Page 20 of A Christmas Temptation for the Duke
And all the while the storm continued to rage beyond the walls.
But the good times could only last so long. It was as she finished her glass and as the cigar went out, about the time that night fell to its darkest point, that Alison began to consider the reality of her situation.
They should have returned by now. Surely, they noticed I was gone and turned the carriage around. There is just no way that even now, hours later, and they have still not realized…
She listened beyond the storm to how silent and empty the manor was, and she recognized how alone she suddenly felt. It was all well and good to play at not caring, but deep down she could not escape the inevitable truth of her situation and how horrid it was.
Alison had never felt like she belonged to this family, and they had never much cared to change her mind about this. And where she had been able to convince herself for a time that it was all in her own head, the proof now stared at her dead in the face so she could not avoid it.
“They really forgot me,” she said in a whisper, pulling Pickle into her body and holding him tight. “And not just Lord Pemberton, but my own mother. Worse than that…” She sniffed as she felt tears begin to form in her eyes. “I doubt they even care.”
And it was this realization, this truth, that hurt most of all.
Chapter Six
“Lord Grayhill, a moment if it pleases you?” The voice came from the doorway to Daniel’s study, but as was so often the case, he was not paying attention.
Rather, he stood at the window, looking through the storm toward Pemberton Estate. It was dark out, and thick snow was falling so it was nearly impossible to see more than a few feet. Despite this, he could have sworn that he saw a soft glow emanating inside the neighboring manor.
I must be seeing things. Nobody is home – I know this for a fact. I even saw Lord Pemberton and his brood leaving earlier today, meaning the manor should be sitting empty.
Yet through the snow and darkness he could make out the unmistakable glow of candlesticks in the windows. And where he had no reason to think it, or to care, he found himself wondering if perhaps one member of that household had decided to stay home…
“Lord Grayhill?” the voice spoke again.
Daniel heard it that time. He scowled with frustration at his own thoughts and what they meant, spared a final glance for the neighboring estate, and turned away. Lord Pemberton and his family were gone, meaning Lady Alison was gone with them. And now that she was, he needed to put her out of his mind once and for good.
Easier said than done, but a few weeks without having to be near her and knowing he would not see her was sure to help.
“Ah, Godfrey.” He affected a smile when he saw his personal valet standing in the doorway. “Is something the matter?” He left the window and took a seat behind his desk.
“Nothing of high import.” Godfrey was of a similar age to Daniel, well educated, and as sad as it was to say, as close to a friend as Daniel had in this world. He had been with him now for years, and Daniel trusted him more than he did most. “I was just going over the ledgers, concerning your coming trip and –”
“It is not a trip, Godfrey,” Daniel sighed. “You speak of it as if I am going on a holiday.”
“Business venture?” Godfrey offered as he walked into the office.
“Try escape,” Daniel said. “A new life, from which I will hopefully never return…” He looked past his valet, thoughts turning to what he meant to do and the reasons for it…
“Regardless of the terminology, Lord Grayhill, as I was saying, I have been going over the ledgers and there are some things which need clarification. Mostly to do with tenants and their contracts once you go on your…” He pushed his lips together. “Escape.”
Daniel groaned. “Does it have to be now?”
“Not at all, but I find these things best to be taken care of sooner, rather than later.”
Daniel waved him away. “Tomorrow.”
“As you said yesterday,” Godfrey pointed out. “Why, I might even hazard a guess that all this delaying is further proof that such an… escape, as this…” He sighed to himself. “Is not nearly as coveted an idea as you seem to think. Or wish to pretend.”
Daniel looked at Godfrey warningly. “And as I told you the last time you brought this conversation to me…” He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t.”
“I am only trying to help.”
“Help yourself, you mean.”
Godfrey held out his palms. “Me? Certainly not. I cannot help but think that the Americas will agree with me.” He flashed a smile. “All that sunshine and warm weather will do wonders for my complexion.” Then he fixed Daniel with a look of concern. “Ijust wish to make sure you know what you are doing. And that it is being done for the correct reasons.”
Daniel scoffed. “That is hardly a concern.”
