Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

E lizabeth took Alexander's hand as he reached up to help her down from the carriage. The warmth of his touch sent a pleasant shiver through her, and she couldn't help but smile as she gazed up at him. The setting sun bathed him in a golden light, accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw and the deep, thoughtful eyes that now seemed softer, more open, than she had ever seen them.

He smiled down at her, a look that made her heart skip a beat, and for a moment, she forgot about the long journey, the exhausting hours on the road, and the uncertainty that still lingered between them. In that instant, he was not the distant, enigmatic Duke of Sterlin, but simply her husband, the man she had begun to hope she could truly love.

He led her up the steps of Sterlin House, his hand never leaving hers, and Elizabeth marveled at how natural it felt, how right. But as they stepped inside, their shared moment was interrupted by the butler, who approached with a stack of correspondence that required Alexander's immediate attention.

Alexander glanced at the letters, then turned back to her with an apologetic smile. He brought her hand to his lips, brushing a soft kiss against her knuckles. "Forgive me, my dear," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "Duty calls."

Elizabeth's heart fluttered at the warmth in his gaze, the tenderness in his touch. "Of course," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He lingered for a moment longer, his eyes holding hers, and the connection between them felt almost tangible, as if they were sharing a secret, a promise that went unspoken but was deeply felt. Then, with a final squeeze of her hand, he turned to attend to his duties, leaving Elizabeth standing in the entrance hall, her heart still racing from the intensity of their brief exchange.

She watched him go, a small, wistful smile playing on her lips. Elizabeth still couldn't quite believe her luck. Alexander had become more present, more engaged in their marriage, and the change was as surprising as it was welcome.

But even as she reveled in the warmth of his newfound attentiveness, a small voice in the back of her mind wondered if this was all part of the facade they were preparing to present to society. Was he truly warming to her, or was he simply ensuring that they played their roles to perfection once they returned to London?

These thoughts lingered in her mind as she made her way to her bedchamber, the exhaustion of the journey finally catching up to her. The familiar surroundings of Sterlin House did little to soothe her restless thoughts, and even as she dressed for bed, her mind was elsewhere—on her family, whom she hadn't seen in so long.

Once ready for bed, she sat at her escritoire, the room lit softly by a single candle. She pulled out a sheet of fine paper and dipped her pen in ink, the simple act of writing bringing her a sense of calm. The words flowed easily as she penned a note to her family:

Dearest Aunt Petunia, Margaret, and Anna,

I write to you with great excitement to inform you that Alexander and I have just arrived in London. The journey was long, but my thoughts were filled with the anticipation of seeing you all again. I cannot wait to call on you tomorrow. It has been far too long, and I have missed you dearly.

Until then, I remain, as ever, your loving Elizabeth.

She read over the note, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she imagined their reactions. With a satisfied sigh, she sealed the letter and left it on her writing table, her thoughts now filled with the joy of reuniting with her loved ones.

The following morning, Elizabeth dressed with care, her anticipation growing with each passing moment. But just as she was fastening the last button on her gown, a commotion in the front hall drew her attention. Curious, she hurried downstairs, her heart skipping with excitement as she approached the source of the noise.

"Peggy!" Elizabeth practically squealed, her voice filled with delight as she caught sight of her sister, Margaret, standing in the doorway.

Margaret beamed at her, her eyes shining with the same joy. "Lizzy!" she called out, rushing forward to embrace her.

But Margaret wasn't alone. Behind her stood Aunt Petunia and Anna, their faces lit with excitement. "We got your letter late last night, dear," Aunt Petunia said as she squeezed Elizabeth in a warm hug.

"And we simply couldn't wait to see you," Anna added, her voice bubbling with laughter as they all crowded around Elizabeth, pulling her into a group hug.

Elizabeth laughed, the sound pure and joyful as she held her family close. "Oh, rubbish," she dismissed, her heart swelling with happiness. "It's wonderful to see you all again. I've missed you so much." She led them into the drawing room and rang for tea.

