Morgan leaned back and stared out the window. He’d spent years perfecting the art of the charming void, a rake with a quick wit and an even quicker exit strategy.
It was always another night, another ballroom, another pair of eyes looking for a promise I had no intention of keeping,he thought back.It’s an easy dance. No weight, no anchors.
He’d sworn off anything of substance like a man avoiding a plague. But the silence in his bachelor townhouse betweenparties had begun to ring with a hollow, mocking tone. Then came the boys.
The arrival of his nephews had been a chaotic intrusion into his carefully curated boredom. He had expected to be miserable, tethered to the estate like a prisoner. Yet, as he watched them play and enjoy his familial home so much, he realized the restless itch under his skin had finally stopped.Having the boys here had forced him to stay put in the country, to engage with the responsibilities he usually delegated to a harried land agent.
I should be bored out of my mind,he admitted to himself, watching them on the lawn.I should be dreaming of White’s and a deck of cards. But I actually know the name of the tenant in the south cottage now. I know that the roof in the stables needs thatch, and for some reason, I care that it gets done right.
And he’d found, to his surprise, that he didn’t mind it. In fact, the weight of the estate felt less like a burden and more like a foundation.
I don’t mind steady ground so much after all, it seems.
Blackwood’s tone shifted subtly, bringing Morgan back to their conversation. “I heard you took the boys to the village fair.”
“I did. They enjoyed it.”
“I’m sure they did. Good for them to be seen enjoying themselves. Good for your reputation as well.”
“Pardon me, Blackwood?” Morgan raised an eyebrow. “My reputation hardly needs burnishing in a village fair.”
“No, but it doesn’t hurt is all.” Blackwood paused. “I also heard that apart from the governess, your newest maid accompanied you.”
“Miss Graham. Yes. The boys are fond of her,” He said as his chest grew heavy at the thought of Miss Graham.
“I see.” Blackwood set down his quill and met Morgan’s gaze. “Your Grace, what I’m about to say comes from a place of respect and duty. You know I’ve served your family for many years.”
“Spare me the preludes, Blackwood.” Morgan’s jaw tightened. “Say what you need to say.”
“You have a reputation, Your Grace. I say this not as judgment, but as fact. You’re known for your… shall we say, unconventional lifestyle. The parties, the women, the?—”
“I’m aware of what people say about me. This is not news. It is hardly an odd occurrence for a duke to enjoy such things.”
“Surely, but then you must also be aware that people notice when a duke shows particular interest in a young and appealing member of his staff.” Blackwood’s voice was gentle but firm. “Especially when that duke has never been known for… restraint in the past.”
Morgan’s hands clenched on the arms of his chair, especially at Blackwood’s acknowledgement of her pleasant appearance.
“Nothing inappropriate has occurred,” he growled.
“I believe you, Your Grace. But the appearance of impropriety can be as damaging as the thing itself. More so for her than for you, I’m afraid.” Blackwood leaned forward. “Servants are vulnerable. Gossip travels quickly. A situation that begins lightly can become complicated in ways that reflect poorly on both parties, but will fall hardest on the woman.”
Morgan wanted to argue. To insist that Blackwood was wrong. To press that there was nothing between him and Ellie, that he was simply being kind to a member of his staff. But he knew better.
“Your counsel is noted,” he said stiffly.
“I only offer it because I care about your welfare, Your Grace. I always have and I always will. And because I’ve seen too many promising young women ruined by circumstances beyond their control.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Blackwood gathered his papers. “I’ll see myself out.”
When the door closed, Morgan remained at his desk, staring at nothing.
Blackwood is right. Of course he is right. While nothing has truly happened between me and this alluring maid, I cannot risk it. Yet a part of me cannot resist even the smallest encounter, the lightest gaze…
Morgan had already crossed into dangerous territory. Every conversation with Ellie, every lingering glance, every moment they spent together… it was building toward something. Something that would hurt her far more than it would hurt him.
And why do I care so much?He asked himself.He had ruined many a woman before, whether it was his intent or not as a careless rake. Yet, something about this Ellie had begun to stir a new feeling inside of him. It is as if I am a schoolboy, entranced and excited by this… infatuation.
