Page 63 of Duke of Gold
“It was no trouble,” the housekeeper replied briskly, folding her hands before her. But there was a warmth in her eyes that belied her stoic tone.
Peggy hesitated before picking up the cup, the warmth of the milk spreading through her fingers. She offered a small smile. “Thank you,” she said sincerely, though the knot in her chest remained. “If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”
Mrs. Hallewell tilted her head slightly. “And why is that, Your Grace?”
“For causing such an uproar,” Peggy replied, her tone laden with guilt. “Morgan—His Grace—went positively mad because of me. He was furious with the servants. With you.”
Mrs. Hallewell’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, but not wholly disapproving either. “His Grace’s temper is his own, not yours to carry. And though it was a difficult day, it is clear that he…” She hesitated briefly, choosing her words carefully. “That he cares, in his own way.”
Peggy let out a soft, rueful laugh. “He cares by avoiding me entirely?”
“Give him time,” Mrs. Hallewell said gently, her gaze steady. “The Duke does not show his hand easily, but that does not mean he has none to play.”
Peggy’s smile wavered slightly as she lowered the cup, the warmth of the milk doing little to ease the ache in her heart. “Thank you, Mrs. Hallewell,” she said at last, her voice quiet.
The housekeeper inclined her head before retreating, leaving Peggy alone once more. The silence felt heavier now, filled with words unsaid and fears she could not quell.
Time,Peggy thought bitterly, setting the cup down with a faint clink.Time is the one thing I do not have. He’s going to send me away.
She knew it in her bones, and the thought hollowed her out, leaving an ache that refused to subside.
CHAPTER 29
Morgan dismounted his horse with practiced ease, the reins looping smoothly over his gloved hand. The crisp afternoon air carried the faint scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, and his boots crunched against the gravel of Colin’s driveway. He hadn’t planned this visit, yet here he was, the need for clarity—or perhaps distraction—driving him more than he cared to admit.
“Giltford!” Colin’s familiar voice rang out as the Marquess strode from the house, his brow lifting in mock surprise. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your esteemed company? Or am I mistaken, and the sky has fallen?”
Morgan fixed him with a flat stare, though Colin’s grin only widened. “A social call? Marriageischanging you, old friend,” Colin teased, crossing his arms and leaning casually against the balustrade. “Shall I summon the household? This occasion calls for champagne.”
Morgan’s jaw tightened as he handed off the reins to a waiting groom. “If I’ve interrupted anything, I can leave,” he said, his tone clipped.
“Nonsense,” Colin replied breezily. “You’re here now, and I shall make it my duty to uncover what brought you. Though I suspect it has something to do with your lovely Duchess.”
Morgan’s chest tensed at the mention of Peggy, the knot in his stomach tightening further. He ignored it, brushing past Colin into the house.
Colin followed, his curiosity unabated. “You’re not even denying it. Marriage truly must be working some kind of miracle. I half expected you to growl at me and storm back to your solitude.”
Morgan ignored the jab, pulling off his gloves with deliberate precision. “This isn’t a laughing matter, Colin.”
The levity in Colin’s expression faded, replaced by a hint of concern. “Then tell me what it is,” he said, gesturing for Morgan to join him in the study.
Morgan hesitated but relented, following Colin to the familiar room. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the leather armchairs and polished surfaces. Colin poured them both a drink and handed one to Morgan before taking a seat.
“Well?” Colin prompted, swirling his glass. “Out with it.”
Morgan stared into his own glass for a long moment before speaking. “It’s the library,” he said finally. “She found it.”
Colin raised a brow. “She?”
“Peggy.”
“Ah.” Colin sipped his drink, studying Morgan over the rim. “And this is troubling to you because...?”
Morgan’s grip on the glass tightened. “Because it wasn’t meant to be found. Not by her. Not by anyone.”
“And yet it was,” Colin said lightly, leaning back in his chair. “What happened?”
Morgan recounted the events with clipped brevity, his words bristling with frustration. When he finished, Colin’s brows drew together in thought.
