Page 70 of If Not for the Duke

Lena curtsied asshe finished a dance at the Harrison ball with Lord Canham, a man who asked her to dance at nearly every ball. He was handsome in a quiet way with brown hair and eyes, as well as an excellent dance partner. But Lena had realized last Season that she liked him in a brotherly manner rather than as a potential husband. She hoped he felt the same. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“Thank you, my lord,” she said once he’d escorted her back to Norah.

“The pleasure is mine, Miss Wright.” Rather than leaving, he remained by her side, seeming content to be in her company.

She cast a worried look at Norah, who raised a brow in response, clearly understanding the problem. The moment made her appreciate having sisters. One didn’t always have to explain a situation for them to understand.

How lonely Lady Bernice must be with no sisters, no mother, and few friends. That made Lena even more determined to continue their friendship and serve in the role of an older sister if the occasion warranted it.

Sterling’s presence complicated that intent. She’d managed to keep her distance from him for the past two days. Whether doing so had calmed her feelings toward him remained to be seen. She continued to think of him far too often but hoped she’d regained control over her emotions.

She’d spent most of that time going through the letters again and had even made an attempt to compare them with her father’s notes on the history of the island. Unfortunately, she hadn’t gained any additional insights. She was certain she was missing something, but what?

The map of Oak Island pressed into the paper was a puzzle. Why bother to make the map when Jenkins didn’t mention it in his letter? Had he copied the image from another or made it himself from his own exploration of the island?

She hoped to have a word with Vanbridge about it when he arrived to join Norah later this evening. He might be able to help her determine where to search for more clues.

“Fine weather we’ve been having.” Lord Canham’s comment reminded her of his presence.

“Yes, yes we have.” Lena wracked her mind for something more to say. “Have you been able to enjoy it?”

“I had a nice ride this morning in Hyde Park. I thought you might be there as well.”

“Not today.” She held back from sharing that she intended to ride the following morning. That might only encourage him to try to find her. She’d rather he didn’t.

“Good evening, ladies.”

The familiar voice had Lena and Norah turning with joy to see Viscount Worley standing behind them.

“How wonderful to see you, Worley,” Norah greeted him. “You’ve been gone so long we were beginning to fear you didn’t intend to return.”

“That was a temptation.” Worley grinned as he looked them both over in turn, his brown eyes warm with affection. “But how could I resist coming home when both of you are here?”

“You are incorrigible,” Lena said with a laugh. “The trip must’ve been productive, for you look quite pleased.”

“It was indeed. The expedition was a success in many ways.”

The time away had done him good, she realized as he continued speaking. His dark eyes were clear, and his expression relaxed. His bushy moustache hadn’t changed a bit.

His familiar smile made Lena realize how much she’d missed him. His friendship with Marbury had extended to Lena and her sisters soon after their arrival in London. He’d helped them with the search for their father’s missing journal as well as the stolen coin. Worley’s numerous trips to far-off lands always seemed to fill him in a way that life in London didn’t.

Only too late did Lena realize she’d completely ignored Lord Canham. She turned to speak to him, but he’d already departed.

Perhaps it was for the best. Hopefully, he realized she wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship.

Soon Vanbridge joined them and greeted Worley with a handshake and a smile. “I look forward to hearing of your expedition once you’ve had a chance to recover from traveling.”

“Actually, Marbury and I are meeting at the Society offices tomorrow to review a few of the artifacts I brought back. Care to join us?”

“I’d be honored.” The two men spoke at length while Lena and Norah listened with interest as Worley described one of the temples he’d come upon and the difficulties in reclaiming it from the jungle.

Worley asked how Ella was faring, and Norah shared that she’d visited Ella that afternoon and she was still resting. Their conversation continued, providing Lena with the opportunity she’d been hoping for.

“Vanbridge, might I ask your opinion?” Lena kept her voice low. While Norah knew she wanted to speak to him about the letters, Lena wasn’t ready to share the story with Worley. Not until she’d found something of interest. Besides, Worley would surely mention Sterling. The viscount was too observant at times and might guess her feelings for the duke.

“Of course.” Vanbridge met her gaze, clearly curious.

“Norah may have mentioned the map of Oak Island I found pressed into the privateer’s letter. But there is no reference to it in what he wrote. I feel it must be a clue of sorts, yet I cannot find anything more.”

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