Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

A lex could not recall the last time he had entertained members of nobility in his own home. He did not make a habit of rubbing shoulders with the upper crust of society. It did happen every so often when out at a ball or a dinner, but seldom did such interactions result in an invitation due to his family's reputation. There had been one occasion where his sister had caught the attention of a baron, but their attachment had not lasted long. And none of that mattered any longer, for Alex had married into such a family with a duke. Hopefully that would help him overcome his father's rumors and better his family situation in the long run.

"You have a lovely home," the duchess said with a bright smile as she looked up from her dessert plate. "It's located in an excellent part of town."

"Thank you," Alex said, though he couldn't care less about the townhome or the location. "It was my mother's choice, but it has served me well."

"How fares your family?" she asked.

"Very well. My sister has delivered her first child in Bath, and I look forward to meeting him sometime soon."

Alex took a spoon of trifle and looked up to see the other three at the table with their eyes riveted on him. Had he said something wrong?

"Do you intend to take up residence there as well?" Norland asked.

Ah, were they concerned he would whisk away with their dear Emily? "Not necessarily. I lived in London at my mother's insistence to find a wife, but that has now been accomplished," he said with a tease. "My mother and sisters live in Bath for the time being." He did not know how much detail they needed, that he was still honor-bound to find his last sister a match. "I do go and visit, but I have no plans to change the location of my home." His eyes skittered to his wife, for it was no longer just his home. "Unless my wife wishes otherwise."

Mrs. Westcott gave a nod of acknowledgement but said nothing, returning to her dessert.

"That's a relief," the duchess said. "I realize Emily must start her own family now, but I am pleased that doing so will not take her far away from us just yet."

Alex did not have a response for that, so he said nothing and took another bite. Perhaps the duchess should ask his wife about just how long it would take for that new family to begin.

"Have you traveled much?" Norland asked, taking a sip of his drink.

"I did travel for a year in Spain and Portugal, but it was about that time that my father fell ill and I returned home. Since then, I chose to stay close to family. I return to my father's estate when needed, but otherwise–"

"You have an estate?" the voice of Mrs. Westcott brought up his eyes. "In the country?"

Alex pressed his lips together. He really needed to find some time alone to actually have a conversation with his wife. "Yes, in Wiltshire."

"How wonderful," the duchess cheered. "I'm certain that would be a lovely–"

"Unfortunately, I am rarely there." Alex needed to shut down this idea quickly. He would not go back to the old house unless absolutely necessary. "I have a steward there who oversees the estate, but I do not go in person unless my presence is required."

The duchess faltered, giving him a false smile. "I see." Then she placed her serviette on the table. "Emily, if you're finished, perhaps you can show me the drawing room, so the gentlemen can have a moment with their port."

"Of course," Mrs. Westcott said, standing hesitantly from her chair. Alex had an inkling that he ought to mention where to find the drawing room, as his wife still might not know where it would be in the house, but Mrs. Jansen appeared to lead them away.

Once they were alone, Alex stood to ready the beverages. "Do you have a preferred drink of choice, Your Grace?"

Norland shook his head. "Any will do."

The wine was served, and the duke took his sip, but Alex hesitated. Even the smell of it reminded him of Lady Hartfield's ball, the kiss he'd shared with Miss Clay, which was how she'd now become Mrs. Westcott. He did not want to lose his faculties again, so he only took a sip, very slowly.

"How fares your father's estate?" Norland asked.

Alex stiffened. He did not appreciate the duke pressing about the estate. "Well enough. It has extensive grounds with lots let out to farmers, and the income is enough to take care of the property's needs. I receive regular updates from my steward."

Norland nodded, though Alex could tell he had more to say .

"And you're certain staying away does not leave the house in neglect?"

"I am certain," Alex responded with gritted teeth.

"I only say so because I too receive updates from my steward when we are away from Wynnwood Park, but there is always much to do upon our return. Perhaps there is more needing the owner's eye, and it would not be wise to stay away so long."

Alex took a swallow of his drink, much longer than he had intended, then let out a deep breath before speaking. "Perhaps, Your Grace, if you had a father who despised you and the only courtesy he ever did you was dying, then you might understand why I have no desire to return to his home."

Perhaps it was too far, but Alex couldn't help being proud of even the slightest restraint. Such a snide remark spoken in a club would no doubt result in a bout of fisticuffs, but this was in the presence of nobility. If Alex was going to test his limits with drink again, doing so in company with the Undesirable Duke was likely less than ideal.

But Norland did not retort. His eyebrows shot up, then he nodded and took a sip of his own drink. "You are right. Unfortunately, I do understand, though only to a certain extent."

Alex blinked. Was he somehow bonding with the duke over an insult?

"Forgive me, I hope my words did not offend. My apologies," Norland went on.

Had the drink already gotten to one of them, or both of them? Had the duke just apologized? Alex thought for certain he'd be verbally beheaded by the man.

"I only suggested for Emily's sake." Norland straightened in his seat. "She is comfortable and confident in any setting, but she much prefers the country."

"Of course she does," Alex mumbled. She must be his opposite in every way .

"I only said so to perhaps encourage a visit, that way she might be more comfortable. Your efforts in any kind of gesture might make a difference in helping you find common ground together, and that you own property yourself, I had assumed would make it a little more convenient."

Alex wanted to push back, to say it wasn't convenient. And what about his own comforts, did they not matter? But the duke's voice was not one using force or condescension. He spoke calmly, rationally. "Why are you telling me this?" Alex asked.

Norland let out a sigh. "I realize that I am the one who enforced this marriage, and as a result, both you and Emily are unhappy."

Alex cleared his throat. It was an understatement, to be sure.

"I merely wanted to make a suggestion that would help, if they would be easy for you to accomplish. Something that would help ease both of your burdens, and generate some ease in your relationship. But perhaps I was too forceful, as this is not my house nor my relationship. I beg your pardon if my suggestion was untoward."

Alex shrugged, still taken by surprise. "Not at all. That is, what you suggest is not an easy feat for me, but I appreciate the sentiment behind it." Alex lifted his glass in the duke's direction. "And here I thought I'd be meeting the Undesirable Duke."

Norland chuckled, clicking Alex's drink. "Not if I can help it. That man is long dead, though his ghost does show up every now and then. I may still be irritable at times, but I am striving to make things better for those around me. Creating opportunities for happiness for those I care about whenever possible."

The words sank down into Alex's bones. He, too, was fighting a ghost, but sometimes it seemed impossible to keep out. Evicting the blood in his veins was not that simple. He might strive for his family's happiness as well, but the ugly anger always showed its head, and too many times in his wife's presence. He was repeating the past, the one thing he'd sought to avoid.

The duke drained his glass, then stood. "I do not wish to be seen as someone trying to control your relationship, nor as an obstacle to be overcome. I am Emily's… er, I was her guardian. Though that title now falls to you, so I hope you will still consider us family. The duchess and I will always continue to worry for her, but now we will worry for you, as well. We wish to see you both successful and happy, and I hope you will feel comfortable enough to reach out should you need anything at all. I will be of assistance to you in any way that I can."

Alex realized what he was offering. The duke had money and connections that could be used to Alex's advantage, but he was letting Alex know he had a friend, an ally in this new path of life. Married men needed the support of each other, but he'd not offered it to him alone. The duke had a personal investment in Mrs. Westcott, so he was her ally as well. And Alex needed all the help he could get if he was going to overcome the conflict with his wife.

Standing and shaking the duke's hand, Alex said, "Thank you, Your Grace."