Elaine stifled a laugh at those words, feeling a little bad. “The good thing is that I was not able to give him a response.”
“What a relief!” Lorna sighed, shaking her head. “Perhaps the duke will beat him to the pulpit after all!”
Elaine laughed at that, picturing Michael marching into the vows, determined to claim her before Lord Weatherby could even gather his wits. The duke did not seem like the type to do such a thing and yet it filled her heart with warmth. “How nice it would be if it were that simple, Aunt Lorna. But I do appreciate the thought.”
“But think of it!” Lorna leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. “You read quite frequently so I’m sure it will be easy for you to imagine. The duke, with his mysterious past and undeniable charm, swooping in to rescue you from a dull marriage. Who wouldn’t want that kind of romance?”
Elaine’s heart fluttered at the thought. “But what if he truly has a dark past? What if I mean nothing to him?”
Lorna shook her head, her expression earnest. She took both of Elaine’s hands. “You will not know unless you seek to uncover the truth yourself, darling. You have never been one to shy away from a challenge. Trust your instincts since they have never led you astray before.”
With a determined nod, Elaine straightened her shoulders. “Thank you, Aunt Lorna. That makes me feel a little better.”
“Now come,” Lorna said, tucking Elaine’s hand through the crook of her arm. “Let us not keep our dashing duke waiting!”
***
Michael and Clarissa arrived at the Sutton residence with a flicker of tension settled in his chest. He stepped inside and was greeted by the butler’s polite nod. The Sutton residence that had once stood as an imposing structure exuding grandeur now wore the marks of neglect. Michael had taken a moment to observe the estate, noting the peeling paint on the shutters and the cracked stone facade. Weeds sprouted defiantly in the otherwise manicured gardens, and the once-pristine pathway was now marred by patches of overgrown grass.
The house had once been a symbol of power and prestige and now it languished in disrepair, much like the reputation of its owner. Simply a reflection of the man who occupied it, Michael thought with satisfaction. It was only fitting.
“Lady Elaine will be right with you, Your Grace,” the butler told him and he disappeared a moment later.
The drawing room was no different. Michael had taken notice of the worn surroundings when he’d arrived earlier to ask for Elaine’s company but he hadn’t stared, not wanting to be rude. Now he didn’t stop himself, even though he saw that he and Clarissa were not alone.
“Your Grace,” Lord Abney greeted, rising from his spot in the middle of the room. “Lady Clarissa.”
“Good day, my lord,” Clarissa greeted breathlessly with a smile. “It is a pleasure seeing you again.”
“I feel the same, my lady.” The viscount’s expression was soft, warm. Michael couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “You must forgive my cousin’s lateness. She will be here soon, I’m sure.”
“It is no worry, my lord. We are in no hurry,” Clarissa smiled gently. “Were you reading just now?”
“I was. Would you like to see?”
Clarissa nodded excitedly and Michael resisted the urge to roll his eyes. How hadn’t he noticed this before? The two of them were talking like a pair of lovesick fools.
He ignored the pang of envy he felt as he watched them approach the bookshelf at the back of the room, talking about the kind of books they liked. It only brought Elaine back to mind, when they had a very similar conversation last night.
His eyes wandered and landed on Lord Suthenshire, who sat languidly by the window. A sharp stab of anger shot through Michael at the sight of him. This was the man, the one who had wronged him and his family. He had once stood tall and now appeared like a fragile thing being swallowed by the oversized armchair, a shawl draped over his lap. He stared out the window with such an unseeing gaze that Michael couldn’t help but wonder if he even realised that there were others in the room.
Michael was tempted to walk up to him and demand justice right then and there. But it wouldn’t be enough. He had to bringLord Suthenshire down to the same level his father had been reduced to.
At that moment, Elaine entered with her aunt, and all thoughts of Lord Suthenshire slipped to the back of his mind. She glided into the room like a breath of fresh air, a smile on her face, her pale blue dress accentuating her figure and illuminating the space around her.
“Good day again, Your Grace,” she greeted breathlessly.
“I thought we agreed on calling me Michael,” he drawled as he approached, taking her hand. He had kissed the back of it before and he couldn’t stop himself from doing the same again. “You look lovely, Elaine.”
Her deep flush filled him with the urge to pull her into his arms, forgetting everyone around him. But he couldn’t forget Lady Abney smiling broadly at the both of them.
“Good day, Lady Abney,” he greeted politely. “Will you be joining us?”
“Oh, no, of course not! I know better than to impose on such a charming pair. I trust my son will serve as an adequate chaperone.” Lady Abney stepped forward, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Pray, inform me should he attempt to come between you two, and I shall set him straight.”
Michael didn’t know whether to laugh or to feel pity for the wrath Lord Abney was likely to incur. He settled on the former before nodding and then turning his attention back to Elaine.
“Shall we?” he asked.
