Page 37 of If Not for the Duke

“Actually, no, it doesn’t.” Lena wished she could share how certain she was that he was exaggerating his progress. Since that wasn’t possible, she had to find another way to silence the talk. “It’s not as if he’s found buried treasure. Only a shaft in the ground. There are many on Oak Island, which makes it impossible to say whether it’s the right one until he finds treasure.”

“I’m certain I’m not the only person surprised by his claim.” Lady Clara’s brow furrowed as if she were puzzled. “Especially given thedecadesyour father spent there.”

Norah’s cheeks turned bright red, her eyes flashing with temper. Lena couldn’t blame her when she felt much the same way. It was as if Lady Clara hadn’t heard a word she’d said. Nor did she appreciate the emphasis the woman used.

“The shaft he’s working in has probably already filled with water,” Norah said with a lift of her chin.

“Doesn’t that mean he truly is digging in the Money Pit?” Lady Clara asked. She almost seemed to enjoy their upset. “If he encounters the flood tunnels, it will be proof he’s in the proper place.”

“When you dig on a small island, there’s a good chance you’ll hit water of some sort,” Lena countered.

“Then it’s a good thing Clarke has pumps to remove it, isn’t it?”

Norah shared a look with Lena that suggested she wouldn’t be able to contain her anger for long.

How many other people shared the same thoughts as Lady Clara? Lena wished she had a way to respond that would halt the talk. She struggled for a clever answer only to see Lady Clara’s focus shift to something past Lena’s shoulder.

Even as the lady’s eyes widened with excitement, Lena felt shivers run along her skin. She didn’t need her extra sense to know who approached. Though she’d been looking for him earlier, his timing couldn’t be worse.

“Your Grace,” Lady Clara gushed as she dipped into an alarmingly low curtsy and tipped forward as if to offer a better view of her decolletage. “We were just speaking about your great success. It’s terribly exciting, isn’t it?” She pressed both gloved hands to her chest as if nearly overcome.

Lena lifted her eyes to the ceiling, wishing she could give the lady a shake to bring her to her senses. Then she turned to face Sterling, hoping he might understand just how upsetting this subject was to both her and Norah.

*

Sterling raised abrow, feeling as if he were stepping into a situation he didn’t fully understand. While he’d heard enough to guess the topic was Clarke’s claim about Oak Island, he didn’t care to discuss it. Not until he knew for certain if Clarke spoke the truth. And not when he continued to be annoyed with the man for sharing details with the press before he shared them with Sterling.

He couldn’t say who the lady was in the unfortunate yellow gown that made her skin look as if she suffered from a terrible illness, but he recognized the gleeful look in her eyes. He didn’t care for it.

Especially when Lena and her sister both appeared upset.

“Exciting?” he asked with a glance around the crowded room, hoping to pretend he hadn’t heard their conversation and therefore, changed the subject. “If you are referring to the ball, I haven’t been here long enough to say.”

“Not the ball, though it is lovely,” the woman said, her gaze holding firmly on him. Apparently, they had been introduced at some point or she wouldn’t be speaking to him. “You and your progress on Oak Island, Your Grace.”

He bit back a grimace, not wanting to upset Lena and her sister further. He only wanted to dance with Lena. To watch the sparkle in her eyes as she attempted to coax him to smile. And if his luck held, perhaps they could share another kiss. That was all he’d been thinking about since he’d seen her yesterday.

Speaking of the treasure hunt could easily put those hopes in jeopardy.

He didn’t understand what Clarke was trying to accomplish by providing another update to the reporter, but Sterling was not amused. Working with someone so far away who seemed unable to follow orders was proving more difficult than he’d expected.

“There has been some progress with the treasure hunt,” he answered reluctantly. “Only time will tell, of course.”

“You must be ecstatic to have come so far so quickly compared to…others.” The lady glanced at Lena out of the corner of her eye.

“It’s too soon to make any claims.” That much was true.

“But—”

“Now is not the time to speak of business,” he interrupted with a frown. The woman was like a dog with a juicy bone, determined to savor every morsel of the subject. “Rather, we should be enjoying the ball.”

He’d had enough of the conversation and intended to whisk Lena away if she’d allow him. Hopefully, Lady Vanbridge would take the opportunity to escape the annoying woman’s company, as well. “Miss Wright, may I have the honor of a dance?”

To his surprise, Lena hesitated, causing his mood to plummet. Hadn’t she thought of their upcoming dance as often as he had? The realization was highly concerning when his mind had been consumed with it. Or rather, with her.

If he hadn’t been watching closely, he might’ve missed the subtle nudge Lady Vanbridge gave Lena, as if to remind her to answer.

“The pleasure would be mine, Your Grace.” The tightness of her expression suggested otherwise, but perhaps he could shift her mood just as she so easily changed his.

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