If Not for the Duke, page 14
“Seriously, Lena. Renwick never smiles.” She tipped her head toward the ballroom entrance.
Lena turned to follow her gaze and saw Sterling and Bernie standing there. Her heart thudded in response.
Sure enough, Sterling wore his usual dour expression while Bernie looked over the crowd with a mix of excitement and nerves. Lena recognized her expression as she’d felt much the same way their first Season in London. Her spectacles flashed in the light. Lena was pleased she was wearing them.
Mrs. Easton stood just behind them, her nose lifted in the air as she surveyed the crowd with curiosity.
Lena returned her attention to Sterling, who looked so handsome in his formal evening attire. His chiseled features and erect posture matched his somber expression. Yet Lena could now see beyond that.
She didn’t like to think what his upbringing had been like to forge him into the man he was today. His father must’ve been harsh indeed.
Then his focus caught on her and his expression immediately softened. A hint of a smile—just a hint—curved his mouth, and Lena smiled in return.
“Except when he looks at you.” Norah’s voice sounded as if it came from a distance and took a moment to sink in.
“Whatever do you mean?” Lena asked though she hadn’t managed to pull her attention from Sterling.
“His Grace is almost smiling at you.” The disbelief in Norah’s tone would’ve been amusing under other circumstances or if it pertained to a different topic. “I cannot wait to share this development with Ella.”
Sterling turned to his sister, who was speaking to him, breaking the spell that had held Lena in its grasp. She blinked, stunned by her swirling emotions. How could one look across a crowded ballroom cause such turmoil within her?
Norah’s remark struck her. “Do not dare to say anything to Ella.” The last thing she wanted was her eldest sister, who would like nothing more than to see Lena married, to focus her attention on the possibility of Lena and Sterling marrying.
“So you’re admitting there is something between you.” Norah’s blue eyes lit with excitement.
“I’d not admitting anything of the sort.” Her ears prickled with the heat of embarrassment. Only one of her sisters could do that so easily.
“This is perfect. Don’t you see?” Norah clutched Lena’s hand with enthusiasm.
“I have no idea of what you’re speaking.” Trepidation filled Lena so strongly that she had to resist the urge to jerk her hand away from Norah’s.
“We must tell Ella. This is exactly the sort of distraction she needs. Her focus will shift to wondering what might be happening between you and Renwick rather than the treasure hunt. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to spend more time proving that Clarke is lying. I’ll watch over Ella and tell her you’re busy with Renwick.”
Lena stared at Norah in disbelief.
“Did I hear mention of my name?” Sterling asked, one brow lifted, as he and Bernie joined them.
Lena wanted to hide behind the nearest potted plant. Her mind was completely blank as she struggled with an explanation. How much of Norah’s ridiculous ideas had he heard?
Based on Norah’s wide eyes, she wondered the same.
Lena dropped into a curtsy, hoping beyond hope Sterling hadn’t heard them.
Chapter Thirteen
Sterling didn’t pretend to know what was happening, but the guilty look on Lena’s face roused his suspicions. It was the same expression she’d had when they first met, and she’d rescued Bernie from toppling into the fountain.
He’d heard Lady Vanbridge mention Oak Island and his name. That wasn’t a complete surprise, but Lena’s expression caused him to wonder about the nature of their conversation.
“Good evening, Your Grump…er, Grace.” Lady Vanbridge curtsied, two bright spots of color on her cheeks.
“Good evening.” Sterling wasn’t certain whether to be annoyed or amused by the near slip. His gaze returned to Lena, who also seemed to be trying to regain her composure.
“Lady Bernice, what a lovely gown.” Lady Vanbridge smiled. “That shade of green is so flattering on you.”
“Why, thank you.” Bernie glanced down and smoothed the mint green fabric with her white gloves. “It is one of my favorites.”
“Forgive me, Your Grace.” Lady Vanbridge’s charming smile nearly put him at ease. “I was just asking my sister if you’d shared any updates on the dig.”
Sterling considered the explanation. Though reasonable, he wondered if there was more to their conversation.
“Nothing new of late,” Lady Bernice answered for him. “We do hope to receive an update next week. Isn’t that right, Sterling?”
“Yes.”
Apparently, his answer didn’t satisfy Bernie as she cast him a warning look. One that suggested his mistrust was showing. At times, he wished he had the same faith in others his sister did. How different his life would be—one filled with friends and laughter.
He gave himself a mental shake at the improbable wish. As he’d told himself before, it would be more suspicious if they didn’t ask about the treasure hunt.
“Clarke normally sends updates twice each month,” he said at last. “I’m sure we’ll know more details soon.” Hopefully, it would include more than a glowing report about his progress. Sterling wanted facts, not wishful thinking.
“Indeed.” Bernie nodded.
“Good evening.” The Marquess of Vanbridge joined them, his attention quickly moving to his wife. The affection between them was palpable and sent a surprising pang of envy through Sterling.
What he saw between them made him consider what sort of relationship he hoped to have with his future wife. His plans hadn’t gone much further than his intention to marry a lady with an appropriate title and a sizable dowry to expand the ducal holdings, as his father would’ve wanted.
