Page 58 of His Forsaken Duchess
“Perhaps not,” she replied, letting her fingers trace the edge of the saucer. “But I have never traveled with you.”
His hand stilled over the newspaper, and his gaze rose to meet hers. “No, you haven’t.”
He studied her for a moment, his dark eyes searching.
“You’re worried about your sister,” he said.
It was not a question, but a statement.
Audrey nodded, her smile fading. “I am,” she admitted softly. “The longer we delay, the more damage is done to her reputation.”
Cedric set down his newspaper, his expression softening slightly. “We will leave for London tomorrow,” he said. “The roads should be clear enough by then.”
Relief washed over Audrey. Part of her had grown accustomed to the quiet solitude of Haremore Castle, to the tentative understanding that had begun to form between her and Cedric. But Lilianna needed her, and that took precedence over any personal feelings.
“Thank you,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I appreciate your willingness to help.”
Cedric’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “It is the right thing to do,” he replied, his tone measured. “No one should suffer as…” he trailed off.
But Audrey knew what he was going to say. Cecilia.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the table. Audrey wanted to reach out, to offer some form of comfort, but she hesitated.How could she console him for a loss she had only just begun to understand?
Instead, she cleared her throat softly. “Shall we discuss our strategy for London?” she asked, her tone deliberately light. “We’ll need to present a united front if we’re to sway public opinion in Lilianna’s favor.”
Cedric nodded, seeming grateful for the change of topic. “Indeed,” he said. “Perhaps even host a small gathering ourselves.”
Audrey’s eyebrows rose slightly, but she knew the sarcasm in his voice all too well. “You would be willing to host?”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I am not entirely opposed to social gatherings, despite what you may think. However, I have reservations about hosting an event for the ton. I’m not as eager as you to open my house to them.”
Audrey raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come now, Cedric. Are you worried they might not appreciate your impeccable taste in decor?”
Cedric chuckled at her teasing. “Worried about my taste in decor? Hardly. I have a duchess with impeccable taste to handle such matters.”
Audrey felt a flush of warmth at his words, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. “Oh? And here I thought you found my taste too extravagant for your austere sensibilities.”
“Extravagant, perhaps,” Cedric replied, his voice dropping slightly as he leaned forward. “But undeniably exquisite.”
Their gazes locked, and Audrey felt her breath catch in her throat. There was an intensity in Cedric’s eyes that sent a shiver down her spine. She found herself leaning in as well, drawn by some invisible force.
“I’m glad you approve,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Though I wonder what other aspects of me you find… exquisite.”
Cedric’s lips parted slightly, his eyes darkening. “Audrey, I?—”
A soft cough interrupted them, and both turned to see Potts standing in the doorway, his expression as impassive as ever.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace,” he said to Cedric. “But Mr. Farley, the steward, has arrived and is waiting in your study.”
Cedric straightened, clearing his throat. “Thank you, Potts. I’ll be there shortly.”
Potts bowed slightly and retreated, leaving Cedric and Audrey alone once more. The moment that had passed between them lingered in the air, charged and unresolved.
Cedric rose from his chair, picking up his teacup and draining its contents. “I should go,” he said, his voice regaining its usual composure. “I have some estate matters to attend to.”
Audrey nodded, trying to ignore the disappointment that settled in her chest. “Of course,” she replied, forcing a smile.
Cedric hesitated for a moment, his hand resting on the back of his chair. Then, with a gentleness that surprised her, he reached out and brushed his fingers lightly against her cheek.
