Page 61 of Duke of Gold
Peggy chuckled, handing the book back. “You must have an excellent memory, then. What a wonderful thing, to love stories so much.”
The two exchanged a few more words, Lottie growing more animated as she spoke of her favorite tales. Peggy found herself unexpectedly drawn to the child, her enthusiasm and love of books sparking a longing deep within.
If only…she thought wistfully, her heart constricting as she imagined sharing such moments with a daughter of her own. The thought was fleeting but sharp, and she quickly pushed it aside, returning her attention to the present.
By the time they departed, Peggy felt both buoyed by the children’s resilience and weighed down by her own burdens. As the carriage rumbled back toward home, she sat in silence, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
“Are you quite well, my dear?” Lady Aleshire asked gently, studying her with concern.
Peggy forced a small smile, shaking her head lightly. “Oh, I am perfectly well,” she said, her voice carefully composed. “Just a little tired, that is all.”
Lady Aleshire regarded her for a moment longer, then nodded. “It was a fine day, was it not?”
“Indeed,” Peggy murmured, her gaze fixed on the passing countryside. But as the conversation faded, her thoughts drifted to the library, to Morgan’s anger, and to the note hidden in her bureau drawer.
CHAPTER 28
Peggy sat in the drawing room, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the delicate embroidery on the armrest of her chair.
“Your Grace.”
Peggy started slightly, her hand pausing mid-trace. She looked up to see the butler. “Oh, Barrow,” she said, regaining her composure. “What is it?”
“Lady Aleshire has called, Your Grace,” he replied with a slight bow. “Shall I send her in?”
Peggy hesitated only for a moment before nodding. “Yes, please do.”
Moments later, Lady Aleshire entered the room with her usual energy. “My dear,” the Baronet’s wife began, her eyes searchingPeggy’s face with a concerned warmth, “I could not stay away. I did not like the way we parted after the inspection.”
Peggy rose from her seat, managing a faint smile. “You needn’t have troubled yourself.”
“Trouble? Nonsense,” Lady Aleshire said firmly, waving her hand dismissively. “You were far too quiet, and it is entirely unlike you. I thought some fresh air might do you good. Come, let us walk in the gardens.”
Peggy hesitated but found herself nodding. “Very well,” she agreed, and they made their way outside.
The crisp air was invigorating, and the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet filled the silence as they strolled through the manicured paths. Lady Aleshire led her toward the rosebeds, her tone light as she began to chatter about the colors and arrangements.
“Your roses are truly flourishing,” Lady Aleshire said, brushing her gloved fingers lightly over a deep crimson bloom. “It is clear this garden benefits from your touch.”
Peggy offered a faint smile. “Thank you. I suppose the roses have taken to the fresh attention.”
“Much like the rest of this castle, I imagine,” Lady Aleshire replied, glancing at her with a warm smile. “Everything feels lighter these days, and that is entirely to your credit.”
“I have only just begun,” Peggy said softly, keeping her gaze ahead. “There is still so much to do.”
“And you will do it splendidly,” Lady Aleshire said, her tone encouraging. They walked a few more paces in companionable silence before she added, “But the renovations do not seem to be what troubles you. ”
Peggy hesitated, her steps slowing slightly. She glanced at the neatly trimmed path before them, her thoughts swirling. “It is nothing,” she said at last, though her voice lacked conviction.
Lady Aleshire chuckled gently. “Nothing? Come now, Margaret, I am no stranger to that tone. Something is weighing on you.”
Peggy exhaled, her shoulders sinking slightly as she gave in. “I suppose it is... a squabble,” she admitted, her words slow and hesitant. “A matter between my husband and me.”
“Ah,” Lady Aleshire said knowingly, her expression softening. “Marriage.”
Peggy glanced at her, her brow lifting slightly in question.
Lady Aleshire smiled, folding her hands lightly before her. “No union is without its trials, my dear. Even the happiest of couples will disagree from time to time. My husband and I have had our share of spats over the years, I assure you.”
