Page 37 of The Truth about the Duke
Lord Montrose nodded. “Indeed.”
“Your son will have the same requirement,” Henry continued, with a smile as Lord Montrose chuckled. “I do hope he has success!”
“If he put a little more time into courting and a little less into cards, then I am sure he would do very well indeed!” came the laughing response. “Ah, here is another carriage.”
Henry nodded. “Yes, that is mine. My driver, Stanley, is an excellent sort.” As he spoke, he kept a keen eye upon Lord Montrose but the gentleman did not give any sort of reaction. There was no flinching, no sudden strain in his expression, and certainly no tension in his voice as he bid him good evening.
“It was very pleasant to speak with you again, Your Grace.” Lord Montrose smiled. “Good evening.”
“Good evening.” Henry nodded to himself as he made his way towards the carriage, feeling quite certain now that Lord Montrose had not taken the heirlooms. It had been the only area of uncertainty for him, though, to his knowledge, Lord Montrose bore no scar upon his face. The mention of his father’s driver – Stanley – had been a test to see whether or not Lord Montrose would show any sort of reaction but there had been none.
That left either his uncle, Lord Chesterfield, who, given what Lady Lydia had discovered, had purchased additional landbeforethe heirlooms had been taken. That did not mean that he was not the one who had taken them though Henry could not think as to why he would have done so. Thus, the only person he was left to consider – aside from Lord Northstone, given that he was no longer with them – was Lord Dunford.
Henry climbed into his carriage, a sense of satisfaction growing in his heart.
Though what shall you do if you do not find the truth? What if Lord Dunford denies it? What if nothing occurs to show you where the heirlooms now reside?
A frown climbed into his expression as he considered, turning his head to look out at the dark streets as the carriage made its way through London. Would he continue on his pursuit to find out the truth? Or could it be that, with all that he now had in Lady Lydia, that he might, instead, realize where the true treasure lay?
Chapter Sixteen
Lydia smiled as she watched Sophie and her husband walk, arm in arm, a little ahead of her. St James’ Park was rather busy but given that it was such a fine day, Lydia was not in the least bit surprised. Many of thetonwould want to be seen by other members of society as well as noting who else was present and thus, a growing crowd was assembling across the grass and blocking the paths on occasion! Hearing Sophie laugh at something her husband had said made Lydia’s smile grow all the more, glad that her friend had found such a delightful gentleman to be her husband. Someone who, she knew, cherished Sophie and encouraged her love of learning.
If only it could be the same for me.
The hint of envy in her heart made Lydia’s smile crack and she tried to push it away just as quickly as she could, a little surprised when the Duke of Melrose entered into her thoughts. At the very start of the Season, he had been the very last person that she had ever considered would be supportive of a bluestocking! And yet, in their acquaintance, in their ever improving connection, he had changed so significantly, that she knew he would champion her, should she ask him to do so! The words he spoke to her, the gratitude, the humbleness ofhim had all shown her just how much he had changed in his attitude and opinions. No longer would she call him arrogant, no longer would she consider him selfish or disagreeable. Instead, he meant so much to her that her heart was practically filled with him.
“We are neglecting you, I think.”
Lydia looked up as Sophie turned to her. “Here I am, having invited you to join us, leaving you to walk alone!”
“It is quite all right.” Lydia smiled at her friend. “I am quite contented, I assure you. My thoughts are many and I am more than happy to walk quietly.”
“You think on him, then?” Sophie chuckled as Lydia flushed and looked away. “I shall not tease you, my dear. Especially when I see him approaching with what, I think, is a purposeful step!”
Her head lifted instantly, her eyes searching the grounds, only to fasten upon the Duke of Melrose coming directly towards her. He was already smiling and Lydia could not help but return it, her heart quickening as he bowed, thrilled to see him again – even though it had been less than a day since they had last been in company together!
“Your Grace, I think you shall soon have all thetonspeaking of yourself and mydearfriend, should you continue to shower such attention upon her!”
Lydia shot Sophie a sharp look, aware of the heat that began to curl through her as her friend continued on, ignoring the look that Lydia had given her.
“First, you danced your very first waltz of the Season with her, only to then dance twice with her last evening which is something you have not done as yet either! I do hope you are aware that society is already beginning to whisper.”
The Duke chuckled and nodded. “Yes, Lady Markham, I am well aware of it. Though I do not care one jot as to what societywill say and I have, be assured, made certain that Lady Lydia is quite contented also. I would not bring her any embarrassment, I assure you.”
Sophie nodded and smiled, though she winked at Lydia in a less than surreptitious manner, making Lydia’s face burn all the more. “That is good to hear, Your Grace. You understand that I speak only out of concern, I hope?”
“I do.” The Duke finally turned his attention back to Lydia, his face a little flushed. “Might you be willing to walk with me for a time, Lady Lydia?”
“I should be glad to.” Relieved to step away from Sophie for fear that she would say something more, Lydia took the Duke’s arm and set off along the path, certain that Sophie and her husband would stay near. “I – I am sorry if anything Lady Markham said brought you any embarrassment. I am sure she did not mean it.”
Thankfully, the Duke chuckled. “Not in the least. She is concerned for you and I can understand that.” He glanced at her, then frowned. “Though I do hope that you are not concerned about all that society will say. I am not, though that is because I do not care what they think. My own intentions are all that I think of.”
Lydia pressed her lips together but did not say anything, wondering what it was that the Duke meant by his intentions. What intentions did he have towards her? She could only pray that they were not that their friendship would end once the truth about the heirlooms were discovered.
“I did enjoy your latest article in The London Chronicle,” he told her, smiling down into her eyes. “You have a great talent, Lydia.”
Her heart leaped at his compliment and at the way his hazel eyes swirled. “I thank you.”
