Madeline’s words were filled with genuine concern, a reflection of her deep care for Genevieve’s well being. The servant’s loyalty and protectiveness were unwavering, and she was not one to stand by when she believed her mistress was making a risky decision. Genevieve paused, the words of her devoted maid weighing heavily on her. The window revealed a somber, overcast sky, the rain drumming a relentless rhythm against the panes. The thought of venturing out in such inclement weather was, indeed, a cause for hesitation.
She met Madeline’s concerned gaze with a soft and appreciative smile. “I understand your worry, Madeline,” Genevieve replied, “and I appreciate your concern for my safety. But there is something that compels me to go out today. It is a matter of great importance.”
Madeline, though clearly worried, knew her mistress well enough to understand the determination in her eyes. Genevieve’s sense of purpose was unwavering, and it was not a trait to be taken lightly.
“Very well, milady,” Madeline said with a resigned nod, her concern giving way to a desire to support her mistress’s decision. “I shall help you prepare, and I will make sure you are properly dressed to face the elements…”
Their conversation, however, was abruptly interrupted by the entrance of Harry. His sudden appearance drew Genevieve’s full attention, and she could not help but wonder what had brought him to her bedchamber at this crucial moment. Did he have some kind of premonition that she was trying to escape? The anticipation in the air was thick, and she hoped that his arrival might offer some clarity or a new perspective on the choice that lay before her. There was an innate sibling intuition between them, a connection that told him something was afoot.
Inquiring with a curious tilt of his head, Harry’s eyes met Genevieve’s, and she could not help but feel her resolve crumble under his gaze. It was as if he could see right through her, sensing the turmoil that had been roiling within her since she had first laid eyes on the map.
Unable to withhold her intentions any longer, she decided to share her plan with him. “I am planning to visit the Seabrook Ruins once more.”
As she spoke, she could not help but notice the mix of emotions in Harry’s eyes. Apprehension was etched in his features, a concern for her safety and the perils of the unknown. Yet, there was also an underlying understanding, he knew that she wanted to hunt for treasure once more, even if she was not saying that.
Harry, always protective and caring, understood his sister’s yearning for adventure and discovery. He had seen the spark of adventure in her eyes countless times, and he knew that, once her heart was set on something, she was determined to see it through.
With a sigh, he finally spoke, his words laced with both caution and support. “Genevieve, you know the Moors can be treacherous, especially in this weather. But I also know that your spirit is unyielding. If this is what you truly desire, I will stand by your side.”
Genevieve was moved by her brother’s unwavering support, his willingness to accompany her on a path filled with uncertainty and adventure. As they stood there in her bedchamber, their shared resolve gave them the strength to face whatever lay ahead in the enigmatic heart of Grafton Moors.
CHAPTER 13
Jonathan sat at the head of the breakfast table, the soft chatter of his family around him fading into the background as his mind became captivated by memories of the previous evening. In his thoughts, he revisited the enchanting moments he had shared with Genevieve. He recalled the moment they had first locked eyes, their gazes drawn together as if by an invisible force. The music had swirled around them, and the ballroom had seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them in a world of their own.
The touch of her hand as they had danced lingered in his memory, a gentle yet electrifying connection that had sent intense shivers down his spine. Their synchronized movements, perfectly attuned, had made it feel as if they were in a dance of their own making. As he relived these memories, a soft smile graced his lips, and his heart fluttered with the desire to see Lady Genevieve again, to share more of those magical moments on the dance floor. The enchantment of the previous evening remained etched in his mind, a compelling force that drew him back to the captivating Lady Genevieve. He knew that it was dangerous to have these thoughts, especially when he knew that he was closed off to love, but he could not get her off his mind no matter what he did. It was like she had all but consumed him.
Jonathan’s mother, Rosalind, cleared her throat gently, her voice drawing him back from the depths of his reverie. With a soft, knowing smile, she had remarked, “Lady Genevieve Ellsworth and you made a splendid pair during the waltz last night, Jonathan. It was quite the sight.”
Jonathan looked up, meeting his mother’s gaze. He had offered a slightly sheepish but pleased grin. “Thank you, Mother. Lady Genevieve is an excellent dancer, and the dance was certainly a highlight of the evening for me. I had a very good time with her.”
He knew that his mother might read in to this and make assumptions, but right now he wanted to talk about Genevieve. He could not seem to stop himself.
Rosalind’s eyes had twinkled with maternal pride as she had added, “It seemed as if the two of you were in perfect harmony, as if you had danced together many times before.”
Jonathan had nodded, a fondness in his eyes as he had thought of Genevieve. “It did feel that way, Mother. She is quite remarkable.”
“The gown that she was wearing was very lovely. I hope you remembered to compliment her on it.”
Truth be told, Jonathan was not sure if he had said anything about her dress. Genevieve and he had so much more to talk about. They were so busy discussing the map and the quest that Genevieve had embarked upon that nothing else mattered. Surely Genevieve knew that he thought she looked beautiful. Did he really need to tell her when he could not take his eyes off of her? Perhaps it would be better for him to make sure he told her the next time he saw her.
But before he could answer his mother, Agatha jumped in with her own opinion. She leaned in slightly and had remarked, “You know, Jonathan, Lady Isabella is truly a remarkable young woman. Her grace, her elegance, she would make an exceptional duchess, do you not agree?”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, feigning casual interest, and had replied, “Is that so? Lady Isabella is certainly a fine lady, no doubt.”
Agatha continued, her voice carrying the weight of her intentions. “Yes, and she comes from a family with a long standing history of maintaining their estates and holdings. It is a quality we should consider when thinking about our future, wouldn’t you agree?”
Jonathan had kept his tone measured, refusing to be drawn into a direct conversation about his own future. He knew that he had a duty as a duke now, but he did not wish to be controlled. He needed to have some power over his life! “Of course, Agatha. A stable family history is indeed important.”
Agatha’s eyes flickered as she added, “You know, it is just a shame about Lady Genevieve and her... adventurous spirit. One might say it is a bit reckless, and certainly not befitting of a duchess. That is something I believe you should consider in future interactions.” When Jonathan did not dignify this with a response, Agatha continued. “You know, Jonathan, there have been rumours about Lord Harry Ellsworth and an unfortunate incident with a horse which led to his limp, and how Lady Genevieve might have been to blame.”
The revelation sent a ripple of unease through Jonathan. The thought of Genevieve being responsible for her brother’s injury was unsettling, especially considering the connection he had formed with her. Jonathan’s brow furrowed, and he regarded Agatha with a mix of surprise and concern. “An incident with a horse? What happened?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Agatha’s lips curled into a sly smile as she responded, “The details are rather hazy, and one can never be sure of the accuracy of such rumours, but it’s said that her recklessness led to her brother Harry’s injury. Some even suggest that it might have been avoidable if she had been more cautious.”
Jonathan’s heart almost stopped beating. He did not want to listen to this, he did not want to hear it when it might not have been the truth. He replied cautiously, “Rumours can be misleading, Agatha. We should be careful not to jump to conclusions based on hearsay. Lady Genevieve has proven to be a woman of character and integrity in my experience.”
Agatha merely shrugged in response, her expression inscrutable. The shadow of suspicion hung in the air, casting a pall over their breakfast conversation. Jonathan did not like any of this, he had actually found himself captivated by Genevieve’s bold spirit. That was something he truly admired about her.
