Page 52 of Duke of Fyre

Lydia nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Then let us go," she said firmly, already steering him toward the elderly lord.

"Your Graces," Lord Pembroke greeted them with an affable smile. "How lovely to see you both this evening."

"The pleasure is ours," Lydia replied warmly, noting how several of the men shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to interact with the Beast of Fyre's new duchess. "I understand you've been discussing the new railway line through Yorkshire?"

Lord Pembroke's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "Indeed, Your Grace. Though I wouldn't have expected..." He caught himself. "That is, it's rather a complex matter."

"Oh, but fascinating, don't you think?" Lydia continued smoothly. "The potential impact on local commerce alone is worth considering. I was reading just yesterday about similar developments in Lancashire."

Elias's hand tightened slightly on her arm, and she caught the flash of approval in his eyes.

"You're familiar with the Lancashire project?" another gentleman – Sir James Whitmore – asked, clearly intrigued.

"The quarterly reports make for interesting reading," Lydia smiled. "Though I must say, their proposed route seems rather inefficient compared to what Lord Pembroke is suggesting for Yorkshire."

"You've read the quarterly reports?" Sir James couldn't quite hide his amazement.

"My wife," Elias said quietly, his deep voice carrying a note of pride that made Lydia's heart skip, "has quite a head for business."

"Indeed," Lord Pembroke nodded, his initial surprise giving way to genuine respect. "Perhaps, Your Grace, you'd care to share your thoughts on the matter of the western route? We've been debating the merits of following the river versus cutting through the hills."

"The river route would be costlier initially," Lydia observed, "but considering the potential for future expansion and the existing trade routes..." She glanced at Elias. "Though Your Grace has far more experience with such matters."

"Please," Elias's lips curved slightly, "continue. Your analysis matches my own thoughts exactly."

The men gathered closer as Lydia elaborated, their earlier stiffness forgotten in the excitement of discussing business. She watched with quiet pleasure as Elias joined in, his brilliant mind cutting through complex problems with ease. The way he commanded attention without ever raising his voice, the depth of his knowledge, the subtle power he wielded – it was captivating.

"Remarkable insight," Lord Pembroke murmured as Elias explained a particularly clever solution to their funding concerns. "Though I suspect your duchess's suggestion about involving the local merchants' guild would smooth the way considerably."

"Lydia has a gift for seeing connections others miss," Elias agreed, his eyes meeting hers with unmistakable warmth. "It's one of her many... unexpected qualities."

The genuine admiration in his voice made Lydia flush with pleasure. They worked well together, she realized – her diplomatic skills complementing his strategic mind, her warmth softening his intimidating presence.

"I must say," Sir James commented, looking between them, "you make quite the formidable pair. The ton won't know what hit them."

"Let's hope not," Elias murmured, and Lydia caught the ghost of a smile playing around his lips. "Though I suspect they're about to find out."

"She is quite a woman, your duchess," Lord Pembroke murmured to Elias as the conversation began to wrap up. "You're a fortunate man."

Elias's hand tightened almost imperceptibly on her arm. "Indeed, I am."

Before Lydia could respond, the opening strains of a waltz filled the air, and Elias's hand was suddenly at the small of her back, guiding her toward the dance floor.

"You don't dance," she said softly, half in disbelief.

"I will tonight," he replied, his voice rough. "Besides, you have asked me so many times that I had no choice but to give in. Do not make me beg. Dance with me, Lydia."

Her heart fluttered at the intensity in his words, and with a smile that barely touched her lips, she nodded. "If you insist."

As they glided across the floor, Lydia was acutely aware of the warmth of his hand at her waist, the closeness of their bodies, the feel of his strong fingers encircling hers. She hadn't expected this—hadn't expected him to let down his walls so easily. He was dancing with her, but more than that, it felt as if they were opening a door to something neither of them had fully explored yet.

"You're shaking," Elias observed quietly as they moved in perfect synchrony.

"I'm perfectly composed," Lydia said, her voice a little breathless. "As a duchess should be."

His lips twitched in amusement. "Ah, yes, your famous composure. Like when you told Lady Pembroke her hat looked like something a dog might have dug up from the garden?"

Lydia couldn't suppress a laugh. "I merely pointed out the fact that it did resemble something excavated. Diplomatic honesty."

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