Page 22 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
“Read? As in books?” She looked flustered.
“Yes.”
“Well, I have always been a person of activity rather than one who could just sit for hours absorbed in a book. My disposition does not allow that, and I always run away from reading. Although Russel House has a beautiful library. You must come to call on me tomorrow morning, and I will show you all the books we keep here.”
Alexander knew she was right since he had been in this house on several occasions in the past, knowing the place as well as the back of his hand. The library had been personally built by the duchess herself, who was fond of books and reading, and she always advised both Eliza and Alexander to read as well.
Alexander also remembered borrowing books from her on several occasions. Now, Victoria laid claim to a library she had never even bothered to look into with such ease that it angered Alexander immensely.
“I would love to,” he replied shortly, “Do tell me about your family. I hear you have siblings?”
“I do.” She nodded, clearly not as eager to talk about anyone but herself. “You have already been introduced to Mamaand Papa, but I also have an older brother named Henry and a younger sister, Margaret.”
Alexander waited for her to mention something about Eliza or perhaps her dead uncle, who was the Duke of Grafton, but she remained quiet as if both Eliza and her parents were entirely nonexistent. He had been right. Victoria Russel was too cunning to be considered the weak link of the family, and he would need to try a different approach.
“That sounds marvellous.”
“You have asked me every possible question about me, yet I still do not know anything about you. Mind telling me your name now, My Lord?”
Alexander laughed. “A secret will remain a secret no matter how many times you ask, Lady Victoria.”
“Ah.” She smiled.
‘Well, to be fair, I have been away from England much too long and resided in France with my family. I only returned toLondon a few days ago, and I am a little surprised at the changes that have happened here.”
“What kind of changes?”
Alexander knew this was his moment to press Victoria to see if she would break. A part of him told him the attempt was futile and might raise unnecessary questions, but he had to at least try before giving up entirely.
“Last I heard, the Duke and Duchess of Grafton owned this estate, or am I mistaken? It was many years ago, but they also had a little girl,” he said, pretending to think about it. “What was her name? Elena perhaps. Oh no wait. It was Eliza. Yes, Eliza Gordon. Whatever happened to the Grafton family and Lady Eliza?”
He could feel Victoria tense up in his arms, the smile on her face fading. For Alexander, this was revelation enough.
“Of course.” Victoria suddenly laughed, her smile returning albeit artificially. “The estate did belong to the Duke of Grafton, who happened to be my uncle. After he and his wife passed away, poor Eliza, who was about my age, went to Franceto live with her mother’s family, and the Russels have simply been taking care of the house.”
“That is so noble of you,” Alexander said, hoping he did not sound sarcastic.
“Why are you interested in the details?”
“Should I not be?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
“As you said, it was many moons ago. Hardly anyone in England even remembers the deaths of the duke and duchess much less about Eliza. You certainly have an excellent memory to recall so far back.”
“I do have excellent memory.”
The set began to come to an end, the final rhythms being played by the musicians. Alexander stopped in front of Victoria as she curtsied, and he bowed in response, quickly escorting her away from the dance floor. He had no desire to be in her company any longer than it was absolutely necessary. She and her sense of superiority repulsed him.
Loud boisterous laughter reached him, and he saw Lord Leicester laughing with his friends in one corner.
Alexander had already noticed Edgar’s need to be flashy with his money, and the masquerade was just another example of such behaviour. Alexander knew flashy people were the weakest links, especially when under the intoxicated influence of alcohol.
I must gamble with him.
He knew the gambling table after he had a lot to drink would be the best place to dig secrets out of Edgar, and Alexander was going to do just that. He simply needed to wait till the card games were opened, and the men finally sat down to play.
Chapter 6
He had told her he knew her name.
