Page 67 of A Duke Reformed
"I think this is more than curiosity," Andrew replied. "But I won't hold you. While I really want you to stay and see this through, I can't pretend I don't see what this is doing to you. You might not want to talk about it with me, but I will try to understand. I was once in your shoes anyway."
Solomon lowered his head briefly. "I don't know how to talk about things like this, so I apologize if I confuse you. It's all very new to me too. It doesn't mean that I don't trust you. You're my closest confidante, Andrew. I just don't know how to talk about this with you."
Andrew's expression softened and she slowly sat down. "You don't have to explain everything perfectly," he said. "You're not expected to have all the words. But I have been able to a gather a lot about what is going on with you. With the information I have, I would like to give you one advice. I know you didn't ask for it. But I would like to say something. As your confidante."
Solomon squinted his eyes, clearly intrigued. "I'm listening," he said, leaning on the table.
"Love will change you. I can guarantee that," Andrew said quietly. "When I first married Lavinia, I said, quite firmly – might I add – that I didn't want children. I didn't think I'd be good at it and I wanted to punish someone."
Andrew smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Then I fell in love with her, deeply, and suddenly, her happiness became mine. The idea of children didn't terrify me anymore. It thrilled me. Now, we have one beautiful child that I cannot imagine my life without. Now, I want to fill our home with the sound of laughter... of tiny footsteps. I want her to have the joy she brings me."
Andrew rose to his feet. "My point is, don't feel betrayed by yourself if you start to want something else," he added.
Solomon smiled faintly and stood upright. "Thank you, Andrew," he said plainly. "I'll see you in London."
Andrew nodded. "Lavinia is already on the way here, so I'll just wait for her and we can spend a few days together before returning to London."
Solomon gave a small chuckle. "Spend all the time you need. I'll see you back in London."
As Solomon made his way toward the door, Andrew lifted his hand, stopped him in his tracks. "I heard Lord Alexandar is hosting a ball in a few days. Something about celebrating his new estate acquisition or some other reason to have far too many people in one room drinking far too much wine."
Solomon titled his head to the side slightly, unsure if that information was important to him.
"If you get back in time, Emma will likely be there," Andrew added, watching him closely. "Her father is quite good friends with Alexander. It'll be a fine place to find her and talk to her... if that's what you truly want."
Solomon gave Andrew a firm nod and turned away, crossing the study with brisk steps. He was determined to leave immediately until he reached the door. There, his hand hovered over the handle, but he didn't open it.
He paused.
His shoulders lifted with a slow breath, and then he turned halfway back.
"Does it matter that I am still angry?" he asked. "Would it affect how I talk to her? All I can think about is how she lied? I don't know how I would react when I see her. Like I said, I haven't... done this before."
Andrew turned to him. "Whatever I tell you will not matter here. You will feel what you feel and react how you feel is best."
With that, Solomon walked out of the room, making his way to the carriage awaiting him down the stairs.
He knew now that he had feelings for her. It was quite certain, and there was no use denying it anymore or trying to make it disappear simply because no good could possibly come of it. He loved her. That truth had found him, fierce and unexpected. However, it came with thorns and it was very much complicated.
He was still angry. Bitterly so.
But for the life of him, he could not figure out what happened when love and betrayal meet in the same heart for the same person.
What emotion usually ended up winning thereby changing the course of everything?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Like Andrew had said, Lord Alexandar's ball had everyone of importance in attendance.
Solomon arrived just as the second set was beginning. He had returned to his London estate only moments before and had taken no second to rest. Instead, he changed swiftly into attire suitable for the occasion, a deep navy coat with silver embroidery, crisp white cravat, and a pair of black trousers.
As soon as he stepped into Lord Alexander's grand ballroom, he started on his mission. He was there for one reason, and one reason alone.
There was no time for distraction.
It was obvious that the crowd took notice of him. The moment he stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned. Conversations faltered, eyes widened on seeing him, people whispered, stealing glances at him.
But he ignored all of it and continued his search. It didn't take long until he found her. Standing beside her sister near the refreshments table, dressed in a soft blue gown that shimmered beneath the chandelier light. Her profile was turned slightly, and a polite smile playing on her lips as she spoke. She didn't see him. She was too engrossed in her conversation with Cecilia.
