Page 23 of If Not for the Duke

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Lena tapped hertoe in time to the music at the Bancroft ball the next evening, having already danced several times. Her mood was slowly improving after the unsettling news about Renwick’s treasure hunt, though hurt lingered, causing her to briefly press her gloved fingers against her chest. The beautiful bouquet from the duke and his sister had been a surprise, though she still had to decide if she was willing to truly forgive or trust them.

Norah was not. Even now, she stood nearby, visiting with Lady Havenby, a family friend. From the bits of conversation Lena could overhear, the topic was the treasure hunt and how displeased Norah was about it.

Ella and Marbury had remained home this evening so Ella could rest. Per her message, the baby was interrupting her sleep schedule before it had even arrived.

Lena glanced at Norah, certain her sister wouldn’t be happy until Clarke and Renwick admitted defeat and quit the island. Norah seemed adamant about it.

Lena had mixed feelings. She rather liked the idea of someone continuing to search for treasure. It meant their father’s work hadn’t been in vain. That he had been right to dig for so many years since others suspected what he had—that a significant treasure was buried on the island.

She just didn’t want them to find it too quickly.

As for Lady Bernice, Lena supposed she had mostly forgiven her, though she would guard what she said from now on. It wasn’t as if the lady had acted with malicious intent. Instead, the issue was trust. That was something Lena understood since she was slow to trust others as well. Her gift demanded she keep people at a distance. She never knew when it would surface or how others would react if they discovered it. Her life might be lonely, but it was safer this way.

The other complication was that Lena wanted a look at the rest of the letters the lady had. She’d been through the first set several times and found a few passages that might have a hidden meaning. With more information, she might be able to determine if that was true, and if so, what the letters truly said.

Vanbridge had offered to have a look since he was considered an expert at finding patterns and deciphering the meaning of carvings. But Lena still wanted to try on her own first. The quest had become personal. Her father’s reputation was at stake.

Lena wrinkled her nose at the worry that she could be using Lady Bernice just as much as the lady had been using her. She brushed aside the concern, reminding herself that she had several things in common with Lady Beatrice and had been beginning to like her before the news story had appeared.

Marbury had mentioned a Professor Lindquist whom he’d come across while searching for their father’s stolen journal. The professor had letters from sailors similar to the ones Lady Beatrice had found that he’d compiled, along with a ship’s log.

Lena was intrigued and asked if Marbury could arrange a visit with the man soon to see if he knew anything that might help provide additional information on the possible location of buried treasure on Oak Island.

She was relieved to see Vanbridge approaching. Norah sorely needed a distraction. Though her brother-in-law didn’t care for balls or people in general, he frequently made exceptions for Norah’s sake. A dance with her husband was just what her sister needed to take her mind off the renewed treasure hunt.

Norah halted mid-sentence, and her expression immediately softened at the sight of her handsome husband with his slim build, dark, wavy hair, and green eyes. He greeted Lady Havenby warmly, smiled at Lena, and after a brief conversation, escorted his wife to the dance floor. The love and admiration they felt for each other was palpable.

Lena sighed, unable to suppress the longing that filled her as she watched them. She adored both of her sisters’ husbands, but the couples’ closeness made her feel a little lonely at times.

“Good evening, Miss Wright.”

The deep voice had her turning even as a shiver ran along her skin. She dipped into a curtsy at the sight of Renwick standing before her, attractive in his formal evening attire. The waves of his honey-colored blond hair were smoothed down, making him look even more austere than usual. And of course, no smile eased his somber expression. “Your Grace.”

To her surprise, a trace of amusement curved his lips. The sight had her catching her breath. If only he’d smile. Then again, perhaps it was a good thing he didn’t since even the suggestion of one made her heartbeat speed.

“Don’t you mean, Your Grumpiness?”

She gasped, uncertain what to say even as heat filled her cheeks. Should she apologize? Pretend she didn’t know what he meant? She didn’t believe he was truly offended but didn’t want him to think she was being disrespectful. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry I heard it?” His brown eyes warmed as they held on her.

“Definitely,” she muttered, fairly certain Marbury was to blame.

Renwick chuckled, and she could only stare in wonder at the sight of his face transformed. The stern lines eased into something approachable and oh, so handsome. Breathtakingly so. My goodness. If he did that on a regular basis, he’d have an even longer line of ladies following him. Even now, several women edged closer, as if hoping to catch his notice.

“Apology accepted. That is, if you’ll honor me with a dance.” He offered his hand.

With a glance at a thrilled Lady Havenby, who positively beamed with delight, Lena placed her hand in his, all too aware of the attention they were receiving.

Renwick rarely attended balls and never danced when he did. Which brought to mind the question of why he was there. And why he’d chosen to dance with her.

“Thank you.” Her stomach fluttered as he escorted her to the dance floor. It was only because of the people watching them, she told herself. Somehow, that didn’t ring true. “Is Lady Bernice here?”

“She is coming with our Aunt Edith shortly. I have no doubt she hopes to speak with you.” He glanced at her as they waited for the other couples to clear the floor from the dance that had just ended. “Have you decided?”

“Decided what?”

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