Page 34 of If Not for the Duke

“Anything to make people wonder if Clarke is making false claims would help. That would shift the attention to him rather than Father.” Norah smiled. “Surely we can manage that.”

Though she didn’t see how, Lena returned her sister’s smile.

*

Sterling rubbed ahand over the back of his neck as he exited his study and walked down the corridor toward the front stairs. He’d been reading reports from his steward until his eyes were nearly crossed, and he was more than ready for a break. Looking in on Bernie would be the perfect diversion.

He took his duties seriously, just as his father had taught him. Not that his efforts would’ve been good enough. Sterling had been strong enough to ignore his father for the most part, except for when the duke harangued Bernie. That was something Sterling had refused to allow.

No wonder he and his sister were so close. It had often been the two of them against their father.

However, the sight of Lena standing near the front entrance slowed his pace and sent his pulse scrambling.

“Good afternoon, Lena.”

She spun to face him and gave a quick curtsy. “Oh. Your Grace. How nice to see you.” A hint of color stole across her cheeks, and her gaze darted away, then back.

Did his presence cause her unease? That he could understand as hers did the same for him.

“I didn’t realize you were here.” Sterling glanced about the entrance hall, wondering where Foster had gotten to and why Lena was standing alone.

“I was just visiting with Lady Bernice.” Lena gestured toward the stairs as if he didn’t know where the visit had taken place.

How odd. “Oh?”

She patted her reticule. “She allowed me to borrow the letters again.” Her bright smile seemed out of place for the topic. “Norah, my sister, wishes to see them.”

“I see.” But he didn’t. She was overexplaining herself, which made him curious.

“I hope you don’t mind,” she added, then patted her reticule again. “About the letters, I mean.”

“Not at all.”

Her gaze shifted around the area before returning to him. “Foster was kind enough to fetch my maid from the kitchen.”

“I see.” That explained why she was temporarily alone in his entrance hall. But not the uncomfortable look on her face. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she felt guilty about something.

“You are well?” she asked. Her pale blue silk gown made her eyes even more beautiful than normal. A tiny matching hat with short ecru plumes perched on her head.

“I am. And you?”

He didn’t want to exchange pleasantries. He wanted a true conversation. And perhaps another kiss. Both would be preferable.

“Fine. Thank you.”

He glanced over his shoulder, pleased there was no sign of Foster or her maid. He took the opportunity to draw nearer, appreciating the way her eyes widened and her lips parted.

“Lady Bernice mentioned she might attend the Stanhope ball tomorrow evening,” she said in a rush.

Sterling nodded with a smile. “She told me the same, though she didn’t want to unless you were attending.”

“I will be there.” She looked at him from beneath her lashes, the long sweep of them incredibly appealing. “It always helps to have friends at such events.”

“Thank you for being her friend. I appreciate it.” More than he could say.

“I enjoy her company.”

He wanted to ask if she enjoyed his as well. But he wasn’t ready to test the waters. Not yet. “Perhaps I shall see you tomorrow evening, as well.”

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