Page 29 of If Not for the Duke

He shouldn’t be pleased either. He didn’t need a complication in his life, and marriage was not yet on his agenda. Then he dismissed the worry. Another kiss or two and Lena would be out of his system.

His aunt moved to her favorite chair by the window to embroider, leaving Bernie and Lena to visit on the settee. Sterling told himself to leave, that he had other matters to attend to. Important matters. Still, he sank into a chair, promising himself to only listen for a few minutes.

“I so enjoyed the Bancroft ball,” Bernie said with a glance at him as if wanting him to take note that she was talking about something other than Oak Island.

“It was lovely,” Lena agreed. Her gaze also moved to him, making him wonder if she was remembering their dance.

Ridiculous. Lena was a beautiful young lady with a sizable dowry, and her grandfather was a duke. She most likely had a wonderful time and numerous partners at every event she attended. What he really wanted to know was what function she was going to next and was there a chance Bernie wanted to attend as well?

If he knew when he might see her again, then he could leave the ladies to visit.

The conversation shifted to a few other ladies they were both acquainted with, then on to a new gown Bernie had ordered, and he smothered a smile. He liked that his sister was having a conversation about mundane things with a friend but knew she wouldn’t appreciate him saying anything of the sort.

“I must ask, what did you think of the letters?” Bernie asked, shifting to the edge of her chair in anticipation.

Lena reached down to open her reticule and pulled out the bundle of letters neatly tied with a ribbon. “They were interesting to read, weren’t they? Though I wished they shared more details on the possible buried treasure on Oak Island.”

Bernie’s shoulders dropped. “I had hoped that what Ebenezer Jenkins wrote might have more meaning for you since you’re familiar with the area.”

“Wouldn’t that have been intriguing?”

Sterling stared at Lena, sensing all was not as it seemed. Whether it was her tight smile or the way she seemed to be avoiding his gaze, he didn’t know. Perhaps she acted that way because of the kiss they’d shared.

“Do you intend to find out more about Mr. Jenkins?” Lena asked.

“I wish I knew a way to do so.” Bernie frowned, then turned to Sterling. “Do you have any suggestions?”

Sterling shook his head. “Unless we can locate a descendant of his.”

“The name seems fairly common,” Lena added. “But I suppose it’s possible.”

“At the very least, I will submit an inquiry to members of the Royal Geological Society and see if anyone is familiar with the man or the name,” Sterling offered.

“Thank you.” Bernie’s smile was all the thanks he needed.

Sterling couldn’t dismiss the idea that Lena was acting oddly. Bernie didn’t seem to notice, so perhaps his suspicions were getting the better of him. The intriguing Lena was certainly worthy of further investigation.

Chapter Eight

Lena paced Norah’sdrawing room later that afternoon, all too aware of her sister’s watchful gaze. “I wasn’t sure what to say,” she said again, though she knew she was repeating herself.

“It sounds as if you didn’t say much of anything, which should be perfect.”

Lena paused to look at Norah while her sister studied Lena’s notes about the letters. “Do you think I’m wrong?” she asked.

“How could you be?” Norah tapped the map of the island that Lena had copied from the letter. “This Jenkins was obviously sending details about Oak Island even if he doesn’t specifically mention treasure. But why send those to his love? What did he expect her to do?”

“Unless he was afraid he’d forget the information, and this was a way to document it.” Lena pressed a hand to her temple where a headache brewed. “The way Sterling stared at me, I am certain he is suspicious.”

“Sterling?”

Lena realized her lapse too late. But now wasn’t the time for Norah to worry about the fact that she was on a first-name basis with the duke. “Renwick, I mean.” She turned away when she felt her face heat. Her sister knew her too well and might guess what had happened.

The kiss had been unlike anything she’d experienced. For a moment, she’d forgotten where she was. That Lady Bernice could walk in on them at any moment. Instead, all that had mattered was Sterling.

Was part of her attraction because she knew nothing could come of it? As suspicious as he already was, she feared he might discover her intuitive sense if they were together much, and she had no doubt he would consider the ability appalling. Though it wasn’t something she experienced every day, the first time she knew something that no one else did, she could imagine the disbelieving look he’d give her. There were times when a feeling came so strongly that it blocked out all else, even those beside her. The gift was impossible to hide in those moments. If it happened when she was with Sterling…

She nearly shivered at the thought.

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