Page 33 of A Feud with the Duke

“That you and the Duke are on such good terms. Such…friendly terms.”

“What are you implying?” Alice demanded, feeling as though there was an undercurrent to this conversation and not at all sure that she liked it.

“That you and the Duke of Redwood are romantically linked,” Angelo said abruptly. “In my country, this would not be a matter of secrecy. Is it different here in England?”

“Here in England, such things are not discussed,” Alice said.

“Really? I hear the Lords and Ladies at such events as this talk of nothing else,” Angelo replied smoothly.

“Why are you interested?” Alice asked. “Has Rafe set you to spy on me?”

The suspicion had blossomed suddenly in her mind. That Rafe had sent his friend to ascertain if Alice was favoring any other man. If that was the case, it was a further reason for her to reject Rafe. Even without her growing feelings for Harold, if Rafe lacked the courage to discuss such matters with her directly, it did not bode well.

“Rafe sent me to bring you and the Duke of Redwood together, in private,” Angelo said.

Rafe had finally become aware of their presence and was turning towards them, raising his glass in greeting.

“The Duke should be with us momentarily,” Angelo said, raising his voice.

Rafe began to stroll towards them. He gave Alice a bow.

What is going on here? I thought that Rafe was trying to court me. I don’t mind a bit if he isn’t but I don’t understand how he knows there is anything between myself and Harold.

“Will someone give me a straight answer? Now that we are alone and can speak freely. And frankly. I find some of the things Mr. Marini has been saying to be almost insulting.”

Rafe looked at Angelo with a raised eyebrow. The Italian shrugged, patting Rafe’s shoulder.

“The truth is, may I call you Alice?” Rafe began.

Alice nodded, impatient for an explanation.

“The truth is that my father and your brother wish the two of us to be married. But I do not want it. I went along with the courtship as was required of me but I have no desire to marry you. Please do not take that as an insult. Were I to wish to marry, you would certainly be the perfect candidate. But I do not,” Rafe said.

“That is very candid of you…Rafe,” Alice said, using his first name in return. “So, why all of this secrecy? Why not just write to me?”

“I do not dare. To put my thoughts into writing would be to risk exposure. My father would not be pleased if he discovered I was trying to back out of the match he has arranged. And that would make life very uncomfortable for us…for me.”

Alice frowned, looking between the two men. Angelo was watching her intently and Rafe’s expression was one of anxiety.

“I understand,” Alice said, though she did not, at least not fully. “Your father would make your life difficult if he saw such a letter so you decided to communicate in person, where he cannot find out. But he will when you tell him that there is to be no engagement, surely?”

“That is why I also sought out the Duke of Redwood,” Angelo said. “If Rafe has lost in love to a…better man. Been forced to step aside because you have feelings for another. Then there is no fault or blame to be cast at him. It is merely bad luck.”

“And I would make another enemy. Though I hardly need them,” Harold said.

Alice jumped at the voice, which came from a point in the wall, directly behind her. There was a slight creak of hinges and as she spun around, she saw that a panel in the wall had opened like a door. Harold stooped through the low opening revealed. Alice found herself smiling at the sight of him, and saw her smile returned. Then he turned his attention to Rafe and Angelo, his expression hardening.

“I do not appreciate being manipulated.”

“That was never our intention. It came to my attention that there may be something between you. A rumor originating at Alice’s debut ball. Angelo saw both of you at the British Museum, not together of course, but both present.”

“And both present again at Hyde Park,” Angelo put in.

“You’ve been spying on us,” Harold said hotly.

“Only on you, Your Grace. I have been following you and each time just happened to notice that Alice was present at the same place to which you decided to pay a visit. Coincidence?”

For a moment, Harold’s face was dark and Alice feared an outburst of anger. Then he laughed.

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