Page 114 of Duke of Diamonds
But he would be enough now.
When Elaine had taken her leave, Isaac found himself wandering the corridors with uncharacteristic aimlessness. It had been hours, and Fiona remained unseen. The quiet was beginning to gnaw at him.
I miss her.
He made his way to her chambers and paused before the door. With a quiet knock, he waited.
“Enter,” came the soft reply.
He stepped inside.
She was seated on a chaise by the window, her gaze far away, fixed on the gardens below. The light from the glass bathed herin the late afternoon sun, but even that warmth could not mask the shadow that dulled her expression.
When she turned, her eyes—those rich hazel eyes that usually danced with mischief or sparkled with resolve—held a dimness that stopped him short.
“Isaac,” she said with clear surprise. “I did not expect you.”
He arched a brow, drawing closer. “I do occasionally emerge from my lair, you know.”
The corner of her mouth twitched, and she shifted on the cushion. “So it seems.”
He extended a hand. “Come with me.”
Her brows lifted. “Where are we going?”
“You shall see,” he replied, taking her hand and drawing her gently to her feet.
Whatever it takes to see the light return to your eyes, I shall do it.
“To get some air,” he replied, leading her gently from the chamber.
She followed, her steps hesitant at first. But instead of turning toward the garden stairs as she’d expected, Isaac guided her through a corridor and onto the high balcony adjoining his study.
The moment she stepped out, her lips parted in astonishment.
A low table had been laid with a linen cloth, upon which rested a silver tea service and an array of delicate cakes, scones, and preserves. Cushions and rugs were arranged across the floor, lending the air of a private garden fête—only elevated high above the grounds.
“My, an indoor-outdoor picnic?” she gasped, turning toward him. “What a marvelous idea.”
He gave a faint smile, watching her expression carefully. “Glad to see that you approve.”
Her eyes sparkled for the first time in days. “Did you go out of your way to impress me, Your Grace?”
“I was hungry and feeling generous,” he said as he helped her to sit among the cushions. “So I had the tea prepared and extended the invitation to you, Fiona. Do not grow too pleased with yourself.”
She laughed—light, bright, like glass catching sun—and the sound unfurled something warm in his chest.
As she poured out their tea with quiet grace, he said, “Elaine called earlier. She mentioned sending you a note.”
“Oh dear,” Fiona said with a small gasp. “I had meant to respond. Truly. But the day quite escaped me.” Her shoulders dipped in rueful admission.
Isaac lifted the teacup she had just handed him. “It is no matter. She left her regards and said she would call again another day.”
He took a sip and paused mid-swallow. His expression twisted faintly. “I do not know why I expected this to taste any different.”
“Do not call it grass, Isaac,” Fiona warned, raising a brow as she added sugar to her own cup.
“Well, that is what it resembles,” he said, shrugging as he took another sip with resigned fortitude.
