Page 34 of The Truth about the Duke
Thus, the only gentleman that was left for her to study was Lord Dunford. Her family was already well acquainted with his, given that he had invited them to his soiree of late on since he was already acquainted with her father. That did not mean that Lydia had any knowledge of who he was or what sort of character he had. Nor did she know much about his estate nor his standing and, with that in her head, she set to her task with relish. It delighted her to learn and to study and this, given that there was an even weightier cause behind it, made it all the more of a pleasure.
“You have foundout some more, I think?”
Lydia glanced up at her friend, then rose from where she had been sitting, finding her back a little stiff. “Thank you for coming with me to the library again, Sophie. I confess that I was a little frustrated that I could not find what I needed to about Lord Dunford.”
“But you have now?”
Lydia nodded slowly, though she drew her brows together as she spoke. “I have found something, yes, but it is not all that I wanted to discover. Lord Dunford’s estate is in good standing, his tenants are happy and contented and his family are all held in high esteem in society.”
“But?” Sophie tilted her head. “I can see from your expression that there is something that troubles you.”
Lydia smiled briefly. “Thereissomething that has caught my interest, I shall agree with you on that.”
“And what is that?”
Taking a deep breath and considering carefully what she was to say, Lydia gestured to the papers she had been reading. “It is to say that there were some repairs made to the manor house in the year that the heirlooms were taken. However, they had been noted and were expected to take place some five years before then. It is noted simply in the history of the house and the writer has not stated as to why such repairs were delayed.”
“That is interesting, certainly.” Sophie’s eyes rounded. “It could be, then, thatheis – ”
“I must keep that to my thoughts only,” Lydia interrupted, keeping her voice low for fear that someone else would hear them. She had told Sophie all that had taken place between herself and the Duke, knowing she would receive her friend’s support. “Next, I must tell Melrose what I have discovered and he – ”
“Melrose?” Sophie’s eyes rounded, the edge of her mouth quirking upwards. “Did you just speak of the Duke in such anintimatemanner?”
Lydia flushed, heat pouring into her. “He suggested that I do so, given that he did not refer to me asLadyLydia but only Lydia.” She tried to push away her friend’s gasp of astonishment, trying to pretend that she had not felt anything in that moment. “It means nothing, I am sure.”
“I am not so sure!” Sophie leaned closer, her voice a whisper now. “My dear, what if the Duke of Melrose has an interest in you that goes beyond what you are able to offer him with as regards your assistance?”
Lydia shook her head. “My dear friend, you cannot think – ”
“And look how red your cheeks are when I suggest it!” Sophie’s eyes widened and she grasped Lydia’s hand. “You must be truthful with me, Lydia. Are you drawn to the Duke?”
Lydia did not know how to answer. If she was to be honest with Sophie, then she would have to admit that yes, there was something in her that was drawn to the Duke, something that she desired about him which seemed to continually pull her closer. Their conversation in the park, the waltz he had pulled her into – both of those things had confirmed to her that her interest in the Duke was not solely in the lost heirlooms.
“Lydia!” Sophie exclaimed, only to clap one hand over her mouth as she ducked her head, clearly aware that she had spoken much too loudly.
“Please, Sophie.” Lydia closed her eyes and let out a small sigh, shaking her head as she did so. “You cannot push me to tell you something that I am entirely uncertain of myself.”
“Then youareinterested in a closer connection with him?”
Lydia swallowed tightly, looking away from her friend. To admit this aloud would be very difficult indeed, for what would happen if he did not feel anything in exchange? He was a very handsome and amiable gentleman who spoke well and whose conversation drew her in, and his kindness towards her had been pleasing indeed. In addition, had he not also apologized for his lack of consideration when it came to bluestockings? Had he not told her that he was sorry for his previous harshness? That was a gentleman indeed who said such a thing as that!
“I dare not eventhinkabout what it is that my heart says,” she answered, a little hoarsely. “Sophie, I am afraid.” Opening her eyes, she looked straight into Sophie’s face and saw her friend’s expression soften.
“Oh, my dear.” Sophie squeezed Lydia’s hand gently. “There is nothing to be afraid of! To have feelings for a particular gentleman is not in the least bit worrisome!”
“No?”
“Of course it is not!” Sophie leaned a little closer. “You have nothing to be afraid of.”
Lydia’s throat squeezed as she fought back a rush of tears. “But what if he does not feel anything for me? What am I to do then?”
Sophie smiled. “I am sure that there is no need for you to worry. And if it should come to it, then… ” Her smile faded. “Then that will be difficult but you do not need to shirk back from that now. It is good that you are willing to admit to what you feel, my dear, though I must confess myself a little surprised!”
“Because I thought so poorly of him and made my feelings on that subject known?”
With a grin, Sophie nodded. “Precisely.”
“Things have changed for me since he first shared with me about the heirlooms,” Lydia answered, truthfully. “He has been very honest with me, stating that his opinions on bluestockings are no longer the ones he holds to himself. In that regard, I have found him quite altered from my first impression!”
