Page 33 of A Dilemma for the Duke

Rockford’s expression shifted to a mischievous smile. “You said you know me. Do you know me as well as you did when I was untying the knots in my breeches at the lake?”

Lora couldn’t help but laugh, the memory of that day bringing a picture to mind. “Oh, I remember that day well! You were so furious, and I couldn’t stop laughing.”

Rockford’s smile widened, the tension easing. “You’ve always had a knack for getting under my skin.” He leaned close so only she would hear, “Lora.”

She shook her head, still smiling. “And you’ve always had a way of making everything seem less serious.”

For a moment, they stood together, the air thick with unspoken memories and a deep, shared understanding. In that brief silence, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

Rockford’s eyes grew serious as he searched hers. “Lora, these past weeks have opened my eyes. You mean more to me than I ever realized. It’s not just friendship anymore. It’s something much deeper. You’ve become a part of me, and I can’t imagine my days without you.”

Lora’s breath caught, and her heart pounded. His words echoed in her head, stirring a whirlwind of emotions, fear of risking their friendship, hope for a deeper connection, and the uncertainty that came with stepping into the unknown. The shift in their relationship, the deepening of their connection, it wasn’t her imagination. Could she risk their friendship for the possibility of something more?

She looked into his eyes, seeing vulnerability and passion in his gaze. At that moment, she couldn’t keep her feelings to herself any longer. Lora took a step closer, her hand reaching out to touch his. “I feel that way, too. You’ve always held a special place in my heart, but now it’s different. It’s stronger.”

She took a step closer. “I’ve been afraid to say it, fearing it might change everything between us. But hearing you now… it fills me with hope.”

Rockford gently took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Then let’s not waste any more time. I’m ready to see where this takes us.”

Tears of relief and joy welled in Lora’s eyes, and she nodded, unable to find the words.

She squeezed his hand, her voice filled with emotion. “I don’t know what to say.”

Before Rockford could respond, the fragile stillness between them was interrupted by a sharp laugh, grounding them back in the bustling reality of the room. The abrupt sound shattered the intimate moment.

Mrs. Bainbridge had just told a particularly amusing anecdote, and Harriet was doubled over in laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Mrs. Bainbridge, noticing the subtle shift in the atmosphere. She turned to Rockford with a charming smile. “Your Grace, I’ve been meaning to discuss the upcoming charity ball with you. I hear your experience with such events is unparalleled, and I could use some advice on hosting something equally splendid.”

Rockford nodded graciously. “I would be delighted to assist, Mrs. Bainbridge.”

Mrs. Bainbridge beamed. “Wonderful! Perhaps we could discuss it here for a moment?” She gestured to a nearby chair, inviting Rockford to join her.

“I’ll leave you both to your discussion.” Harriet rose and walked over to Lora. Harriet’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Harriet admired the vase of flowers. “Mr. Hastings is ambitious, no doubt. He is jealous of the attention that Rockford gives you. Would you be interested in Mr. Hastings if he wasn’t dangling the clinic in front of you?”

Lora sighed, her thoughts still tangled with concerns about the clinic. “I have a great deal to sort out.”

Harriet patted her hand reassuringly. “Love is a mysterious thing, Lora. Sometimes, it appears when you least expect it.”

*

Outside the estate,the town was abuzz with whispers of the recent events. The tension between Rockford and Hastings had not gone unnoticed, and the community kept a close watch.

As he made his way back to the Stonehill Inn, a sly smile lit Hastings’ face. Cordial and polite. Weak, that’s what Lady Lora is. He could easily lead her and make Lady Lora his pawn to further his ambition. As for Rockford, he couldn’t wait to crush him.

When he reached the inn, Hastings bypassed the tavern’s noisy revelry, retreating to his room to review the documents he had ‘fixed’ yet again. He removed his jacket, poured himself a glass of port, and sat at the table. As he read the documents, Lora’s words echoed in his mind. She had spoken of integrity, of trust, and the value of honorable actions. Her conviction had struck a chord, one he had long buried beneath layers of ambition.

With the documents he had, even the King of England would listen to him. That kind of power was bigger than he’d ever dreamed as a boy scraping by. Yet her words made him pause. Was it enough to just be heard, or did he want more than just power? Respect? For the first time in a long while, his father’s voice echoed in his head. And with it, came a sense of guilt.

His thoughts drifted back to a dimly lit warehouse by the waterfront in London, where he met a man who had the power to change his life.

The flickering lantern cast long shadows on the stone walls, creating an atmosphere thick with secrecy. He straightened his coat, masking his apprehension with a veneer of confidence.

A voice emerged from the shadows, smooth and controlled. “Mr. Hastings, your punctuality is appreciated.”

Hastings kept his gaze steady, staring into the darkness. “I believe in seizing opportunities, and this meeting promises to be quite beneficial.”

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