"Oh, I'm sure you must have quite the news for us," Aunt Petunia said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she settled into a comfortable chair.

Elizabeth chuckled softly, though there was a slight self-consciousness in her tone. "Oh, hardly anything special," she replied, trying to downplay the significance of her time away from Town.

"But the change of scenery was much welcome," she added, glancing around the room that now felt more vibrant with her family's presence.

"Now you're back in the fray," Anna chimed in with a playful chuckle, her impish smile making Elizabeth smile in return.

"Indeed we are," a new voice joined in, and Elizabeth's heart gave a small leap of surprise.

She looked up to find Alexander standing at the entrance of the drawing room, his presence commanding as always. He met her gaze briefly, and she thought she saw a flicker of warmth there before he turned his attention to her family.

"You're welcome to our humble home, ladies," Alexander said as he stepped further into the room, his tone gracious and welcoming.

"Thank you, Your Grace," they all replied in unison, their manners impeccable as they dipped their heads in acknowledgment.

"Would you like to join us for tea?" Petunia offered, her voice taking on the tone of a practiced hostess, despite being the guest herself.

Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight. Petunia was still Petunia, always ready to take charge of any situation, and the familiarity of it filled Elizabeth with a warm sense of belonging.

But Alexander shook his head slightly, a small, apologetic smile on his lips. "I'm afraid I must make an urgent appearance at the House of Lords," he said, and Elizabeth felt a faint pang of disappointment, quickly followed by doubt. Was this just another of his excuses, a convenient way to avoid spending time together?

"There's always a next time then," her aunt replied brightly, seemingly unperturbed by his departure.

But before Elizabeth could dwell on her thoughts, Alexander spoke again, his words catching her completely off guard. "In that case, how about dinner to make up for it?" he suggested, his gaze meeting Elizabeth's with a surprising earnestness. "Liz and I would love to have you all over," he added, his tone warm and inviting.

"Sounds marvelous," three voices echoed with identical excitement, their enthusiasm lighting up the room.

As Alexander made his exit, Elizabeth felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—surprise, confusion, and a flicker of something that felt like hope. Was this another attempt to bridge the gap between them, or simply a courteous gesture for the sake of appearances? She couldn't be sure, but she found herself wanting to believe in the former.

"He calls you Liz, eh?" Peggy suddenly turned to Elizabeth with a mischievous grin as Alexander left.

"Liz sounds sweet. A little too excessive for my taste, but just perfect for you, Lizzy," Anna remarked with a playful wink at Peggy, and the pair dissolved into laughter.

Elizabeth felt the warmth of a blush creeping up her neck. "Do not start, you two," she admonished gently, though her voice carried more amusement than censure.

"Why ever not?" Peggy retorted with a mischievous grin. "You did say you missed us, did you not?"

"I missed you, not your mischief," Elizabeth replied, a soft laugh escaping her.

"Oh, but there are no half measures, Lizzy darling," Anna interjected with mock gravity. "If you miss us, you must take us as we are—mischief and all."

"Well said, Anna," Peggy agreed, nodding sagely. Their shared laughter filled the room, light and carefree, warming Elizabeth's heart.

"Oh, you two. Do give the girl a reprieve. She has only just returned," Aunt Petunia chided, though the twinkle in her eye and the soft chuckle that followed showed she was not entirely displeased by their antics.

Elizabeth shook her head fondly. "How is Uncle? I cannot wait to call upon him as well," she asked, her tone bright with anticipation.

"He was summoned to the House of Lords this morning," Petunia replied, her expression softening as she spoke of her husband. "But he sent his warmest regards, naturally."

Elizabeth nodded, but beneath her composed exterior, her mind was awhirl with questions. She wondered about their financial situation, how society had treated them in the wake of the scandal, and whether they had heard the new rumors that plagued her so. But she kept her concerns hidden, choosing instead to wear a smile as they conversed over tea.

