“Not to worry, Your Grace, I shall—” Mrs. Hughes began, furrowing her brow.
But Genevieve was already at the entrance.
“Genevieve!” Marianne exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Oh, I have missed you so much. Let me take a good, long look at you.”
She leaned back and raised her eyebrows with interest. “There is something different about you since we last saw you. I wonder what has changed you so—for the better, I might add. Ravenshire must be treating you well.”
Genevieve laughed, her cheeks tinged with warmth. “I have never felt better. The Duke has been very attentive to my needs.”
“As it should be,” Owen added with a grin, stepping forward to envelop her in a warm hug.
“Speaking of the Duke…” Marianne nodded her head towards the staircase. “Where is he? Will he be joining us?”
Genevieve nodded and grinned. “He is in his study, finishing up some business. And… he is giving us some privacy,” she added with a wink. “His friend, Lord Gaverton, will also be joining us tonight.”
“I see,” Marianne said, sounding intrigued by the mysterious guest.
“Come,” Genevieve urged, grabbing Marianne’s hand and glancing at Owen. “Let me show you around.”
Kenneth arrived shortly after Genevieve gave Marianne and Owen a tour of the estate. As soon as he entered, he greeted Genevieve with a charming smile and a playful bow.
“Your Grace,” he declared warmly, “it is always a pleasure seeing you.”
Genevieve chuckled, her cheeks flushing at his words. “The pleasure is all mine, Lord Gaverton,” she replied, her eyes glinting with amusement.
She turned to Marianne and Owen with a smile. “Lord Gaverton, may I introduce my dearest friends, the Earl of Clowefield, and his wife, the Countess of Clowefield.”
Kenneth inclined his head to Marianne and Owen, his expression shifting to one of polite seriousness.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintances,” he said. Then, turning back to Genevieve, he added, “If you will please excuse me, Your Grace, I have some business to discuss with your husband. I trust we shall return in time for dinner.”
“Ah, Ravenshire,” Kenneth greeted heartily. “It is always a pleasure to be welcomed into your inner sanctum.”
Wilhelm remained seated behind his desk, a stack of parchment and ledgers before him. He raised an eyebrow at his jovial partner.
“Gaverton,” he greeted with a curt nod, rising from his chair.
With measured steps, he moved to the round table in the corner, pouring two glasses of brandy and motioning for Kenneth to join him.
Kenneth chuckled, settling into one of the armchairs gracefully.
“Business before pleasure as always, Your Grace,” he drawled, his eyes twinkling. “Though I am rather eager to taste what your lovely Duchess has chosen for dinner this evening.”
Wilhelm offered him a small smile. “I believe she is equally eager to display the effort she has put into planning this gathering,” he remarked, his eyes softening. “But first, let us discuss the matters at hand.”
Kenneth nodded, his expression turning serious. “Of course,” he agreed, leaning forward. “I trust your business ventures are prospering?”
Wilhelm’s face broke into a self-satisfied smile. “They are,” he confirmed, a note of pride in his voice. “The shipping routes have proven quite lucrative, and the investments in the textile mills are yielding impressive returns.”
Kenneth’s eyes gleamed with admiration. “As are mine,” he said smugly. “It seems our partnership is proving to be quite fruitful.”
Wilhelm nodded his head in agreement. “Indeed,” he concurred. “Our combined efforts have yielded results beyond my initial expectations.” He paused, his gaze lingering on a particular ledger. “And what of the Shelton affair?”
Kenneth’s grin widened. “You will be quite pleased, Your Grace,” he assured him.
“Excellent,” Wilhelm purred, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “And speaking of the devil, how is our dear Lord Shelton faring?”
Kenneth’s laugh reverberated through the room. “Not well, I am afraid,” he replied, leaning back in his chair. “His ships are languishing in the port, his profits are dwindling, and his reputation is suffering. It seems your strategy was quite effective.”
