The Mysterious Death of the Duke by Amanda Davis

Author:Amanda Davis [Davis, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Pines Romance
Published: 2019-01-28T05:00:00+00:00

7

Samuel stood inconspicuously near the entryway and Lydia could not stop herself from casting him several furtive glances when she was certain her mother was not looking.

She had been surprised to find him waiting for her in the lobby that morning, even if his presence caused her heart to patter dangerously.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” he said, humbly bowing. “I hope you will not deem me insolent but I did wish to ensure you had a pleasant night after your rather unpleasant evening.”

Lydia knew she should not encourage his unwarranted attention but she could not help but feel flattered that he had taken a moment to inquire about how she fared. Of course, she did not mention that her thoughts had wandered to him as she tried to fall asleep.

“I am well, Samuel. Thank you for your concern.”

“I am pleased to hear it.”

Their eyes met and Lydia was sure she had never been as warm as she was in that moment. If not for her mother’s arrival, she might have spent the entire morning in that very spot, melting beneath the maître d’s gaze.

“My word, Lydia, at what are you gawking?” Elenora snapped, bringing Lydia abruptly back to the present and she quickly, guiltily, wrenched her stare back to her mother.

“Pardon? Oh, nothing,” she babbled, fixing her eyes on the table. They were the only two at the family table to arrive and she wondered if that had been by design.

We have only just arrived and we are already outcasts here.

Even as she thought it, the Comptons appeared at the threshold and they ambled, arm-in-arm, toward Lydia and her mother.

“Good morning, Your Grace, Lady Blackwell,” Emmeline called sweetly. “I trust you are well rested?”

“Indeed,” Lydia agreed, casting her mother a warning glance. She hoped that Elenora had learned her lesson from the previous night but who could possibly know what might spring from the Countess’ mouth.

“I am pleased to hear it,” Emmeline said as she and her husband joined the table. “Perhaps today we might enjoy a meal in peace.”

Embarrassment touched Lydia’s cheeks but there was no mockery in Emmeline’s tone and the owner’s daughter smiled warmly at the duchess.

“Where is His Grace this morning?” Elias asked as Samuel approached the table, distracting Lydia from the question. She could not stop herself from trying to catch his eye.

For shame! She thought, mortified at her reaction to the waiter’s nearness. You are a married duchess!

“Your Grace?”

Humiliated, Lydia raised her eyes, certain her face was a deep crimson. She hoped that Samuel would not see her embarrassment and that thought only shamed her further.

We must leave this place at once. You have lost your mind entirely.

“Pardon me, Mr. Compton?” she mumbled, struggling to find her voice and composure simultaneously.

“His Grace, the Duke. Has he joined us yet this morning?”

“Oh…” Lydia steeled herself from giving Samuel another covert look. “I have yet to see him this morning.”

She did not miss the quick exchange of glances between the Comptons, as though they shared an unspoken message.

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