Page 130 of Married to a Frozen Duke
"No? Then why do you look like you're about to be executed?"
"Because His Grace looks like he's planning our execution," Edward muttered, then seemed to realize he'd said it aloud. "That is, I mean..."
"I'm not planning anyone's execution," Alexander said dryly. "That would be terribly messy, and we've just had the house cleaned."
There was a startled pause, then Edward laughed. "Did you just make a jest?"
"I do occasionally attempt humor. I'm told it's humanizing."
"Who told you that?" Charles asked, seeming genuinely curious.
"Your sister. She's insistent that I'm actually human despite all evidence to the contrary."
Ophelia squeezed his arm, and he could see her trying not to smile too broadly. They moved into the drawing room, where Alexander had strategically had all the breakable objects removed earlier, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Charles.
"The room looks different," Charles observed carefully.
"We're having some pieces restored," Alexander lied smoothly. "Routine maintenance."
"Of course." Charles looked around, then took a breath. "Your Grace, before we go further, I need to say something. About the vase and the sphere. I'm deeply sorry. It was inexcusable, and I've been sick about it since it happened. I know they can't be replaced, but I wanted to offer, that is, if you would permit, I could commission something for the space. Not as a replacement, but as a... a gesture. An acknowledgment of the loss."
Alexander studied the younger man, noting the genuine distress in his expression, the way his hands clenched and unclenched nervously. This wasn't the blustering Charles of the previous visit but someone genuinely trying to make amends.
"That's a thoughtful offer," Alexander said slowly. "I shall consider it."
Charles's relief was palpable. "Thank you. And I promise, I won't touch anything tonight. Or ever. My hands will remain firmly at my sides or on approved surfaces only."
"Approved surfaces?" Edward raised an eyebrow. "What constitutes an approved surface?"
"Chairs, tables, eating utensils, and nothing else," Charles said firmly. "I've given this considerable thought."
Despite himself, Alexander felt his mouth twitch toward a smile. "Your dedication to not destroying my home is appreciated."
They settled into seats, and James appeared with drinks. Alexander noted both brothers took their glasses with excessive care, as if afraid the crystal might spontaneously shatter at their touch.
"So," Edward said after a moment of awkward silence, "we heard about the village incident. With Lord Harrington."
Alexander tensed. Here it came—the criticism, the political commentary, the suggestion that he was either a tyrant or a fool.
"That was well done," Edward continued, surprising him. "Standing up to him like that. The man's been harsh to his tenants for years, hiding behind tradition and proper management while grinding people into dust."
"You approve?" Alexander couldn't hide his shock.
"Of course we approve," Charles said. "You protected vulnerable families and put Harrington in his place. That's exactly what a duke should do with his power."
"But I thought you believed the aristocracy was a parasitic institution that should be abolished," Alexander said to Edward.
Edward had the grace to look embarrassed. "I may have been somewhat... emphatic in my previous statements. And possibly slightly drunk. The aristocracy as an institution has problems, certainly, but individual aristocrats can choose to use their power well. Which you did."
"Your sister did most of it," Alexander deflected, uncomfortable with the praise. "I just provided the funds."
"You provided seven thousand pounds and political leverage," Ophelia corrected. "And you publicly defended me when Harrington insulted me."
"He did?" Charles's expression darkened. "What did he say?"
"Nothing worth repeating," Alexander said quickly, not wanting to reignite hostilities. "He's been dealt with."
"But he insulted our sister?" Edward pressed.
