Page 21 of If Not for the Duke

They had only visited a few more awkward minutes when Renwick appeared in the doorway, apparently having finished with his conversation with her grandfather. As usual, his expression was unreadable.

Lady Bernice stood, as did Lena. “Thank you for seeing me, Miss Wright. I do hope you can forgive me. Goodbye.” Then she joined her brother, who gestured for her to precede him.

Lena said nothing as Renwick drew closer. “I would consider it a personal favor if you could see beyond this. Bernie could use a friend.”

Lena’s upset had already lessened. The fact that both of them had called to apologize impressed her and spoke of sincerity. But she wanted to see what her grandfather thought before she said too much. She didn’t trust her own feelings. Not in this matter. And not with Renwick.

“I will try.” That was the best she could offer for now.

To her surprise, his gaze continued to hold hers. “And what of me? Is there a chance you’ll forgive me as well?”

His quiet words brought awareness prickling along her spine. “Perhaps,” she said at last, confused by her reaction to him.

His expression softened. Not quite a smile, but rather a hint of one. He truly was an attractive man.

“I shall make it my mission to convince you to.” He bowed low. “Good day, Miss Wright.”

Lena released a relieved breath as he departed. What an odd moment that had been. The connection she felt with the handsome duke was puzzling and unsettling. But not nearly as unsettling as the idea of Renwick attempting to convince her to forgive him.

Chapter Six

Sterling waited twodays before venturing into the Royal Geological Society offices on Saville Row for the weekly meeting. He hoped that by now, news of his involvement in the dig on Oak Island had calmed.

The gathering held today was a discussion on South American exploration. Surely that meant his project would no longer be on everyone’s minds.

He was pleased he’d called on Rothwood and spoken with him privately. The duke had made his displeasure clear that Sterling hadn’t advised him of his plans for digging on the island.

Sterling had apologized and offered the same explanation he’d told Lena, though he wasn’t certain whether either of them found it acceptable. The duke’s upset on behalf of his granddaughters was understandable and something Sterling could appreciate. He felt much the same way about Bernie.

Rothwood was a man he admired more than he had his father. Sterling had been taught not to show emotion, not to trust anyone, and that caring for others was a sign of weakness. While Rothwood was certainly reserved, that was where the similarities ended between the two men. Sterling was doing his best to show his affection for his sister, in part to repair the damage their father had done as well as to protect her. The way he comported himself set an example for Bernie and made it even more important to do the right thing in this instance.

Rothwood had asked him to share updates as they became available. Sterling hadn’t made any promises and was certain the duke realized that. Rothwood had also expressed concern as to whether Clarke was the right person to work on the project.

While aware of Clarke’s tendency to forge his own path wherever he went, Sterling felt the man’s experience outweighed the concern. Once he received a favorable reply to his telegram, he would feel reassured. Whether that would happen remained to be seen.

He nodded at several acquaintances as he entered the offices, then made his way toward Marbury, who stood visiting across the room.

“Your Grace.” The earl gave a stiff bow, his expression somber, eyes flashing with temper.

To Sterling’s relief, the other man he’d been speaking with moved away. “Allow me to offer an apology to you, Marbury.”

A long moment of silence followed before Marbury at last nodded. “I appreciate that.”

“Would you please extend my apology to your wife as well?”

At that, the earl’s expression lightened significantly. “I will, Your Grace.” He paused, then cocked a brow. “Or should I say Your Grumpiness?”

Sterling frowned. “Grumpiness?”

Marbury’s eyes widened in alarm, and his face tightened with remorse. “Now I owe you an apology. I assumed Miss Wright had told you of her nickname for you.”

He considered the term for a moment. Was he so stern all the time? He supposed it was apt as he tended to find little to smile about.

But more importantly, he liked the idea that Miss Wright thought of him often enough to come up with a nickname. That alone nearly made him smile. Damn if she wasn’t clever, not to mention bold. More than that, he liked that about her. There was more to Lena than he’d thought, and he looked forward to discovering what other secrets she kept hidden.

“I will have to have a word with her about that,” Sterling said, his tone light with amusement.

Marbury was obviously relieved he wasn’t angry. “Lena might be the youngest of the three sisters, but she is not afraid to speak her mind.”

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