Page 15 of Doubling Down on a Duke
“Hmm…love is a rather strong word to use in this situation, is it not?” Lady Lillian cocked her head to one side and then added, “But then again, there are gentlemen who have a habit of simply bandying about the word without care.”
“Are you accusing me of being one ofthosegentlemen?”
“Of course not. I have it on good authority from the duchess that you rarely utter the word.”
“That’s not entirely true. I told Helen I loved her just this morn.” All the guests and his hosts at the table turned to facehim at his verbose declaration. He’d raised his voice out of frustration and it just so happened to coincide with a lull in the other guest conversation. When he spied Lady Lillian’s smirk, he realized it had been no coincidence.
Lady Redburn clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention, and said, “Well I for one am jealous.” His dear hostess had saved him. Or so he thought until Lady Redburn added, “It’s only just to see His Grace head over heels in love with his wife since he made her wait two decades before honoring their betrothal agreement.”
Lady Redburn’s statement was followed by a round of “Here, here,” accompanied by the clink of glasses.
He would never live down the fact he’d been slow to act, but he had the rest of his life to make it up to Helen. He raised his glass and toasted, “To the Duchess of Whistlestop.”
Everyone raised their glasses and collectively repeated, “To the Duchess of Whistlestop.”
Lady Lillian emptied her glass and then leaned in closer to whisper, “I managed to obtain the item you are after.”
The lady had become a master pickpocket over the course of the past year. He brought his napkin up to the corner of his mouth to mask his question. “You managed to retrieve the missing diamond ring.”
“I did, along with a set of pretty sapphire ear bobs and an emerald necklace, all of which I believe belong to the dear old jeweler Mr. Rutherford, whose store is located on Bond Street, I believe.”
Rutherford was one of the Network elders. Recovering the jewels would be a great boon. Bryce turned to face Lady Lillian, who was outwardly studying his wife.
He asked, “Is something the matter?”
The lady had on a number of occasions asked rather insightful questions, so insightful that both he and Helenwere worried Lady Lillian might be close to figuring out their connection to the underground community that supported the Protectors of the Royal Family. He followed Lady Lillian’s gaze, which had shifted from his wife to the man seated next to her—the Marquess of Middleton. The strong undercurrent that filled the air was palpable.
Candlelight glittered off Helen’s raised glass and caught his attention. His wife mouthed, “You were right.” And for the first time, Bryce wasn’t certain if Helen was telling him that she loved him in code or confirming that his hypothesis about Lady Lillian and Middleton being perfect for one another was accurate.
Unable to remain separated, Bryce pushed back his chair to stand.
As he did, Lady Lillian whispered, “Please share with Her Grace that I’ll be waiting for her in my chambers tonight.”
Placing his napkin on top of his plate, he replied in a hushed tone, “I’m afraid I have plans for my wife this eve. I trust you can guard the items for one more night.” He stepped away from the table. Ignoring the curious gazes of the other guests, and the titters from some of the women, Bryce strode to stand next to Middleton’s chair and in his most ducal tone said, “Switch.”
Middleton didn’t balk at the suggestion; he simply rose and walked over to sit next to the meddlesome Lady Lillian.
Helen’s body naturally leaned towards him and she said, “Our salver will be devoid of dinner invitationsif you continue to make a habit of altering the seating arrangements mid meal.”
“That would suit me perfectly, since I prefer to dine with you…alone.” Under the table he reached for her hand and she weaved her fingers through his.
While he waited for the footman to replace the setting in front of him with a clean set, Bryce admired his wife as she ate one handed.
He squeezed her hand to gain her attention and said, “I love you.”
And to his delight she replied, “I love you, too.”
