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“I Helped a Duke Find His Lost Dog,” She Told Her Mother — Then the Garden Gate Opened

“I Helped a Duke Find His Lost Dog,” She Told Her Mother — Then the Garden Gate Opened

Chapter 5

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"I had hoped to present a dignified front this afternoon," Alderwick murmured, accepting a cup of tea from Mrs. Vale. "It seems my spaniel is determined to undermine my reputation at every turn."The delicate clink of porcelain sounded as Eleanor set her teacup on its saucer, her lips curving into a warm smile. "I believe Bracken's reputation is quite secure, Your Grace. He is known to be a dog of excellent taste."Mrs. Vale offered a gentle, observing smile, but she allowed the conversation to flow naturally without directing it, leaving Eleanor and the Duke to navigate the quiet space between them.Alderwick attempted to steer the discussion toward the expected topics of the day—the condition of the local roads, the unusually mild autumn weather—but his gaze kept returning to the dog snoring softly at Eleanor's feet."I must confess, Miss Vale," he said, the dry humor returning to his deep voice, "I am beginning to suspect that I was merely the escort for this afternoon's visit. He clearly considers you the primary host.""And how does he view you, Your Grace?" Eleanor asked, her eyes bright with suppressed amusement."As a convenient method of transport," he replied without hesitation, "and perhaps a reliable source of opened doors."Eleanor laughed, a clear, unhurried sound that seemed to ease the tension in the room. She noticed how the stern lines around the Duke's mouth softened as he watched her. The formal, distant man she had seen in the village square was giving way to someone surprisingly observant and entirely capable of finding humor at his own expense. The afternoon stretched on, shifting from a polite social call into an hour of genuine, effortless companionship.A few days later, Eleanor found herself walking along the village's shaded public path, the gravel crunching steadily beneath her boots. Her maid, Martha, walked a respectful distance behind her, carrying a small basket. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth.As she rounded a gentle curve in the path, a tall figure came into view. The Duke of Alderwick was walking alone, his dark riding coat a stark contrast against the autumn foliage. When he saw her, his pace slowed, and he closed the distance between them with a polite tip of his hat."Good morning, Miss Vale," he said, falling into step beside her as naturally as if they had prearranged the meeting.
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“I Helped a Duke Find His Lost Dog,” She Told Her Mother — Then the Garden Gate Opened

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