The Salvation of the Deceived Lady by Hanna Hamilton

Author:Hanna Hamilton
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2019-01-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

I t was very early when Elias descended the stairs and entered his father’s study. He opened the curtains to allow the first rays of the sun to trickle in and lighten the deep shadows that surrounded the room. He lit the lamp, so he could see the ledger and read the correspondence that had accumulated over the past few days.

At first, he had a difficult time stepping into his father’s position at Langley Hall. The study was the Duke’s sanctuary and stronghold, depending upon the challenges that rested on his shoulders at any moment. However, Norwich was posing substantial challenges which required his father’s undivided attention for an indefinite amount of time. While the affairs of Langley Hall necessitated far less consideration, it was enough to keep Elias busier than he expected.

Before returning home, he did not mind dedicating himself to work exclusively, however, things had changed over the past several weeks. He told himself that he had missed spending time with his mother and sister and that his cousins’ extended stay inspired his newly found desire to socialize. In truth, it was the presence of Miss Selina Terrell that caused him to rise early to complete his work, to free his afternoons for her visits.

If Constance had not taken such an instant liking to Selina, he would have struggled to construct ways to rekindle their acquaintance. Luckily for him, his sister was just as enchanted with Selina as he was. Although she had moments of melancholy, her keen interest and sharp wit were delightful. More impressive yet was her ability to make him forget his self-conscious ways. He felt perfectly at ease in her presence, and it felt as though it stemmed from something deeper than their childhood adventures.

He took the letter opener from the desk drawer to open the seal on the first letter when he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Elias said, looking up from his work.

Williams entered, carrying a tray of tea and toast. “I beg your pardon, My Lord, but I brought you breakfast.” He bowed.

“Thank you, Williams, that was very kind. You may put it there,” he said, indicating a side table under the window.

“Very well, My Lord,” he said, moving as directed. “If you require anything else, I am at your service.” He stood, unmoving.

“It is appreciated,” Elias said. Since the Duke’s departure, his father’s valet had shifted his allegiance to the service of his young master, who was still adjusting to the arrangement himself. Williams bowed and let himself out.

Elias pushed back his chair and stretched as he stood. He poured a cup of tea and was about to take a sip when he heard footsteps stop just outside his chamber, but the knock he expected did not sound. He put his tea down and opened the door to search the hall.

It was probably Williams, he told himself. Or perhaps Harry. He had taken over his morning rides since his schedule had tightened. I wonder what he needed and why he did not come to me?

He returned to the side table to retrieve his breakfast.

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