Page 59 of A Dilemma for the Duke

Rockford raised an eyebrow. “In addition to him being a brilliant doctor. And how did the auction go?”

“Very well, indeed.” Harriet’s face lit in a wide smile. “Lady Beatrice won the Constable painting for an outstanding £600. She’s a close friend of Major-General Rebow’s wife Mary Hester. It appears Mary Hester swoons over the landscape Mr. Constable did for them. This piece His Grace obtained for theauction was one Lady Beatrice was not only surprised to see here but also the prize of the auction.”

Lora’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s wonderful.”

Rockford nodded, his expression softening. “Indeed. It seems the evening was very successful.”

Harriet sighed, glancing back at the hall. “Yes, it was, but I can’t help but feel there’s more to this evening than meets the eye,” she murmured, her gaze thoughtful. “But I’m thrilled with the number of people who attended and the auction’s success. I’ve come to share this wonderful news and to tell you the carriages are being prepared.”

“Thank you, Harriet.” Lora cast one last glance at Rockford. “Thank you, Rockford, for all you’ve done to make this a successful evening.”

Rockford lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss upon it. A pleasant shiver ran up her arm, easing the evening’s tensions and leaving her feeling cherished and deeply connected to him.

She smiled softly, her heart swelling as she whispered, “Until tomorrow.”

Lora and Harriet made their way to the carriage. As they exchanged a warm look, Lora’s eyes sparkled with a newfound determination and hope.

As the carriage wheels turned, a quiet determination settled in her heart. Whatever shadows Hastings intended to cast, she would not face them alone. With Rockford at her side, they could withstand anything.

“You seem lost in thought,” Harriet observed gently.

Lora offered a small smile. “Perhaps, but no longer adrift. I know where I stand now.”

Harriet’s eyes held a knowing glint. “And with whom you stand?”

Lora’s cheeks warmed. “Yes,” she murmured, her fingers brushing the edge of Rockford’s coat. “And with whom I choose to stand.”

*

From the shadows,Hastings watched them, his expression wavering with unease. The game was advancing. The chess pieces were moving toward an inevitable finish, a veritable checkmate.

If that were true, why did the sight of them, so in sync, so certain, set his teeth on edge? The fear gnawed at him. This wasn’t just about control. It was about losing to Rockford. The sight of their closeness stirred a deep, bitter resentment, one he forced down behind a practiced smirk.

“Enjoy your respite,” he murmured, his voice shaded with a barely concealed anxiety. “The tides are turning.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

16 October 1822

Lora stood bythe window of her sitting room, gazing out at the garden below. She didn’t notice the vibrant blooms that swayed softly in the breeze. Her thoughts were a tangle of the previous evening’s events, the art auction, unsettling encounters, and the lingering scent of lemon and smoke that stirred memories she’d rather forget.

A familiar knock pulled her from her reverie. She turned just as the door opened, and her brother, Adam, stepped in, his grin a welcome burst of sunshine.

“Surprise, sister!” He spread his arms wide.

“Adam!” A genuine smile broke across her features. She closed the distance between them swiftly, embracing him tightly. The solid warmth of his hug brought a rush of comfort. “When did you return?”

“Just this morning,” Holding her at arm’s length and studied her face. “Thought I’d return after my short trip to Brighton. Can’t stay away too long, can I?”

She chuckled. “Your timing couldn’t be better.”

His smile faltered slightly as he searched her eyes. “Is everything all right, Lora? You seem… preoccupied.”

She hesitated, torn between unburdening herself and shielding him from her worries. “There have been… some challenges.” The words felt insufficient, like calling a storm apassing drizzle. She exhaled softly. “Perhaps we could talk while walking along the cliffs? The fresh air might help clear my thoughts.”

Adam’s eyes softened with concern. “Of course.” He offered his arm with a flourish. “Lead the way.”

They crossed the garden and slipped out the back gate, stepping onto the path that meandered toward the cliffs. The North Sea stretched before them, a vast expanse of shimmering blue meeting the horizon. The salty breeze played with Lora’s loose wisps of hair, and she inhaled deeply, hoping to ease the tightness in her chest.

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