 47 of Duke of Silver
“When do you leave?” Alexander inquired as he poured himself a generous measure of brandy from a decanter nearby.
“Tomorrow morning,” Colin said, watching him closely. “But I expect you intend to rusticate some more in the country before you grace Town with your presence, eh?” he added with a teasing smile.
“Ah, avoiding more than just business, I see,” Colin remarked with a knowing look.
“Perhaps I’ll make my appearance next social season,” Alexander said flatly, dropping into a nearby chair with a weary sigh.
Colin, ever perceptive, arched an eyebrow. “How fares our Duchess? Did you deliver my gifts?”
Alexander’s thoughts drifted to Elizabeth’s reaction. She had been truly delighted with the gifts, her smile radiant as she admired each one. But the memory, instead of bringing him satisfaction, stirred an unsettling feeling deep within. That smile—Colin had put it there, not him. He wanted to be the one who brought her joy, not his friend or any other man. Elizabeth was his wife, after all, and for reasons he couldn’t fully grasp, he needed her happiness to be because of him.
“Your silence doesn’t bode well, man,” Colin interrupted his thoughts, his tone laced with concern. “Surely you delivered them? Or, God forbid, she didn’t like them?”
Alexander shook himself from his reverie. “On the contrary, she loved them,” he replied, though his voice lacked its usual steadiness.
“And why do you sound so dejected?” Colin pressed, a teasing glint in his eye. “Perhaps I should have included some embroidered waistcoats for you in those gifts as well.” He chuckled, but when Alexander only gave him a pointed look, Colin’s laughter died down.
“Something is definitely up. What is it?” Colin asked, his tone sobering as concern replaced his earlier mirth.
“A frivolous misunderstanding, no more,” Alexander half-dismissed, pouring two fingers of brandy into his tumbler.
Colin’s gaze flicked between Alexander and the decanter before he spoke again. “Hardly frivolous if it’s got you drinking and in such a sour mood,” his friend observed, leaning back in his chair.
Alexander responded with a grunt, his eyes fixed on the amber liquid swirling in his glass.
“Whatever it is, you need to apologize,” Colin advised, his voice taking on a more serious note.
Alexander sighed heavily. “How does a man begin to apologize for something he himself lacks a proper understanding of?”
Georgianna had made it her mission to disrupt his life, and Elizabeth—well, she seemed equally determined to remain stubborn, rejecting any attempts at explanation. The entire situation felt like a tangled mess with no clear way out.
“Whatever it is, the understanding will come after the apology. Believe me,” Colin said, his tone laced with the confidence of a man who had seen his share of complicated situations.
“Why, one would think you quite experienced in marriage with the wisdom you share,” Alexander retorted, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I fancy myself something of a connoisseur of the opposite gender, you see,” Colin replied with a smug smile that was both infuriating and oddly comforting.
Alexander couldn’t help but laugh, the tension easing slightly.
“You could do or give her something she likes. That should open the door for an apology,” Colin suggested, his tone more earnest now.
Alexander furrowed his brows, the suggestion hitting a sore spot. He realized with a pang that he had no idea what Elizabeth liked. He knew next to nothing about his wife. The thought unsettled him deeply, and he found himself staring into his glass, troubled by the realization.
“After all, you can never go wrong with a new wardrobe for a woman,” Colin continued, his tone light and confident.
Alexander’s thoughts drifted to Elizabeth’s reaction to the lace and silk Colin had gifted her. The memory of her delight brought a slight smile to his face. Yes, that was the answer. Elizabeth would appreciate new clothes, he concluded.
“I would call you a genius for your ideas, Colin. But I’m not feeling so generous today,” Alexander teased, his spirits lifting just a little.
“I know. You’re lost without me, man,” Colin replied with a hearty laugh, brushing off the jibe with his usual ease.
After bidding his friend farewell and wishing him a safe journey, Alexander returned home, satisfied that he had found a way to approach Elizabeth with an apology. The idea of giving her something she would genuinely enjoy seemed like the perfect solution.
No sooner had he settled into his study than a knock came at the door. He looked up, somewhat surprised, as Mrs. Ryton entered, carrying a tea service.
“I thought you’d like some tea after your return, Your Grace,” she said, setting the tray on the coffee table. “After last night’s rain, the weather today feels a little cool,” she added, her tone as warm and motherly as ever.
“How very thoughtful of you, Mrs. Ryton. Thank you,” Alexander replied as she poured him a cup.