"So, Lizzy," Anna began, her curiosity evident, "what news do you bring from your time away?"

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, then decided to steer the conversation toward a more pleasant topic. "I have recently struck up a friendship with the Viscountess Compton," she said, her tone lightening at the memory of the lively woman.

"I have heard of Lady Compton," Petunia remarked, her interest piqued. "They say she prefers the quiet of the countryside to the hustle of London society. Her gatherings are said to be quite unparalleled in their charm."

"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed with a soft laugh, recalling the Viscountess's infectious energy and the warmth she had shown. It was a friendship she had not anticipated but one she had quickly come to treasure.

"Is that a Ra figurine?" Peggy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Without waiting for a reply, she jumped to her feet and crossed the room to inspect the display on an end table, her fascination with ancient Egypt as strong as ever.

Elizabeth watched with a fond smile as her sister leaned in to examine the small statue. "Such a beautiful place you have here, Lizzy. I am so happy for you," Aunt Petunia said, her voice warm as she too allowed her gaze to wander around the drawing room, taking in the elegant furnishings and tasteful decor.

Elizabeth followed their lead, letting her own eyes drift over the room's details. She had not truly taken it in before, not with the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time. It was beautiful—refined and stately, yet with a warmth that made it feel like home. And yet, there was a pang of disbelief within her, a small part of her that still found it difficult to believe that this, all of this, was now her life.

"Oh my, it's made of pure gold," Peggy exclaimed, her voice brimming with awe. "Come have a look, Auntie," she called out, beckoning with a wave.

"Oh, I cannot turn down an opportunity to sight some foreign treasures," Aunt Petunia responded, rising from her seat with a matching eagerness. The two women huddled around the figurine, their expressions a mix of curiosity and delight.

"Those two's curiosity should be a crime," Anna remarked with a chuckle, her gaze following Margaret and their aunt as they continued to explore the room with unabashed enthusiasm.

"And your lack of curiosity needs some questioning too, Anna," Elizabeth teased, a playful lilt in her voice as she reached for the teapot and refilled her cup.

"You call it a lack of curiosity, I call it grace and sophistication in maintaining control over one's curiosity," Anna countered, sitting up straighter, her posture suddenly prim and proper as she made an exaggerated effort to embody the very elegance she spoke of.

"Oh, do not let Aunt Petunia hear your opinions about their display," Elizabeth laughed, the sound light and genuine as it echoed through the room.

"You know how to keep a secret, don't you, Liz darling?" Anna responded with a wink, and the two sisters shared another bout of laughter, the easy camaraderie between them filling Elizabeth with warmth.

But just as quickly as the moment of levity had come, it faded. Anna's expression sobered, the mirth draining from her features as she moved closer to Elizabeth. Her sudden seriousness sent a ripple of unease through Elizabeth, the shift in mood impossible to ignore.

After casting a brief glance in the direction of a distracted Petunia and Peggy, Anna leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I shouldn't be saying this to you, but I feel you must know."

Dread coiled in the pit of her stomach. Elizabeth had known this was coming—had felt it looming over her ever since her return to London.

"Aunt Petunia is of the opinion that you needn't be burdened with this," Anna began, her voice laced with concern. "But I believe that knowing is the only way for you to protect yourself—and your husband."

Elizabeth's heart sank as Anna's words confirmed the dread she had been trying to suppress. The rumors that had plagued her thoughts were not mere whispers carried on the wind; they were very much alive and spreading like wildfire through the ton.

Anna leaned in closer, her expression grave as she continued. She recounted the latest murmurings in town, each word solidifying the fear that had grasped Elizabeth ever since the whispers had first reached her ears.

Elizabeth sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "I know, Anna. The rumors somehow reached us even in the country," she admitted, feeling both frustration and weariness.

"Oh dear," Anna breathed, her eyes widening with sympathy.

"As a matter of fact, we returned to town for that very reason," Elizabeth added, her tone firming as she spoke.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked, curiosity and concern mingling in her voice.

