Page 71 of If Not for the Duke

“Interesting. Norah did mention that several of the passages also made you wonder if they could be clues.”

She shook her head. “I’m beginning to think I was wrong. While those lines don’t fit with the rest of the letters, I wonder if they were merely his attempt to be poetic. But if they are clues, I don’t know what they point to.”

He gazed into the distance, seeming to consider the matter further, before returning his attention to her again. “I’d be happy to look at them, of course. You’ve looked to see if any of the other pages have something pressed into them?”

“Yes, to no avail. There are no symbols or other markings that I can see.”

“Usually there is a pattern to codes. Both for ease of deciphering and for the person who creates them. Those patterns are what allow them to be solved. Try looking at the letters from different angles or in bright light. Upside down or sideways. Look for repeated words or phrases. That might bring forth results.”

Lena nodded. She’d done some of those techniques but more out of frustration than with the hope of actually finding anything. It was time to do so with a different frame of mind. “Thank you. I shall try your suggestions before I bother you with them.”

“It’s no bother. I enjoy examining such things.”

“I can see why,” Lena said with a smile. “But it’s beyond frustrating when the answer escapes you.”

“True. Step away for a time and come back to them. That helps to view the item more objectively. But I’d be happy to look at them.”

“I’ll bring them over in the next day or two if I continue to be unsuccessful.” If there was a clue in the letters, she wanted to find it. Proving Clarke was wrong might upset both Sterling and Lady Bernice, but she didn’t want her father’s reputation harmed more than it already had been by Clarke’s claims. Then there was Ella’s condition to consider. Her sister was better, but another article in the newssheet about Clarke’s progress could easily change that.

The evening lengthened, and Lena enjoyed a dance with Worley. His skills on the dance floor made him an excellent partner.

“I’m so pleased you’ve returned,” she told him afterward as he returned her to where Norah and Vanbridge visited with friends.

“It’s good to be home. At least for a time.”

“When will your next adventure take you away?”

He frowned. “Perhaps as early as autumn but more than likely, not until spring. We need drier weather than the summer months offer to make true progress. However, there’s a chance we might return in October if the rains hold off.”

As they drew to a halt, Lady Bernice joined them.

“Lena, I’ve been looking for you.” Her eyes were bright with excitement behind her spectacles. She glanced at Worley, seeming to just realize he was there. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt. How rude of me.”

“Not at all.” Worley dipped his head then glanced at Lena with a question in his eyes.

She quickly made the introductions, doing her best not to look for Sterling. “I’m certain you know Lady Bernice’s brother, the Duke of Renwick, since he’s a member of the Royal Geological Society.” Even the mention of him was enough to cause her cheeks to heat.

Worley visited with Bernie, being his usual charming self and putting the younger woman at ease.

Do not look for Sterling, Lena ordered herself. Before she could stop, she was perusing the ballroom for his tall form. She was both relieved and disappointed not to find him, which only made her scold herself for looking.

“Good evening.”

Her breath caught as shivers of awareness ran along her back. Leave it to Sterling to be where she least expected him. She took a firm hold of her emotions and turned to face him, only to have her heart thunder at the sight of him, so handsome in his black evening clothes. His golden hair had been smoothed to the side, though a hint of wave remained. She managed a curtsy despite her trembling knees.

“Good evening, Your Grace.” Oh, dear. Keeping her distance for two days hadn’t helped in the least. Absence truly did make the heart grow fonder.

*

Sterling stared atLena as she looked at him with those wide, lovely blue eyes. Eyes that threatened to drown him with the emotion swirling in their depths, making him wonder at her thoughts.

Her blonde hair was twisted in an elegant coiffure that elongated her graceful neck. Her deep green evening gown made her skin glow with vitality. She was beautiful as always and caught his full attention while everything around them fell away. He longed to offer his arm and tuck her hand along his side, declaring her his for all to see.

He blinked, hoping—needing—to break the spell that bound them. Now was not the time to indulge in his attraction to her.

How ridiculous that it took immense effort to force himself to look at those nearby, including Bernie. If he wasn’t careful, his sister would soon realize just how much he cared for Lena.

“Good evening, Your Grace.” Worley bowed.

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