Page 72 of If Not for the Duke

Sterling nodded. “You’ve returned to England’s shores at last, eh?”

“For a time. I have much to share at the next Society meeting. Our dig yielded exciting results.” Worley glanced between Lena and Sterling, making him wonder what the viscount saw. “I understand you’ve started a dig of your own.”

Sterling wasn’t surprised he knew and looked toward Bernie, noting a flush in her cheeks. “Thanks to my sister, yes. Walter Clarke is leading a dig on Oak Island on our behalf.”

Worley looked at Bernie. “Will you have a chance to visit the island while work is underway?”

“I don’t believe so. I am not as brave as you are, traveling the world and living in difficult conditions.” She glanced at Lena. “Or you.”

Lena smiled, though it looked as if it required effort. “Living on Oak Island wasn’t nearly as difficult as trying to survive in the jungle.” Her smile became genuine as she shifted her attention to Worley. “I certainly admire the viscount for his efforts.”

Irritation swept through Sterling, surprising him with its strength. If he didn’t know better, he might think jealousy held him in its grip. That couldn’t be. Yet as he watched Lena and Worley speak with ease and affection, he couldn’t deny it.

He blew out a breath, acknowledging just how much he cared for Lena. Worley was no threat to that. Sterling liked the man and admired his passion for exploration, despite the extreme conditions he endured. He was an excellent storyteller and shared his experiences with humor and self-deprecation.

Still, Sterling didn’t care for the way Lena looked at the viscount with admiration. He held back the urge to take her hand and draw her to the terrace so he could have her all to himself. Then again, maybe that was a good idea, regardless of Worley.

He forced himself to listen to the conversation, biding his time until he could ask Lena to dance.

That lasted all of ten minutes before he cleared his throat, unable to take it anymore. “Miss Wright, may I have the honor of a dance?”

“Of course.” Pink colored her cheeks, making her look even lovelier.

He gave himself a mental shake. Since when did a blush threaten to weaken his knees? It was almost as if not seeing Lena for the past few days had intensified his attraction to her.

Sterling risked a glance at Bernie, hoping she remained oblivious to his feelings. Otherwise, she would accuse him of stealing Lena, who was quickly becoming one of her favorite people.

He offered his elbow and attempted to ignore the spear of desire that shot through him when she placed her gloved hand on his arm. Damn if she didn’t adjust her fingers as he drew her hand tight against him, sending another ripple of awareness through him.

How odd that these small things, which he was unaware of with others, were magnified with Lena. The realization was unsettling. Why was it that he felt both off balance and…wholewhen he was with her?

The question was for another time, when he was alone and could consider the situation at length. Then again, he’d already examined his feelings without discovering answers. He didn’t like feeling out of control of his body or his emotions. It seemed that when he was with Lena, he had no choice.

Sterling glanced at her as they neared the dance floor, wondering if she felt any of what he did. That pretty blush could easily be from embarrassment because he’d asked her in front of her sister, Vanbridge, Worley, and Bernie. Or it could be because she was thinking of their last kiss like he was.

He closed his eyes briefly, wishing he hadn’t thought of it. Doing so made him want another and so much more.

“I didn’t realize you were friends with Worley,” he said as they waited for the other couples to clear the floor. Any subject would do to help clear his thoughts. Even Worley.

“We’ve known him since we arrived in London. He’s helped us on many occasions.”

The answer didn’t change the jealous feeling that simmered inside him. He wanted to know how deep her affection was for the viscount. “Helped you?”

“He placed his life in danger to aid us.” She heaved a sigh that caused him to frown. “Isn’t that special, considering most think chivalry dead these days?”

“Were circumstances so dire?” He wasn’t about to touch the chivalry remark.

“Absolutely. Life or death. First Ella and Marbury. Then Norah and Vanbridge.” She shuddered, but he couldn’t tell whether it was real or feigned. “Thank goodness the situations had a favorable outcome.”

“With Worley’s aid.”

“In part. He’s a dear.”

“Indeed.” Sterling clenched his teeth before he said anything further. Worley wasn’t the issue.

Then what was?

Himself and his uncontrollable urges when it came to Lena.

---