Page 49 of If Not for the Duke

Apparently, his answer didn’t satisfy Bernie as she cast him a warning look. One that suggested his mistrust was showing. At times, he wished he had the same faith in others his sister did. How different his life would be—one filled with friends and laughter.

He gave himself a mental shake at the improbable wish. As he’d told himself before, it would be more suspicious if they didn’t ask about the treasure hunt.

“Clarke normally sends updates twice each month,” he said at last. “I’m sure we’ll know more details soon.” Hopefully, it would include more than a glowing report about his progress. Sterling wanted facts, not wishful thinking.

“Indeed.” Bernie nodded.

“Good evening.” The Marquess of Vanbridge joined them, his attention quickly moving to his wife. The affection between them was palpable and sent a surprising pang of envy through Sterling.

What he saw between them made him consider what sort of relationship he hoped to have with his future wife. His plans hadn’t gone much further than his intention to marry a lady with an appropriate title and a sizable dowry to expand the ducal holdings, as his father would’ve wanted.

Yet having seen Marbury and his wife, along with Vanbridge and his, Sterling reconsidered. What might it be like to have a true partnership built on love, respect, and shared values with one’s wife?

Perhaps there was more to happiness than he’d realized. His gaze caught on Lena as she watched her sister and Vanbridge. A small smile played along her lush lips, making him think she appreciated their relationship as well.

Bernie bumped his arm again, making him realize he’d lost track of the conversation. “I’m sorry?”

“I asked what you thought of Worley’s efforts in South America,” Vanbridge asked.

“It sounds promising from the report given at the last Society meeting.”

Vanbridge shared a few additional details that were included in a letter Marbury had received from Worley. The conversation made Sterling hope Clarke would discover something soon, as well.

His attention returned to Lena, and that hope dulled. He didn’t want any success Clarke found to hurt her or her sisters. And he knew it would. He’d already heard a few people remark on how ineffective Wright’s efforts had been if Clarke was making inroads on locating the treasure already.

No one wanted to hear that about their father, especially when they had obviously loved him.

Lena met his gaze, those clear blue eyes stealing his breath. He’d told himself he wouldn’t dance with her this evening. Three balls in a row would cause gossip. If he gave into the urge, he’d have to find one or two other ladies to dance with. Doing so would give everyone the impression that he was seeking a bride, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.

But as he looked into Lena’s eyes, he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He only wanted to dance with her.

“May I have the honor of a dance?” Too late, he realized he’d interrupted Vanbridge. “My apologies.”

A knowing smile crossed the marquess’s face, one that had Sterling shifting uncomfortably. It was almost as if Vanbridge knew what Sterling was thinking.

Surely not.

“Of course.” Lena looked at the others. “If you’ll excuse us.” She stepped forward to take his offered arm.

“My apologies,” he murmured as they walked toward the dance floor.

“For what?”

“My behavior. I didn’t mean to draw attention to…us.”

A lovely rose color washed over her face. “Us?”

Us. He turned the word over in his mind, surprised at how much he liked it. “Yes. Us.”

She frowned as if uncertain whether she liked it. That caused him to smile. Knowing she was off balance made him want to push further to see her reaction.

“You and I.” He watched her closely.

“Hmm.”

Her noncommittal response had him chuckling, and she studied him as if wondering if he’d lost his mind.

Perhaps he had.

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