Derek by Alexa Aston

Author:Alexa Aston
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-08-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

DEREK HAD SPENT a miserable week in London. Thea had refused to speak with him. He’d tried to make her understand that Amelia had married an unsavory character, even if the man was a marquess, and that, as Thea’s guardian, he couldn’t have her seen in Trumbull’s company. As it was, he was compromising by agreeing to allow Amelia to call at the de Wolfe townhouse or even let the two women go about London once the plaster came off Thea’s leg.

His sister wouldn’t hear anything against her friend and had shut Derek out, ignoring him at meals. He’d left the townhome each day, heading to box out his rage at Gentleman Jack’s or making his way to White’s to wile the day away. At night, he made sure he attended every event he’d been invited to, though he had no taste for it. Now that Diana was married and no longer needed his escort, Derek was ready to pack up and head home to Esterley Castle. He’d broached the subject again at breakfast this morning, telling Thea that it might be time to return to Northumberland. She’d only glared at him and returned to painting her toast with marmalade.

He decided he wouldn’t have them leave until Amelia returned. It would only be fair to Thea to see her friend again before they left London. Or they could stay until Thea’s cast was removed and she saw a bit of the city, as was originally planned. But no longer than that. He was eager to return to his estate and continue the work he’d begun there once he inherited it and the title.

At least, that’s what he told himself. If he were in a truthful mood, he wanted to wait and see Amelia. Talk to her. Assure himself that she was fine. That she was happy in her marriage to Trumbull. That the feelings for her which lingered were foolish. Derek would see that she’d begun her new, married life and it would dispel any notion he’d ever had about her. And him. Together.

He knew she’d returned to town this afternoon for she’d sent Thea a message, asking if she could call tomorrow. Derek only knew this from the butler telling him. As he readied himself for this evening’s ball, he determined to clear the air with his sister before he left, idly wondering if he wanted to do so in order that she not speak ill of him with Amelia tomorrow.

His valet finished tying Derek’s cravat and wished his master a good evening, leaving the room. He knew Thea would be in her room by now. Her habit had been for a footman to carry her back upstairs after dinner each evening. With so many stairs, it would have taken her a good hour or more to go up them on her crutches.

Derek knocked at her chamber door and heard her bid him to enter. He did and spotted her stretched out on a chaise lounge, a book in her lap.

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