As the figure turned around, his identity became clear to Deborah.
“Oh,” she muttered in surprise. “I did not expect to find you here at this hour, Your Grace.”
The Duke raised an eyebrow at her, seeming surprised by her arrival but not annoyed. “I suppose we have a habit of running into each other, after all.” He nodded. Take a seat if you wish.”
Deborah considered his offer. In the end, she decided that being here was still better than being restless in her bed, so she took a seat.
“If you do not mind me asking, Your Grace,” she started, observing the glass of whiskey that was on the table in front of him. “Why are you awake so late?”
“Likely the same reason as you.” He shrugged.
“I am awake because I am away from home,” she clarified.
“Then, perhaps not the same reason as you.” He laughed. “I often come here in the nighttime to have a drink and look out the window. It is a comforting activity for me. Would you like to join me for one?”
Deborah noted that the Duke seemed to be in a much more relaxed mood than usual. For one, he had asked her to stay with him alone, while she had expected him to avoid her altogether.
It felt out of character for him, and she wondered if the amber liquid in his glass had anything to do with it.
“I would have to decline, Your Grace,” she replied. “However, if we are speaking of things that bring us comfort, then that is precisely why I decided to come into the library, of all places. I was hoping to read a little before dozing off to sleep.”
“Please, help yourself.” He gestured towards the wide expanse of shelves full of books that surrounded them. “You have quite the selection to choose from.”
Deborah nodded, eager to take up his offer. She got up from her place on the table and began to explore the shelves. As she moved, she could feel the weight of his gaze on her, and she realized that it made her a little nervous.
Horrified by the realization, she reached upwards to the first interesting book title that she saw and began to take it off the shelf.
“Oh, no, let me help you.” He was by her side in an instant. When she raised her arm, she revealed the bandage covering her wound, causing the Duke to spring into action immediately. “You should not be exerting yourself with that injury.”
He handed her the book, and they both took a seat back at the table.
“Thank you,” she said to him, noting how strange the words felt in her mouth.
He was being a lot nicer to her tonight than he had ever been in their previous encounters.
“Are you feeling all right now?” he asked, concerned. “I still regret that you fell from the horse like that and that I was not around to prevent it.”
A warm sensation spread across her chest at the Duke’s concern. But then, Emma’s words rang in her head, and she concluded that the reason he was concerned was likely due to his status as a duke and his responsibility to protect, not because it wasshewho had gotten hurt.
“Well, I am doing all right. It is just the lack of sleep that troubles me,” Deborah admitted.
“What is the book that you picked out?” he asked, fixating on the red clothbound copy that lay between them on the table.
“Oh, well, this is one of my favorite writers. Johann David Wyss.” Deborah’s eyes lit up at the chance to talk about her interests. “I was happy to find a copy here, though I must admit that I have read it cover to cover several times already.”
“Is that so?” The Duke smiled in amusement, picking up the book and thumbing through some of the pages. “If you are that fond of it, then you must tell me a little about it.”
As he spoke, Deborah noticed his usual guarded demeanor giving away to a spark of curiosity.
“It is an adventure novel”. She nodded. “The writer is remarkable in the way he is able to tell a great story. Within its page, you almost feel as though you have been transported to another world entirely, one that is populated with noble heroes, adventures, and thrills at every turn.”
The Duke nodded, reading a few lines from the page that was open in front of him.
“I must admit, I have never delved into such tales myself,” he noted. “But the way you speak about them makes me curious to know more. What is it that appeals to you so much about adventure than any other theme?”
Deborah almost did a double take. The Duke was actually taking an interest in what she thought for a change. It occurred to her that she found him a lot more agreeable when he behaved this way.
“Well…” She pursed her lips, eager to share her opinions. “It is the boundless possibilities within these stories that fascinate me the most. The protagonist of this novel lives an exciting life, and routinely pushes their limits, expanding their horizon. I find that quite delightful."
