She did not try to rebuke him for the formality, merely offered a slight curtsy in her attire.“Pleasant dreams, Your Grace.”
The moment she was gone, Knox looked at his dressing table and had the abrupt urge to toss something across the room, just to hear the satisfying sound of it breaking.It would certainly be preferable to facing the current pain in his chest.
He knew that life wasn’t fair, but sometimes it was a real bitch.
* * *
The next morning,Astara woke up and stared at the ceiling above her, wondering if what she’d experienced the night before had been nothing more than a fantastical dream.It might have been better for her heart if so, but she knew it was all too real.Her body twinged in places that she had never known, proof enough of her illicit acts with Knox.
But with the bright light of day, she still didn’t have any regrets.She wouldn’t trade any of her time with Knox for something different.Not only had she gotten to work for the Watch, how ever long that might have been, but she found someone willing to fight for her cause—to help her learn her true parentage.Whatever the outcome, she had always wanted to know the truth and she would trust whatever information that Knox told her.
A soft knock at the door announced the maid as she entered.“The duke has plans to visit with the Marquess of Vale this morning.”
Astara was grateful for something else to turn her mind toward.“Yes, of course.”In all the excitement of last night, she had nearly forgotten that they were going to speak with the Earl of Arkham’s father to find out what he might know of his prodigal son.
Exhilaration of a different kind began to flow through Astara’s veins as the maid helped her into a cheery, yellow day dress, suitable for calls.It still never failed to astound Astara how much focus was placed on such things that didn’t really matter.Having food and shelter was worth so much more, and yet there were those that would never appreciate such mundane things as they were easily granted.
After Astara had dressed and taken a small breakfast tray in her room, she went downstairs to meet the duke in the front parlor.He was already there, one leg crossed over the other as he inspected the latest newsprint.She had to pause and smile, thinking it such a simple gesture and yet, one that caused her heart to warm considerably.She could easily gaze upon this sight every day for the rest of her days and be grateful for it simply because they were enjoying it together.
He must have heard her entrance because he lifted his head.He folded the paper and laid it aside and then unfolded his position to stand.His gaze swept her shamelessly from head to toe.“You are looking well this morning, Miss Smith.”
She adored the seductive tone in his voice.“Thank you, Your Grace.”She allowed her focus to admire the strong line of his legs from the tips of his black boots, lingering on the slight bulge in his tan breeches, before traveling past his navy-blue jacket and waistcoat, topped perfectly with a pristine white cravat and his dark hair brushed back from his forehead.His lips were cocked at an arrogant tilt and a spark of mischief was in his dark gaze.“Too much thorough inspection might have us late to our appointment with the marquess.”
“Tsk tsk,” she chided.“What would Blackton say?”
“The devil take Blackton and anyone else who dares to stand in my way,” he growled as he crossed the room and dragged her into his arms.The kiss he gave her set her core aflame.It was quite a while before he let her go again.
“Mmm,” she murmured.“That was rather pleasant.”
He snorted.“Pleasant, is it?I see I shall have to do better when we return.”He sighed heavily and held out his arm to her.“But since intrigue waits for no man, we should be on our way.”
Astara’s lips twitched as they entered his coach and headed the short distance to Vale’s townhouse.One of the perks to living near the aristocracy was that it did not take an overabundance of travel time.
Once they had been admitted into the residence, they were bade to wait in the foyer.It was not long before they were shown into the marquess’s private study.
At first glance, Astara noticed that it was similar to others she had witnessed.Dark wood and filled to the brim with books, the smell of leather, spirits, and the slight scent of smoke permeating the room.It was a haven for most men and they ensured that it was perfectly suitable for their many uses.
“Your Grace.”The marquess stood up behind his desk with a polite greeting.He was an older man but looked as though he still had several good years to recommend him.Silver lined his temples, but he did not appear unhealthy.“Lady Astrid.Forgive me for engaging with you in my study, but I fear I do not have the luxury of much time….”His words trailed off when he looked at her.He appeared taken aback, as though he was surprised, and it made her wonder if she’d made some sort of mishap with her appearance.Although the duke had not mentioned anything when they’d left the townhouse, she had to wonder about the Marquess of Vale’s odd expression.
Deciding to lessen the awkwardness, she stepped forward and said brightly, “It is quite all right, my lord.We are merely grateful that you agreed to see us with such short notice.”
He blinked, as if finally coming back to himself.“Yes, well…” He turned and seemed to work something out within his mind before he forced his attention to the duke.“I was intrigued by your sudden haste to meet, Your Grace.”
He returned to his desk and waved a hand for them to sit.For the rest of the meeting, most of his attention was centered on Knox while Astara merely observed the exchange.
* * *
Knox had knownof the marquess for years and had interacted with him briefly on occasion.However, today was the first time he’d noticed the older man a bit out of sorts.He found it interesting that Astara had brought out this curiosity in him, but she had certainly found a way to discern him, so perhaps Vale wasn’t immune to her charms either.
“I am afraid there has been a development, and we were not sure if you were aware of it.”
The other man sighed heavily.“If you are referring to my progeny, then yes, I have heard the rumor he has returned.I regret that I cannot offer you more information than that.I have not seen him and pray I never do again.”
Knox glanced at Astara, wondering how she might take the news of a father’s rejection of his own son, but she did not appear judgmental in the least.She just sat quietly and listened.
However, it was the marquess himself who must have felt the need to elaborate.“I know that must sound harsh, Lady Astrid, but I can tell you that my son has deserved that censure and much more.While it has been years in passing, the sting of his betrayal is still fresh in my mind.”
“It is quite all right, Lord Vale,” she noted softly.“You do not have to say anything if it pains you that much.It is not my business.”