Elizabeth met her cousin's gaze, the determination she had been clinging to rising to the surface. "Hiding away in the country will only make society speculate further," she explained. "But if we present ourselves in society and they witness our interactions—see that there is no cause for scandal—then perhaps we can quell their curiosity and put an end to the speculations and rumors."

Anna considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "It sounds very plausible," she agreed, though there was a hint of doubt in her voice, as if she wasn't entirely convinced that such a plan could truly silence the relentless gossip of the ton.

Elizabeth offered a faint smile, appreciating her cousin's attempt at optimism, even if she herself felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

"I am sorry about everything, Elizabeth," Anna said softly, her gaze dropping to her hands. "You made the sacrifice and married, but even that wasn't enough to stop the rumors and scorn."

Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt at Anna's words. The scandal that had forced her into a hasty marriage had not only affected her own life but had cast a shadow over her family as well. She reached out and took Anna's hand, squeezing it gently. "It is you I am worried about, Anna," she said, her voice earnest. "How is society treating you all after the scandal?" she asked, her concern evident.

Anna hesitated, her eyes flicking away for a moment before meeting Elizabeth's gaze once more. "It has not been easy," she admitted, her voice quiet. "There have been whispers, cold shoulders... and some invitations that no longer arrive. But we are managing. Aunt Petunia has been a pillar of strength, and Uncle's position helps, of course."

Elizabeth's heart ached at the thought of her family enduring such treatment because of the decisions she had been forced to make. "I am so sorry, Anna," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "If I could change it all, I would."

Anna shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "We know, Lizzy. But what's done is done. We just have to move forward the best we can. Society's tongues cannot and will not bring us down, Lizzy, you know that," Anna said, attempting to lighten the mood. Her voice carried a note of determination, as if she could will the gossip away by sheer force of will. "We are all right. Papa is all right," she reassured, her tone gentle but firm.

Despite Anna's words, Elizabeth couldn't shake the concern that had settled like a weight in her chest. She had always known the cost of scandal, but it was another thing entirely to see its effects ripple through the lives of those she loved.

"I am glad to see you fare well with your husband anyway," Anna continued, steering the conversation toward lighter topics. "Considering the circumstances of your marriage, I am happy to see that he treats you well, Liz ," she added with a teasing grin.

"Anna," Elizabeth murmured, a blush creeping up her cheeks at her cousin's deliberate use of Alexander's affectionate nickname for her.

"Goodness, Lizzy. You're married to this man, but you still blush like a schoolgirl at the mere mention of him?" Anna chuckled, her amusement clear as she observed Elizabeth's reaction.

Elizabeth's blush deepened, her cheeks warming under her cousin's scrutiny. She couldn't deny the effect Alexander had on her—his presence, his touch, even the sound of his voice could stir something within her that she struggled to understand. But it wasn't the easy affection of a well-settled marriage; it was something more complicated, more uncertain.

Perhaps, she thought, if she and Alexander shared a true marriage, she wouldn't react so strongly to him. But theirs was an arrangement, a partnership formed out of necessity rather than love, and the thought of that reality made her feel strangely inadequate. It was a sharp reminder that, despite the moments of connection they had shared, there was still a distance between them that she wasn't sure they would ever truly bridge.

"Oh, and Lizzy dear," Anna said suddenly, breaking into her thoughts. "Do not tell Aunt Petunia or Papa that I mentioned the rumors. They didn't want you troubled by everything and would have my head if they knew I had gone against their wishes."

Elizabeth nodded, understanding the delicate balance her cousin was trying to maintain. "Oh, I have no intentions of telling anyone about our conversation," she reassured her, her voice steady. "Thank you, Anna. I wouldn't have wanted to be kept in the dark about it all," she added, her gratitude sincere.

Anna smiled, her relief evident. "I knew you would understand," she said, her tone softening. "But do take care of yourself, Lizzy. And know that we are here for you, whatever happens."