Yet having seen Marbury and his wife, along with Vanbridge and his, Sterling reconsidered. What might it be like to have a true partnership built on love, respect, and shared values with one’s wife?
Perhaps there was more to happiness than he’d realized. His gaze caught on Lena as she watched her sister and Vanbridge. A small smile played along her lush lips, making him think she appreciated their relationship as well.
Bernie bumped his arm again, making him realize he’d lost track of the conversation. “I’m sorry?”
“I asked what you thought of Worley’s efforts in South America,” Vanbridge asked.
“It sounds promising from the report given at the last Society meeting.”
Vanbridge shared a few additional details that were included in a letter Marbury had received from Worley. The conversation made Sterling hope Clarke would discover something soon, as well.
His attention returned to Lena, and that hope dulled. He didn’t want any success Clarke found to hurt her or her sisters. And he knew it would. He’d already heard a few people remark on how ineffective Wright’s efforts had been if Clarke was making inroads on locating the treasure already.
No one wanted to hear that about their father, especially when they had obviously loved him.
Lena met his gaze, those clear blue eyes stealing his breath. He’d told himself he wouldn’t dance with her this evening. Three balls in a row would cause gossip. If he gave into the urge, he’d have to find one or two other ladies to dance with. Doing so would give everyone the impression that he was seeking a bride, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
But as he looked into Lena’s eyes, he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He only wanted to dance with her.
“May I have the honor of a dance?” Too late, he realized he’d interrupted Vanbridge. “My apologies.”
A knowing smile crossed the marquess’s face, one that had Sterling shifting uncomfortably. It was almost as if Vanbridge knew what Sterling was thinking.
Surely not.
“Of course.” Lena looked at the others. “If you’ll excuse us.” She stepped forward to take his offered arm.
“My apologies,” he murmured as they walked toward the dance floor.
“For what?”
“My behavior. I didn’t mean to draw attention to…us.”
A lovely rose color washed over her face. “Us?”
Us. He turned the word over in his mind, surprised at how much he liked it. “Yes. Us.”
She frowned as if uncertain whether she liked it. That caused him to smile. Knowing she was off balance made him want to push further to see her reaction.
“You and I.” He watched her closely.
“Hmm.”
Her noncommittal response had him chuckling, and she studied him as if wondering if he’d lost his mind.
Perhaps he had.
The fact that most other eligible ladies would’ve been crowing with delight if he’d said something similar to them, while Lena had yet to decide whether she liked it, was highly amusing.
Her astonished gaze made him ask, “What is it?”
The astonishment slid into a delightful grin and her eyes softened with what almost looked like tenderness and, dare he say, affection. “You laughed. I liked it very much, Sterling. I hope you do that again soon.”
With a light heart, he drew her into his arms as the music began, wondering just where this lovely lady was going to lead him.
*
Lena set aside the book she’d been reading as a shiver washed over her. The deep sense of dread had her shrugging with the hope it would go away to no avail.
She’d been enjoying a quiet evening at home—the first in three days—until now.
Grandfather was at his club, having dined with her earlier. He seemed to understand her frequent need for time alone, making her wonder if he felt the same way at times. She’d always appreciated—and needed—time alone. It helped to calm the restlessness that so often came over her, especially after attending events several days in a row.
She also wanted some time away from Sterling with the hope her growing feelings for him would calm. The last dance they’d shared three nights ago lingered in her thoughts far too much.
Now, as unease held her tight, her thoughts flew to Ella, but some probing at the feeling suggested neither of her sisters was in danger. Then who? Grandfather? Marbury or Vanbridge? None of them seemed to worsen the feeling. Who else?
She rose to pace the room, allowing her thoughts to roam. Sterling? No. Then it came to her in a rush—Lady Bernice.
The sense of foreboding grew even stronger, causing her heart to race and chills to crawl along her skin. She tried to remember what event, if any, Bernie had planned to attend this evening. Surely, wherever she was, Sterling was with her to help if anything was wrong.
The thought didn’t ease her angst in the least. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. She rubbed her upper arms but that didn’t stop her chills.
She’d send a note to Bernie at home. She hurried to the writing desk to pull out a sheet of paper only to hesitate. What could she possibly say that wouldn’t make her sound crazy?
Just wondering if you are well.
I urge you to take care this evening.
She set aside the paper with a shake of her head. A message wouldn’t do. She would have to call on her and see for herself that she was safe. An excuse of some sort would come to mind if all was well. Whether she needed to warn Bernie to be careful remained to be seen.
Still, Lena hesitated. Calling on her at this hour was unseemly but what else could she do? Situations like this were not only embarrassing but placed the secret of her gift at risk. Bernie would wonder why Lena had called. She would certainly tell Sterling.
She sighed, wishing a different solution came to mind. He’d already looked at her on more than one occasion with suspicion in his brown eyes. She would much rather he look at her the way he had just before they’d danced.
When he’d said “us” as if it were a foreign word. “You and I,” he’d whispered, looking into her eyes. Then he’d smiled. And laughed. She pressed both hands over her heart as a completely different emotion swelled there.
