Page 53 of Her Duke By Accident
Alicia tried to cover her face with her hands.
“Do not be embarrassed, Your Grace.”
She groaned. “I amnotembarrassed.”
“Then why can’t you look at me while we discuss it?”
Alicia sighed. “I am not embarrassed for the reasons you think.”
Ms. Crawford sat back down at the table, gesturing her to continue on.
“That waltz was one of the most thrilling moments of my life,” she said quietly. “I have danced plenty of times before, but there was something different about it, with him. It was as if nothing else existed, and I didn’t have to say a word for him to know my mind.”
Alicia walked back to the table and sat beside the housekeeper. “But when it was over, he just…left.”
“I see.”
“Without a word,” Alicia whispered. “It felt as though I had failed once more to fulfill my original responsibility; achieve a marriage.”
Ms. Crawford sighed. “I can’t begin to explain why the duke is such a complicated man. I know it is what you wish to hear, but I cannot. One day, you will understand that, and it will be better. Life at Garvey will be easier to swallow.”
“I can’t see that happening any time soon.”
“It is during the times that we lose hope that the worst outcome becomes the reality, Your Grace.”
Alicia glanced over at the housekeeper, who smiled at her. “I appreciate your sound advice, Ms. Crawford.”
“I’m only glad you find it sound,” she said with a laugh. Slowly, the older woman rose from her seat, glancing out the window.“Why don’t you use this lovely weather to take a walk around the estate? Or, better yet, find Lady Lucy and take her for a horse ride. She always loves the horses, and would appreciate better company than the governess,” she finished with a wink.
Alicia nodded. “I might try to find the duke first.”
“Are you sure, Your Grace? Some fresh air might do you some good.”
“I’m sure it would,” she said. “But I have to try and see him.”
Alicia gave the housekeeper a quick bow before leaving the drawing room. There was a growing doubt within her chest that said Matthew had already left the estate for the day. Even though it was still early morning, there was no way for her to tell when he would run off or not.
Turning the corner, Alicia passed the drawing room where Lucy normally took her lessons. On a quick glance, she saw Miss Ayles standing beside the window, dressed in a scarlet dress. While Lucy was nowhere to be seen, the thing that caught Alicia’s eye was the way the governess’s face was contorted, as if cruel thoughts filled her mind.
Alicia slipped into the room. “Miss Ayles,” she called out.
The governess flinched in surprise, turning to see her. She gave a bow. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
“Where is Lucy?”
“Off in the library,” she replied. “The young lady wished for some solitary study.”
Alicia scoffed. “Really?”
“Every once in a while, she does.”
“I see,” Alicia mused. She pressed her lips together, not wanting to hang around. “I will see you later this afternoon for tea, Miss Ayles.”
The governess stepped towards her. “You look as though you are on a mission, Your Grace.”
“I suppose I am,” she said curtly, not wanting to divulge in the governess.
“Maybe I could be of some assistance?”
