Page 55 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

“The difference is that Fenleigh ruined things for me. Before his father died, we were close. Friends even, if you can believe it. But as soon as he took over the dukedom, he cut me and my family off. I was rejected at school and in public because of his disdain for me.”

Lavender leaned back in her own chair. “What were his reasons?”

“I don’t know,” he said with obvious discomfort. “Either way, he now has a dukedom and position and wealth I do not. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Lavender couldn’t help but think of him like a three-year-old boy throwing a tantrum over something of no significance. “You are a baron. Wealthy. With a massive following of friends. You are simply annoyed that he might have a little more of it than you do?”

“When you say it like that, I sound petty.”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “I fear it does sound that way. Have you never considered just how the vast majority of the people in this country live in comparison with yourself?”

His gaze narrowed at her. “I do despise how you make me feel small, Lady Lavender.”

“I do not mean to do so. But I think there is value in having perspective beyond ourselves. I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do. No one has experienced your life the way you have. But I have always been raised to see others around me, and if I were to complain, I would be a selfish creature, indeed.”

“What are you arguing about?” Samuel asked as he let himself back into the room.

Miriam stood from across the room and looked around. “Oh, don’t bother them. They’re finally dispatching with niceties.” She looked around. “Where has your mother gone to?”

Lavender looked up and met eyes with her friend. The dowager duchess disappearing was not a part of their plan.

Chapter 26

Tom and Jack sat up with a single candle between them. Jack was reading The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes again. In no time, he would be reading fast enough for the words to sound natural, but as of now he still had moments of pause. If Tom left his life as a servant now, his friendship with Jack was one of the things he would miss the most.

“Have you ever thought of pursuing a new position?” he asked the young man.

Jack closed the book. “Are you leaving?”

Thomas sat back and leaned against the wall. “I don’t want to, but I might need to.”

“You need a position that makes more money, don’t you? The duke usually has connections. I’m too young to start a family. But you,” Jack shoved Thomas’s arm. “You’re getting old as a hedgehog with a walking stick. Who’s the lady?”

“A hedgehog with a walking stick? Where do you come up with these sayings?”

“Don’t question the mind of a genius. Now, who is she?” Jack asked again grinning ear to ear.

“I didn’t say anything about a lady.”

“Not with your mouth. But I have eyes . . . and a genius brain.” Jack waggled his eyebrows. “I know you’re new to being a servant, but a genteel lady is a little out of our reach. Are you wanting to leave because you already know that and you’re trying to get away from Lady Lavender?”

“You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” Thomas sighed. He wasn’t surprised that Jack had guessed his feelings, Thomas hadn’t necessarily been trying to hide them. “How long have you known?”

Jack shrugged. “Probably when you suggested making the swing. I don’t blame you either. Lady Lavender is as rare as a blue hare.”

“I know it seems like I don’t stand a chance. But what if I told you that I did?”

Jack rubbed his palms together. “I’d say I’m in for a story.”

Thomas had been considering confiding his situation to Jack for some time. He hated not being completely honest with him. Friends simply didn’t do that. “First, I need you to answer me two questions.” He held Jack’s gaze, and he could tell that the boy understood the seriousness of his tone. “Are we friends?”

Jack tilted his head to the side, concern lighting his usually carefree features. “Of course we are, through thick and thin and burned hands.” His voice caught.

Thomas put his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it. Now: can I trust you?”

Jack nodded his head, his eyes a little misty.

Thomas didn’t need to hear the words from his mouth to believe him. “I believe you. Are you ready for a story?”