She’d relived that moment numerous times. While she couldn’t claim to know what this was between them, she didn’t want it to end. And somehow, she knew in her heart that if he found out about her sense, it would, just as other friendships had, once they realized she was different in an inexplicable way.
Lena closed her eyes, indecision making her thoughts race.
She drew a deep breath and opened her eyes. That didn’t matter if Bernie was in danger. The risk was terrible, but one she had to take. With resolve, she hurried down the stairs to request a carriage, along with the request for James and Nancy to accompany her.
James took one look at her worried expression and seemed to know something was amiss. The footman had witnessed her gift on more than one occasion. Rather than question her or stare at her in fear, he assumed whatever she was feeling was the truth and should be acted upon. His belief in her was refreshing.
It didn’t take long before they were driving toward Renwick House. Lena wished her sisters were with her so they could help form a plan. Ella would be her practical self and ask what they would do if Bernie wasn’t home. Lena considered the question but had no answer.
Norah would ask what excuse they could give for calling so late. Lena didn’t have an answer for that either.
She should’ve brought one of the letters. At the very least, she could say she had a question about it. Though she didn’t know why such a question couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
“Are you well, miss?” Nancy asked, her worried gaze holding on Lena in the dim carriage light.
“Yes. Quite.” The maid’s question made her wonder if she’d been talking to herself.
Lena hoped answers came to her once they arrived. Bernie was probably fine and would stare at her as if she were crazy. Then again, knowing Bernie, she would be delighted that Lena had called, regardless of the hour.
The thought was reassuring. Bernie didn’t have the same suspicious outlook her brother did.
Soon, the carriage rolled to a halt. James assisted her and Nancy to alight then hurried up the front steps and knocked on the door before they’d joined him.
Nerves struck Lena as she glanced up at the darkened windows of the upper floors. How ridiculous of her to come. A houseful of servants was inside. Foster would not approve of her calling at this hour. Heaven forbid if Sterling was home. She hated to think of what he’d say about her visit.
She turned back to look at the carriage, wondering if she should just go. But even that temptation didn’t make her feet move from the front step.
The door swung open to reveal a surprised Foster. His expression tightened with disapproval, but Lena lifted her chin. She was determined to see this through now that she was here.
“I am terribly sorry, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with Lady Bernice. Is she at home?”
The butler hesitated for a long moment, making Lena think he intended to send them away. At last, he gave a single nod. “Allow me to see if she’s receiving.”
Lena could’ve hugged the man, despite his dour expression. Bernie must be here, and that alone was a relief.
They were shown to the small reception room that adjoined the entrance hall to wait. Nancy and James both watched her pace the small room. When several minutes passed without Foster’s return, Lena moved to the doorway, only to look up to see a maid and a footman hurrying along the upper floor.
A few moments later, Foster rushed down the stairs.
“Is there a problem?” Lena asked, her worry heightening.
The butler frowned. “We are having difficulty locating Lady Bernice, miss.”
Lena’s heart thudded dully as she met his worried eyes. She looked away, willing the knowing feeling to provide a hint of where Bernie might be. Nothing came to her.
A familiar helplessness threatened to weigh her down like a stone in the river. How many times had she longed for clarity but never received it? Why should she expect anything different now?
She shoved away the doubt and focused on Bernie. She closed her eyes and brought Bernie’s image to her thoughts, well aware of the servants watching her closely.
Instead of seeing Bernie, she only saw books.
Shelves of books, to be precise.
Her eyes flew open as anger and frustration took hold. What good was her ability when she couldn’t help others?
Then a possible answer came to her—were books somehow connected to Bernie? The idea felt right. More than right, in fact.
“We should look in the study,” Lena advised Foster. Surely, Sterling had books in his study.
The servant frowned, seeming to think it highly unlikely they’d find Lady Bernice there. Or perhaps he was confused about why she’d suggested it.
Lena didn’t bother to explain as urgency filled her. She hurried past the man and down the corridor, certain Sterling’s study was in a similar place as her grandfather’s.
“But, miss—” Foster began.
“It’s best to see if she’s right,” James advised the man then followed her.
Lena opened the only door along the corridor, her gaze catching on a lit candle sputtering on a small table near the dark fireplace. “Bernie?”
Disappointment stole through her when she realized the room was empty.
Then a soft moan echoed in the quiet space.
“Bernie, is that you?” Lena rushed forward, scanning the room as she tried to place from where the sound had come. She moved to pick up the candleholder and held it aloft, the sight of a form on the floor near the desk catching her eye.
She hurried forward to see Bernie lying face down, one arm flung to the side and her legs twisted in the opposite direction.
Lena knelt beside her, searching to see what might be wrong. “Bernie?” She touched her shoulder and said her name again.
Bernie moaned once more, the sound reassuring that she still lived.
James joined her and took the candleholder, allowing Lena to brush Bernie’s hair from her face. “Bernie.”
Voices sounded in the corridor, one of the deep tones achingly familiar. Relief flooded Lena to know Sterling had arrived.
