Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

" I thought it would be most dull to wait until the assembly for our second meeting, Your Grace," Lady Compton gushed as soon as Elizabeth was settled in the drawing room. "So, I thought to invite you for tea. After all, what better way for you to sample Cook's biscuits?"

"We kill two birds with one stone, then," Elizabeth agreed with a smile, delighted by Lady Compton's easy manner.

They both reached for the plate of biscuits, and as soon as Elizabeth took a bite, she couldn't help but express her admiration. "I must say, your cook rivals Sterlin's. These biscuits are delightful, but this sandwich—with the cheese—is impeccable."

Lady Compton clapped her hands, her face lighting up with joy. "I knew you'd love it! I'll send the recipe straight to your cook. Oh, how wonderful that you want to replicate it!"

Elizabeth smiled again, feeling more at ease than she had in weeks. The company was pleasant, the food was wonderful, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the light-heartedness of it all.

Just then, the butler entered the room, announcing the arrival of a second guest. Lady Compton gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh dear, I do apologize, Your Grace! I entirely forgot to mention that we were expecting another guest for tea."

Elizabeth's brow lifted in polite curiosity, but her heart sank as the butler stepped aside to reveal the very last person she wanted to see.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace," came the smooth, measured voice of the Countess of Winston.

Elizabeth's smile wavered, but she quickly recovered, keeping her expression as serene as ever. Georgianna. She could hardly believe her ill luck.

"Oh, how splendid! I wanted you to meet before the assembly, as the Countess is one of the most influential people in the county," Lady Compton chimed in, her usual enthusiasm bubbling over. "But it seems you already know one another?"

"Indeed," Georgianna said with a thin smile. "It's lovely to see you here again, Duchess."

"Yes, we've met," Elizabeth replied, her tone pleasant, though her stomach knotted at the Countess's presence.

"Well, that should make for a less awkward introduction, then," Lady Compton said cheerfully, beaming at them both. "No long silences or stilted conversation."

Not that there's ever a chance of silence with you around, Elizabeth thought wryly, a touch of humor softening the tension that had settled over her the moment Georgianna entered the room.

They continued with tea, but it didn't take long for Georgianna to strike the first blow, her words as delicate as the porcelain teacup she held, yet sharp enough to sting.

"I see you've settled quite well into your role as Duchess. I'm sure it must be an adjustment, especially with the demands of a title so grand," Georgianna said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "It takes time, of course, to understand all the expectations."

Elizabeth kept her smile in place, refusing to let the barb hit its mark. "Oh, I've always been quick to adapt," she replied evenly, holding Georgianna's gaze. "And with such guidance from people like yourself, I'm certain I shall manage splendidly."

Before the tension could build further, Lady Compton burst in, oblivious to the sparring beneath the surface. "Oh, my, I nearly forgot! You must try the lemon tarts next! They're Cook's specialty. I simply cannot resist them."

The tension in the room momentarily dissipated as Lady Compton, in her usual manner, steered the conversation toward safer shores. Elizabeth took a steadying breath, grateful for the reprieve.

But it wasn't long before Georgianna struck again.

"And how lovely it is to be surrounded by so much admiration so early in your marriage," the Countess said smoothly. "I daresay there are already whispers about how devoted the Duke is to his new bride."

Elizabeth's fingers tightened imperceptibly around her teacup, but she refused to let her smile falter. "Indeed," she replied, her voice light but firm. "Devotion is something I treasure deeply."

"Oh, have you heard about the new shops they're constructing in the village?" Lady Compton exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement as she set her teacup down. "I've been watching the progress closely—there's talk of a haberdasher, a new grocer, and even a milliner. Quite the improvement for our little corner of the county!"

Elizabeth smiled at the thought. "How wonderful. I shall have to visit once they are complete. I do hope there will be a bookstore among them. I've been longing for something new to read."

Lady Compton clapped her hands together, delighted. "A bookstore, you say? What a marvelous idea! We shall have to go together and explore once it opens. You and I shall make a grand day of it, Your Grace."

Elizabeth's smile deepened. She hadn't expected to find a kindred spirit in Lady Compton, but the idea of an excursion was a welcome one. "I should like that very much."

Georgianna, who had been sipping her tea with a practiced indifference, set her cup down with a faint clink and looked at Elizabeth with a deceptively sweet smile. "And how receptive is the Duke to such pursuits, I wonder? Many gentlemen, I have found, are not as inclined toward… shall we say, literary diversions ?" Her tone was light, but the insinuation was clear—men, especially those of rank, had little patience for bluestocking wives.

Elizabeth felt the familiar pang of irritation, but she kept her expression serene. "On the contrary," she replied smoothly, meeting Georgianna's gaze. "The Duke himself is quite well-read. His library is one of the finest I have ever seen, with an impressive collection of works from across the world. In fact, I often find myself borrowing from it."

There was a flicker of something in Georgianna's eyes—displeasure, perhaps—though her smile didn't waver. "How fortunate you are to have such access," she said, her voice taking on a more measured tone. "Not all husbands are so accommodating."

"You know," Lady Compton chimed in, glancing between Elizabeth and Georgianna, "we have quite a well-stocked library here, though I must confess it's no match for the Duke of Sterlin's grand collection." She leaned forward with a grin. "Still, if you're ever inclined, Your Grace, I'd be delighted to have you explore it and perhaps borrow a book or two."

Elizabeth laughed, grateful for Lady Compton's light-heartedness. "I would be delighted. It seems I'll never tire of perusing libraries, no matter how large or small. I may just take you up on that offer."

