Page 52 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Victoria watched Simon make his rounds amongst the departing guests, gracious and unfazed as ever. When his gaze met hers across the room, her breath caught at the intensity in his dark eyes. For a fleeting moment, the chaos and gossip swirling around them faded away, and there were only the two of them, connected by an invisible thread.

Then Simon gave her the faintest of nods before returning his attention to his guests. The spell broken, Victoria blinked and tried to calm her racing heart.

“Did you see that just now between the Duke and Lady Victoria?”

Victoria overheard the hushed gossip of two Society ladies nearby.

“Most irregular,” the first woman murmured behind her fan. “Especially considering her engagement to his brother.”

Victoria’s cheeks burned as she quickly excused herself from the room. She had no desire to hear further whispers regarding herself and Simon. Especially when even she could not make sense of what was between them.

Upon returning to her guest chamber, she busied herself with checking whether she had forgotten any of her belongings. A knock interrupted her, and Madeline entered.

“Nearly ready?” her cousin asked. “The carriages will be prepared soon.”

Victoria nodded. “Just a few last items to pack up.”

Madeline eyed her keenly. “You seem distracted. Is everything all right?”

“Of course. I’m just… ready to be home again, that is all.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie.

Madeline didn’t look convinced but let the matter drop. “I know just what you mean. This has been a most exhausting visit for you.”

Victoria had turned back to continue with her final checks when Madeline spoke again. “I noticed you and His Grace exchanging rather intense looks earlier.”

Victoria busied herself with folding a gown. “Did you? I hadn’t realized.”

“Hmm,” Madeline said knowingly.

Victoria ignored her pointed look.

Once confirmed nothing was left behind, they headed downstairs to the bustling entry hall. Guests bid their goodbyes while footmen loaded luggage into carriages outside. During a pause in the commotion, Victoria slipped away unnoticed, intending to have one last word alone with Simon before leaving.

Her nerves fluttered strangely as she approached the door to his study. Drawing a bracing breath, she knocked once. At the call to enter, she stepped inside.

Simon stood by the window, his back to the door. He turned at her entrance, surprise flickering across his face. “Lady Victoria. To what do I owe the honor?”

Victoria clasped her hands tightly before her to keep them from shaking. “Forgive my intrusion. I thought we should speak privately before I depart.”

Simon raised an eyebrow but motioned for her to continue.

She took a few steps nearer. “I wish to thank you again for how kindly you’ve handled… recent unfortunate events.”

The corner of Simon’s mouth lifted wryly. “It is I who should thank you, Lady Victoria. Your pretend attachment provided useful insight into my brother’s ill intent.”

Victoria paled at his blunt candor. She drew a shaky breath. “About that, Your Grace?—”

But Simon held up a hand, stopping her explanation. “There is no need for excuses. My brother is adept at manipulation. The fault is not yours.”

Victoria bit her lip. She longed to confess the full truth to Simon, to unburden herself of this weighty secret. But she couldn’t form the words, terrified of how he might react.

Simon eyed her closely. “There is more you are not telling me.”

It was not a question.

Victoria opened her mouth, willing herself to reveal all. But the long-instilled habit of protecting her family held her back.

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