Page 27 of If Not for the Duke

A scowl twisted Bernie’s lips. “Clarke is certainly that.”

“True. We will wait for him to find something before we release the details. I don’t want you to be disappointed if he doesn’t find anything. We can’t forget that David Wright and his partner dug for years with few results.”

Bernie sank into the chair before his desk. “I would hate it if our news hurts Lena, and I’ll try to manage my expectations. At the very least, I’ve enjoyed doing something with you.”

“As have I. If you truly want to continue a friendship with Miss Wright, perhaps you should discuss other topics as well. I wouldn’t want Oak Island to be the only subject you have in common.”

“Nor would I.”

Bernie soon departed, and Sterling set aside the information on Oak Island to work on other matters that required his attention. The morning passed quickly, but he kept an eye on the clock, wondering if Lena was already here.

He considered asking Foster but couldn’t bring himself to do so. Not when the older servant who’d known him all his life might realize his attraction to Miss Wright. He wasn’t prepared to admit it to anyone when he was still adjusting to it himself.

Despite telling himself that he should leave the ladies to themselves, he climbed the stairs to the drawing room later that afternoon. The reassurance that he only wanted to make certain Bernie was well rung hollow. His desire to see Lena was overwhelming.

Perhaps it was because she looked at him differently than others as if she saw him as a man rather than a title. It was refreshing. That was all. Nothing more. He refused to read too much into it.

Then he entered the doorway and saw her standing near the window that overlooked the garden.

Alone. It seemed his sister had yet to join her. Could his timing be any more perfect?

Lena’s striped lavender gown accentuated her narrow waist. A small black hat adorned her head with matching lavender ribbons that trailed down the back.

He walked slowly forward, listening for the sound of his sister’s arrival, certain she’d be there any moment. He dearly hoped she wasn’t.

“Good afternoon, Miss Wright.”

She spun in surprise, her lavender skirts flaring slightly as she turned. “Your Grace.” She dipped into a graceful curtsy, then smiled.

“I will forever think of Your Grumpiness when you address me as such.”

Her blue eyes widened in alarm. “I wish you wouldn’t. My eldest sister would be appalled. In fact, both my sisters would be.”

“Then perhaps it would be best if you called me Sterling. At least when we’re alone.”

“Sterling.” She said his name slowly as if to become accustomed to it.

Why her saying his given name caused his chest to tighten, he didn’t know. What was this link he felt to her? A delicate thread easily broken that bound them all the same.

“You may use mine as well,” she added, almost like a second thought.

“Lena.” It felt odd to say it out loud after he’d used it so often in his thoughts.

Her small smile suggested she liked their new agreement. He did, too. His feet moved him closer. Then closer still. Until he stood before her, looking into those blue eyes that reminded him of the sky on a rare sunny day, so clear they took his breath away.

A hint of roses fragranced the air, beckoning him. Or perhaps it was simply her. Though the neckline of her gown was modest, a hint of the fullness of her breasts was just visible. Her smooth skin held a pink undertone. Did his presence cause the flush?

Good, he thought, as she certainly caused him to heat. “May I say you look especially lovely today?”

She blinked as if surprised and glanced down at her gown before meeting his eyes again. “Thank you.”

“I’m certain Bernie will be here any moment. She was quite excited that you were coming when she mentioned it earlier.” He had no idea what was keeping his sister, but dare he hope it lasted a little longer?

“I enjoy speaking with her. Her enthusiasm is refreshing.”

“What of me?” he asked.

“I’m sorry?” Her brow puckered, and he clenched his hand to keep from smoothing a finger along it.

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