Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

E lizabeth was clearly still displeased with him; that much was evident. The memory of her cold dismissal in the front hall pricked at Alexander as he rode through the countryside. His grip tightened on the reins, and he urged his horse onward, seeking some solace in the wind that whipped through his hair. But the ride brought little relief.

Georgianna. Her name alone was enough to sour his mood further. She was fast becoming the bane of his existence, a thorn that pricked at the fragile peace he had hoped to find in this marriage. He had wanted nothing more than a quiet, uncomplicated life—yet here he was, ensnared in a web of complications.

He knew he needed to apologize to Elizabeth, but the words eluded him. How did one begin to mend what felt so broken? His thoughts were a tangled mess as he dismounted in front of Colin's cottage, a charming abode that spoke of wealth and comfort. It was more befitting a king than a simple lord.

"I shall inform His Lordship of your call," the butler greeted him as he was admitted inside.

"There is no need," Alexander waved him off. "Tell me where he is."

"Up in his chambers, Your Grace."

"Good." Alexander was already making his way up the stairs.

He entered Colin's room to find it in a state of disarray, with boxes and luggage strewn about. "What about all these boxes?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Ah, I'm afraid it's time for me to return to London," Colin replied, a touch of melancholy in his voice.

"When do you leave?" Alexander inquired as he poured himself a generous measure of brandy from a decanter nearby.

"Tomorrow morning," Colin said, watching him closely. "But I expect you intend to rusticate some more in the country before you grace Town with your presence, eh?" he added with a teasing smile.

"Ah, avoiding more than just business, I see," Colin remarked with a knowing look.

"Perhaps I'll make my appearance next social season," Alexander said flatly, dropping into a nearby chair with a weary sigh.

Colin, ever perceptive, arched an eyebrow. "How fares our Duchess? Did you deliver my gifts?"

Alexander's thoughts drifted to Elizabeth's reaction. She had been truly delighted with the gifts, her smile radiant as she admired each one. But the memory, instead of bringing him satisfaction, stirred an unsettling feeling deep within. That smile—Colin had put it there, not him. He wanted to be the one who brought her joy, not his friend or any other man. Elizabeth was his wife, after all, and for reasons he couldn't fully grasp, he needed her happiness to be because of him.

"Your silence doesn't bode well, man," Colin interrupted his thoughts, his tone laced with concern. "Surely you delivered them? Or, God forbid, she didn't like them?"

Alexander shook himself from his reverie. "On the contrary, she loved them," he replied, though his voice lacked its usual steadiness.

"And why do you sound so dejected?" Colin pressed, a teasing glint in his eye. "Perhaps I should have included some embroidered waistcoats for you in those gifts as well." He chuckled, but when Alexander only gave him a pointed look, Colin's laughter died down.

"Something is definitely up. What is it?" Colin asked, his tone sobering as concern replaced his earlier mirth.

"A frivolous misunderstanding, no more," Alexander half-dismissed, pouring two fingers of brandy into his tumbler.

Colin's gaze flicked between Alexander and the decanter before he spoke again. "Hardly frivolous if it's got you drinking and in such a sour mood," his friend observed, leaning back in his chair.

Alexander responded with a grunt, his eyes fixed on the amber liquid swirling in his glass.

"Whatever it is, you need to apologize," Colin advised, his voice taking on a more serious note.

Alexander sighed heavily. "How does a man begin to apologize for something he himself lacks a proper understanding of?"

Georgianna had made it her mission to disrupt his life, and Elizabeth—well, she seemed equally determined to remain stubborn, rejecting any attempts at explanation. The entire situation felt like a tangled mess with no clear way out.

"Whatever it is, the understanding will come after the apology. Believe me," Colin said, his tone laced with the confidence of a man who had seen his share of complicated situations.

"Why, one would think you quite experienced in marriage with the wisdom you share," Alexander retorted, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"I fancy myself something of a connoisseur of the opposite gender, you see," Colin replied with a smug smile that was both infuriating and oddly comforting.

Alexander couldn't help but laugh, the tension easing slightly.

"You could do or give her something she likes. That should open the door for an apology," Colin suggested, his tone more earnest now.