Elizabeth felt a swell of affection for her cousin, her heart warming at the support and loyalty that shone in Anna's eyes. She stood and embraced Anna, holding her close for a moment longer than usual. "I shall call upon the house and personally tell Uncle about the Duke's dinner invitation," she promised. "In the meantime, send him my warmest regards."

"Of course," Anna replied, her voice touched with emotion as she returned the embrace.

Elizabeth then turned to her aunt and younger sister, gathering them into a warm hug as well. "I have missed you all so dearly," she whispered, her voice thick with the emotion she had been holding back.

"And we, you," Aunt Petunia replied softly, squeezing her hand before pulling back to look at her with a gentle smile.

Elizabeth watched as her family departed, the solitude of the house settling around her like a heavy cloak.

Later that night, Elizabeth found herself staring up at the ceiling, sleep elusive as her mind replayed her conversation with Anna. The weight of the rumors, the concerns for her family, and the complexities of her marriage swirled in her thoughts, refusing to be quieted. Finally, unable to bear the stillness of her bedchamber, she slipped out of bed and donned her dressing gown, the cool fabric brushing against her skin as she tied it securely around her waist.

With a candle in hand, she ventured out into the silent hallways of her new townhouse, the soft glow casting flickering shadows on the walls. The house, though elegantly furnished, still felt unfamiliar, its vastness amplifying her sense of isolation. She wandered aimlessly, her slippered feet making barely a sound on the polished floors as she acquainted herself with the rooms.

It was during this quiet exploration that she stumbled upon a curious room. At first glance, it appeared to be just another guest chamber, but as she stepped inside and her candlelight revealed more, she realized there was something different about this space.

Personal items were scattered about—a collection of dolls, papers with a young girl's scrawls on them, and a name written in a childish hand: Eleanor . Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat as realization dawned. This must have been Alexander's sister's room, preserved just as it had been when she was alive.

What struck Elizabeth most was how untouched everything seemed, as though the room's owner might return at any moment. The wardrobe was filled with clothes, the dolls on the bed sat neatly arranged as if waiting for playtime, and on the escritoire, an inkpot was still full, a quill poised in its stand. There was even a faint scent of lavender in the air, delicate and lingering, adding to the eerie sense of presence in the otherwise empty room.

Elizabeth's heart ached as she approached the bed, her fingers lightly brushing one of the dolls. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the little girl who had once filled this room with life and laughter, and for the brothers who still mourned her loss. She picked up the doll, cradling it in her hands, the soft fabric worn from use. The emotions stirred within her—a mix of sadness for the sister she had never known and a deeper sympathy for Alexander, who had clearly kept this room as a shrine to his sister's memory.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the quiet, sharp and filled with unexpected anger. "What are you doing in here?"

Elizabeth startled, the doll slipping from her hands and falling to the floor with a soft thud. She turned swiftly, her eyes widening as she saw Alexander standing in the doorway, his expression etched with displeasure. Even in the dim light of her candle, she could see the hard lines of his face, the anger that simmered just beneath the surface.

"I couldn't sleep. I came across the room..." she began, her voice tentative, unsure of how to explain her intrusion. She could feel the tension radiating from him, the air thick with the unspoken.

"You shouldn't be in here," he said, his tone curt, leaving no room for discussion.

Elizabeth nodded, the weight of his disapproval heavy on her chest. She hesitated for a moment, wanting to say more, to ask the hundred questions that had sprung to her mind the moment she entered the room. But the rigid set of his shoulders, the tightness of his jaw, told her now was not the time. She turned on her heels and quickly left the room, feeling his gaze bore into her back as she stepped out into the hallway.

Just as she exited, a faint sound reached her ears—a gasp, quickly followed by the hurried sound of footsteps retreating down the corridor. Elizabeth paused, her heart quickening as she turned the corner, but the hallway was empty.

Curious, she thought, a cold shiver running down her spine.