Before the conversation could shift again, Georgianna placed her teacup down with an air of deliberate care. "And when, may I ask, do you plan to return to London, Duchess? I do hope it's not until the rumors have settled. It would be unfortunate to return amidst such scandal."

The words were pointed and intentional. Elizabeth felt a prickle of annoyance rise in her chest, but she schooled her features, refusing to give Georgianna the satisfaction of rattling her.

Lady Compton gasped softly, now aware of what had been said. "What a silly thing to say!" she exclaimed, waving a hand in dismissal. "Of course, the Duchess has no plans to visit Town anytime soon. Isn't that right, Your Grace?"

Though Georgianna's smile remained fixed, her gaze shifted to Elizabeth, her eyes glinting with a challenge. She was waiting for Elizabeth's response, no doubt hoping to stir some unease. But Elizabeth had learned to swim in these treacherous waters, and she would not falter.

With a calm smile, Elizabeth replied, "My dear friend Lady Compton is quite right. I have no such plans to return to London in the near future."

Georgianna's smile widened, though it held no warmth. "Very brave of you," she remarked, her tone light but touched with something darker. "To remain so steadfast amidst such... unpleasantness."

Elizabeth's pulse quickened, but she remained poised. She took a slow sip of tea before replying, her words measured and cool. "There is a kind of braveness that borders on foolishness, Countess. Sometimes one finds oneself in places they are not wanted, simply because they overstep."

The tension in the room sharpened instantly. Georgianna's eyes narrowed. Lady Compton, once again oblivious to the exchange, frowned slightly, her brow furrowing.

"Is something the matter?" the Viscountess asked, her concern genuine.

Georgianna's lips stretched into a stiff smile. "My tea has gone cold," she said, her voice tight.

"We can't have that!" Lady Compton exclaimed, rising from her seat. "Allow me." She hurried to pour a fresh cup, her cheerful nature cutting through the tension like a beam of sunlight. "There, fresh as can be!"

As Lady Compton set the new cup before Georgianna, Elizabeth's gaze met the Countess's once more. While Georgianna's eyes held a steely glare, Elizabeth simply smiled, her composure unshaken.

Elizabeth returned home feeling oddly satisfied, a triumphant sense of victory humming through her. Georgianna had been put firmly in her place, and Elizabeth couldn't help but replay the scene with a touch of amusement. As if that weren't enough, she now had a book from Lady Compton's library tucked under her arm—an unexpected treasure from an otherwise tense tea.

As she passed through the grand hallway, lost in her thoughts, a figure suddenly appeared from one of the side rooms. She jumped, her hand flying to her chest as her heart raced. Her gaze quickly focused on the familiar face before her, and she exhaled, calming herself.

"You startled me," she said, her voice steadying as she met Alexander's amused expression.

Alexander quirked an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "I wasn't aware I had such an effect on you, Duchess," he teased, the corners of his mouth lifting into a playful smirk.

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "I wasn't expecting you home this early, that's all."

"And where did you imagine I'd be? Roaming the countryside?" he asked, his voice light and teasing. "How was your tea with Lady Compton?"

Her brow furrowed slightly. "You knew?"

His grin widened, clearly enjoying her surprise. "Servants spread news faster than wildfire. Did you think your outing would go unnoticed?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, recovering her composure quickly. "Ah yes, I keep forgetting I'm the most important topic of conversation among the household staff," she replied with a touch of sarcasm.

"Quite the wit today," Alexander said with a chuckle before offering her his arm. "Come along. I've something to show you."

Her heart leapt unexpectedly at the gesture. What could he possibly want to show me? she wondered, curiosity mingling with a strange sense of anticipation. As they walked together toward his study, she marveled at the easy, light-hearted atmosphere between them. It felt… different.

Once inside, he led her toward the desk where a neatly wrapped package sat. With a flourish, he gestured toward it. "From Broughton. His appreciation for your impeccable hosting at dinner."

Elizabeth's eyes widened in delight as she reached for the package, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. "For me?" she asked, barely able to contain her happiness.

Alexander smirked, watching her with amusement. "You look like a child receiving sweets for the first time," he teased, folding his arms across his chest.

Elizabeth shot him a glance but didn't rise to the bait. Nothing could ruin her mood right now—not even his teasing. Between her victory over Georgianna and now this unexpected gift, her day felt near perfect.

She quickly unwrapped the parcel, revealing exquisite Spanish lace and silk. "Oh, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, holding up the fabric with wide eyes. "Broughton is too generous. You must thank him for me."

Alexander chuckled. "I think you've already done enough to ensure his endless generosity. But yes, I shall pass along your gratitude."

Still marveling at the gift, Elizabeth found herself comparing this version of Alexander to the one she had come to know over the past few weeks. This man, full of light teasing and easy conversation, felt so far removed from the cold, distant figure he became whenever the topic of their marriage or his past surfaced. It was as though he had two sides, and she never knew which she would encounter on any given day.

"We should invite Broughton more often," she mused aloud, her voice light with contentment.

Alexander shook his head, though there was a smile in his eyes. "That menace? We'd have no peace if we indulged him too often. The house would be in chaos before the week was out."

Elizabeth laughed, unable to contain the joy bubbling inside her. "Perhaps a little chaos wouldn't be so terrible."

"Careful what you wish for," he replied, his tone teasing but his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than usual.

He's like a man with two entirely different versions living inside him. One moment, Alexander was teasing and playful, like this, making her feel as though they could truly enjoy each other's company. The next, he could be cold and distant, as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. It was almost like being married to two different men. The thought amused her, and she had to hold back a small chuckle.

Elizabeth had to wonder, however, if she would ever know who Alexander truly was. If he would ever allow her to get close.