Page 28 of A Literary Liaison
“Well,” Amelia said, once they were alone again. “That was…”
“Indeed,” Elisha replied softly, her mind already composing her response to Mr. Steele’s letter. Perhaps it was time to view this challenge from a different perspective entirely.
Dangerous Attractions
The fire crackledsoftly in Edgar’s bedchamber as he stood by the window, Miss Lovelace’s latest letter still clutched in his hand. Hawkins moved about the room, preparing His Grace for bed, but Edgar’s thoughts were elsewhere entirely.
Metropolitan Review, 15 April 1840
Dear Mr. Steele,
I must say, your latest missive has left me in a state of bemused exasperation. It seems you are determined to push the boundaries of our little wager to the utmost limits. Very well, sir. I accept your amended terms except for one. Should you lose, you shall read excerpts from my book at Hyde Park and serve as my assistant as well.
Let us submit our tales on the same day on 15 August 1840 with the results being announced on New Year’s Eve.
Your generosity in doubling the charitable donation is noted and appreciated. It seems that, win or lose, some good shall come of our arrangement.
I look forward to our little duel. May it prove as enlightening as it is challenging.
Your most determined adversary,
E. Lovelace
“I went to gain better understanding of their literacy program since I am pledging a thousand pounds sterling should I lose,” Edgarmurmured, his eyes fixed on the London skyline. “You should have seen her radiant smile when discussing the charity students. She has such spirit, Hawkins.”
Hawkins glanced up from turning down the bed. “Indeed, Your Grace? That’s most intriguing.”
Edgar turned, a boyish excitement lighting up his features. “It was extraordinary, Hawkins. The way her eyes were like flames of green and amber catching the sunlight even during quiet contemplation. And her hands… have you ever noticed how a person’s hands can be so expressive? Hers dance when she speaks, emphasizing each point with a grace that’s almost hypnotizing. Even her scars are beautiful.”
Hawkins hid a smile as he laid out Edgar’s nightshirt. “It seems Miss Linde has made quite an impression.”
“More than an impression,” Edgar continued, pacing the room. “Did you know she has a habit of biting her lower lip when she’s deep in thought? It’s oddly endearing. And when she smiles—truly smiles, mind you—there’s this tiny dimple that appears on her left cheek. You’d miss it if you weren’t paying attention.”
“Which you clearly were, Your Grace,” his valet observed dryly.
Edgar paused, running a hand through his hair. “I was, wasn’t I? Good God, what am I to do? I am entangling myself with a commoner. Even if she has achieved some success, she grew up in an orphanage, then a workhouse, for Heaven’s sake! Why am I repeating history? Was once not enough?”
“It is not too late to step away, Your Grace,” the older servant said, holding out the duke’s robe.
“Blazes, that is unthinkable…” Edgar said, shrugging into the garment.
“Why is that?” Hawkins asked.
“I find myself utterly captivated by her intellect and spirit. To step away now would be akin to turning my back on a rare and precious bloom.”
“A rare bloom that might suffocate you into oblivion, perhaps,” Hawkins intoned with practiced indifference.
“Yes, well…” Edgar trailed off, unable to refute the point.
“Pray tell, when was the last occasion Your Grace attended a proper Society function and engaged in discourse with young ladies of suitable breeding?”
Edgar exhaled heavily, raking his fingers through his hair in a gesture of frustration. “I confess, I cannot recall with any certainty.”
Hawkins cleared his throat delicately. “In that case, might I suggest that Your Grace seek out the acquaintance of young ladies of your own station? Perhaps there exist other extraordinary women of whom you are as yet unacquainted, given your propensity for… less salubrious establishments these past six years.”
“Perhaps…” Edgar conceded reluctantly.
“It would do no harm to temper your sentiments toward Miss Linde while you search for an even rarer jewel, as it were.”
