Page 68 of A Dilemma for the Duke

“Shall I prepare the carriage for you?”

Lora paused, surprised. “How did you know I was going out?”

Anna offered a small smile. “Just a feeling, milady. Thought you might have need of it.”

Lora’s expression softened. “Thank you, Anna. Yes, please.”

As Anna disappeared to make the arrangements, Lora took one last glance around her room. Her gaze fell upon the letter lying on the vanity. She considered taking it with her but decided against it. This conversation would be between her and Rockford. No anonymous words would dictate her actions beyond this point.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Lora moved withpurpose as she descended the staircase, her footsteps echoing lightly against the polished wood. Outside, the carriage awaited, the coachman standing at attention. The sky overhead was a patchwork of clouds, hinting at the possibility of rain, a reflection of the anger building inside her.

She stared out the carriage window as the carriage set off toward Rockford’s estate. The familiar scenery passed by in a blur. With each turn of the wheel, she replayed conversations in her mind. The truth was there for all to see. Her fingers twisted nervously in her lap. Rockford needed to know what foolishness was afoot.

“Play me false. Really. Now, this gossip has gone too far. Hastings must be behind this with all the innuendo he was making.” she whispered to herself with conviction. The thought of his sincere affection strengthened her tenacity. Every moment she shared with Rockford, the warmth of his touch, the genuine look in his eyes, the tenderness of his kiss, was real.

“What if he denies it?” The question surfaced, but she dismissed it quickly. “Of course, he will deny it. Because it’s a lie.” She tightened her grip on the letter. Rockford would be as outraged as she was. Someone was out to ruin his reputation, and she would not stand for it.

The carriage jolted slightly over a rut in the road, pulling her from her thoughts. She took a steadying breath. She wouldremain composed regardless of how Rockford might rant. This letter was a cruel ploy, and they would confront it together.

Moments later, the carriage slowed as it approached the manor. As they came to a halt, a footman hurried forward to assist her. Lora stepped out. Her heart pounded with each step toward the entrance, but she held her head high, feeling like an angel of mercy coming to help him.

“Good day, Lady Lora,” Mr. Turner bowed. “Is His Grace expecting you?”

She offered a tight smile. “Perhaps not, but I’m certain he’ll see me.”

“Of course, milady. Please, this way.”

She followed the footman through the familiar halls. They paused outside the door to Rockford’s study. “One moment, milady.” He knocked discreetly.

A muffled response came from within. The footman opened the door. “Lady Lora to see you, Your Grace.”

Rockford looked up from the papers spread across his desk, surprise flashing across his features before being replaced with a warm smile. “Lora.” He rose quickly to his feet. “This is a delightful surprise.”

She stepped into the room, her gaze steady. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Never,” he assured, moving around the desk to greet her. “What brings you here?” His eyes searched hers.

For a heartbeat, she hesitated, emotions swirling beneath her composed exterior.“The Duke of Rockford’s courtship of Lady Lora was initiated under false pretenses…”echoed in her head. She swallowed hard. “Harriet received something absurd that you should know about. I am sure you will know what must be done.”

His smile faltered slightly. “Of course. Shall we sit?” He gestured toward the pair of armchairs by the window.

She nodded, allowing him to lead the way. Once seated, she turned to face him fully, holding his gaze.

“What did Lady Harriet receive?”

“An anonymous note making certain… allegations about you.”

A trace of apprehension crossed his face. “Allegations?” he echoed cautiously.

She drew a breath, steeling herself. “It claims that your courtship of me was… orchestrated for ulterior motives. That you never truly cared for me.”

He stiffened, a shadow passing over his face. “Lora, this isn’t what you think. Please, just let me explain.”

Her face fell. Explain? The word echoed, sharp as a knife. The urgency in his voice should have reassured her, but instead, it cut deeper. Her heart clenched painfully at his response. The lack of immediate denial struck like a blow. “This is true?” Pain threaded through her words as she dreaded his answer. “You played me false?”

He instinctively reached for her hand, but she recoiled, pulling her hands into her lap. “Please, let me explain,” he implored, anguish evident in his eyes.

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