Alexander furrowed his brows, the suggestion hitting a sore spot. He realized with a pang that he had no idea what Elizabeth liked. He knew next to nothing about his wife. The thought unsettled him deeply, and he found himself staring into his glass, troubled by the realization.

"After all, you can never go wrong with a new wardrobe for a woman," Colin continued, his tone light and confident.

Alexander's thoughts drifted to Elizabeth's reaction to the lace and silk Colin had gifted her. The memory of her delight brought a slight smile to his face. Yes, that was the answer. Elizabeth would appreciate new clothes, he concluded.

"I would call you a genius for your ideas, Colin. But I'm not feeling so generous today," Alexander teased, his spirits lifting just a little.

"I know. You're lost without me, man," Colin replied with a hearty laugh, brushing off the jibe with his usual ease.

After bidding his friend farewell and wishing him a safe journey, Alexander returned home, satisfied that he had found a way to approach Elizabeth with an apology. The idea of giving her something she would genuinely enjoy seemed like the perfect solution.

No sooner had he settled into his study than a knock came at the door. He looked up, somewhat surprised, as Mrs. Ryton entered, carrying a tea service.

"I thought you'd like some tea after your return, Your Grace," she said, setting the tray on the coffee table. "After last night's rain, the weather today feels a little cool," she added, her tone as warm and motherly as ever.

"How very thoughtful of you, Mrs. Ryton. Thank you," Alexander replied as she poured him a cup.

"I thought you should know," she said, setting the cup on the desk before him. "The Duchess seems to have found her steps around now. And I must say, Lady Compton makes her excellent company. They had tea just earlier this afternoon, in fact."

"I am glad to hear it," Alexander said, lifting the cup to his lips.

"You made the right choice for a Duchess," Mrs. Ryton continued, her voice carrying a note of approval that made Alexander pause. He found himself wondering where this conversation was headed.

"But of course, no marriage is without its ups and downs. Mr. Ryton and I have been at it for decades now, but sometimes, we bicker like children," she added with a soft chuckle, the warmth of her tone contrasting with the gravity of his thoughts.

Alexander's mind wandered back to the scene in the hall when Elizabeth had turned away from him, ignoring his presence. Was Mrs. Ryton hinting at that? Had she noticed the tension?

"I suppose such misunderstandings are a part of life," he replied, not entirely sure what else to say but feeling the need to agree.

"I am glad you know that, Your Grace," Mrs. Ryton smiled, a hint of approval in her eyes. "And I expect you also know that there is no misunderstanding a little communication and an apology cannot overcome?" she added, her tone gently probing.

Alexander nodded, feeling a bit like the boy he once was under her watchful care. It was clear now that this was about Elizabeth. Mrs. Ryton, he realized with a newfound appreciation, was fiercely protective of his wife.

After serving him the tea and her well-meaning advice, the housekeeper made to leave. Alexander hesitated, grappling with the awkwardness of his next request.

"Mrs. Ryton," he called out, stopping her just before she reached the door.

She turned back to him, her expression patient and curious.

"Can you get me the Duchess's measurements?" he asked, the words coming out more hesitant than he intended.

Mrs. Ryton's brow quirked slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked it with her usual composure. "Would you like me to send for the modiste then, Your Grace?" she inquired. "I hear one of the prominent ones in London now has another shop in the village."

"No, no," Alexander quickly interjected. "It would be best if the Duchess doesn't know about it."

He wanted to surprise her.

Mrs. Ryton appeared thoughtful for a moment, her keen eyes considering his request. "In that case, I shall ask her lady's maid to get the measurements. I am sure she can manage it surreptitiously enough," she said, her tone assured.

"Excellent," Alexander replied, feeling a sudden surge of excitement at the prospect of surprising Elizabeth. This would be a small step toward mending the rift between them.

"When you have the measurements, I will need you to take them to the modiste," he continued, his mind already racing with ideas. "I should like to view some samples too."

A small smile played on Mrs. Ryton's lips as she nodded, her approval evident. She gave a curtsey and left the room, leaving Alexander alone with his thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, a sigh escaping him as he stared at the closed door.

Would this be enough? he wondered, a flicker of doubt creeping in.