Page 36 of A Dilemma for the Duke

The carriage slowed as the groom stopped at Rockford Manor and handed her down. She straightened her skirt, took a deep breath, and marched up to the grand entrance.

“Good morning, Lady Lora,” Turner said with a polite bow. “How may I assist you today?”

“Good morning, Mr. Turner. Is His Grace at home?” Lora asked, striving for a casual tone as she prepared to remove her gloves.

Turner hesitated almost imperceptibly. “His Grace is currently engaged, my lady.”

She stopped fussing with her hands. Lora’s brow furrowed. “Engaged? Might I wait to see him?”

“I’m afraid that may not be possible,” he replied, his expression apologetic. “His Grace has left instructions not to be disturbed.”

A flicker of hurt crossed her face. “I see. Do you know when he might be available?”

“I cannot say with certainty, my lady. Perhaps later in the week,” Turner offered.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice sounded from behind the butler.

“Lady Lora! What a pleasant surprise.”

Hastings stepped into the foyer, a sly smile on his lips.

“Mr. Hastings,” Her tone was cooler. “I wasn’t aware you were acquainted with His Grace.”

“Oh, we have… mutual interests,” Hastings said smoothly. “Are you here to see him as well?”

“I was, but it seems he is unavailable.” She was disappointed that she could not keep the edge from her voice.

“Ah, that’s unfortunate.” Even in her current twist, she was aware that Hastings’ smile didn’t reach his eyes. “He’s been quite preoccupied lately.”

Lora straightened her back, her chin lifting in a subtle display of defiance. “Thank you for your… concern, Mr. Hastings,” she replied, her voice steady but edged with a controlled ire. “With what might His Grace be preoccupied?”

Hastings took a step closer, his presence invasive. “Matters of importance, I’m sure. Though one might wonder what could be more pressing than attending to certain social obligations.”

Lora, her back straight, lifted her chin slightly. “I find it curious that you seem so well-informed about His Grace’s affairs. Can you elaborate?” She kept her voice steady, but it was laced with controlled anger.

He chuckled softly as he played with the brim of his hat in his hands. “I merely find it interesting that His Grace seems to be… otherwise occupied, especially after making certain affections apparent. It would be a shame if his attentions were fickle.”

“Your insights are always… interesting, Mr. Hastings. Though I must admit, I find trust to be a commodity earned through actions rather than words.”

Hastings’ smile faltered for a brief moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her words. He recovered quickly, though, his tone remaining light but with an edge of mock politeness. “Ah, Lady Lora, your candor is as refreshing as ever. One can only aspire to meet such high standards. I do hope to prove my worth in time.”

“Good day, Mr. Hastings.” Lora turned sharply, signaling the end of the conversation.

He inclined his head slightly, a gesture that was more mocking than respectful. “Until then, Lady Lora. I suspect our paths will cross again soon, perhaps under more… intriguing circumstances.”

Chapter Fifteen

As Lora returnedto the carriage, a knot of doubt tightened in her chest. She climbed inside, and the coachman turned for her instructions.

“Home, my lady?” he asked.

Lora hesitated, her gaze distant as she stared unseeing at the road ahead. Return home? Alone with her turbulent thoughts and the silent rooms echoing with questions she couldn’t answer? The walls would close in, magnifying her uncertainty.

She needed clarity, some help to pull her from the confusion. Harriet’s steadfast friendship and keen intuition were that beacon.

Taking a breath, she met the coachman’s gaze. “No, take me to Lady Harriet’s,” her voice steadier than she felt.

As the carriage drove on, the rhythmic clatter of wheels matched the anxious cadence of her heart. Rockford’s silence, the butler’s curt dismissal, and Hastings’ smug insinuations churned in her mind, an endless storm.

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