Page 30 of A Feud with the Duke

Alice had not realized that her concentration had wandered, that she had once again been looking around for Harold. For a moment she was lost for a response.

“Yes, for Rafe,” she said finally, hit by inspiration.

“Oh, I believe he was taking in the galleries upstairs. His Grace possesses a very fine collection of Renaissance paintings and Rafe was keen to see them.”

At that moment, the doorman announced the arrival of His Grace, the Duke of Redwood. Alice saw that many people stopped their conversation and looked in his direction. She looked also, confident that her attention would not stand out. Harold strode through the doors as though he were walking into his own house. His dark hair hung from his temples like a mane, swept back from his handsome face.

He resembled an Italian prince, holding himself with dignity and no little arrogance. Alice felt a flutter in her stomach as his eyes, sweeping the crowd, touched on her.

Damn this subterfuge. I want to go and talk to him, take his arm, and spend the evening in his company.

Alice almost went to him but then came a light touch on her shoulder. She turned to see a man of Mediterranean complexion bowing with an elaborate sweep of his arms. Alice noticed that both the Viscount and his wife seemed to be regarding the gentleman coolly.

“Pardon, madame. We have not met. I am Angelo Marini of Napoli. We have a mutual friend in Lord Rafe Stanley?”

“Yes, we were just wondering where he was,” Alice said.

“Drawn like a butterfly to a flower by the works of art the Duke has on display in this wonderful house. He cannot tear himself away but asked me to see if you had arrived.”

Alice found her eyes drawn back to Harold, beginning to track across the room to where she knew he stood. From her peripheral vision, she thought that he was talking to someone and felt a flash of jealousy that it might be another woman.

I am being unfair. What claim do I have on him? But then we have kissed. We have shared an intimacy that is only shared between lovers, not friends or acquaintances.

“Shall I take you to him? I am sure your beauty will outshine the work of all those great masters,” Angelo said.

Alice wanted nothing more than to remain in the room with Harold. To go to him. But, perhaps he would see her leaving the room and follow.

“I should like nothing better. Thank you, Angelo.”

He bowed again and then offered Alice his arm. Both the Viscount and his wife directed glares at the young, Italian man as he led Alice away. She wondered why, particularly as the Viscountess seemed quite enthusiastic about Italy.

“I am sorry that Rafe is not here himself. I understand that the two of you are quite enamored of each other,” Angelo said.

“We have met once or twice,” Alice said. “I think my brother and his parents are keen for us to be enamored. He has not made his feelings clear one way or the other.”

“A surprise when a beautiful woman such as you has made her feelings clear for him.”

Alice eyed Angelo with a frown. “That is a very personal question to come from a man who is, in effect, a stranger to me,” she said.

“Forgive my impertinence. But Rafe and I are like brothers. He tells me everything.”

“Well, I cannot form an attachment to a man I have only met twice. So, I do not know what my feelings are for him,” Alice said as diplomatically as she could.

Is this man an ambassador for his friend? Sent to ascertain my feelings? I don’t want to hurt Rafe but…I cannot see any other men while my eyes are so full of Harold.

As though summoned by her thoughts, Harold was suddenly in front of her.

CHAPTER19

“Your Grace. How nice to see you again. Are you acquainted with Lady Alice Hathway of Lindley Hall?” Angelo said courteously.

Harold gave a small smile and then took Alice’s hand, kissing it tenderly.

“I am. We met at her debut ball last week.”

“Yes, I have heard of it. A spectacular affair is what the Ton are saying,” Angelo said.

“Truly,” Harold replied.

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