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She looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Brendan. I needed to hear that.”

“Shall we go back?” he suggested.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to stay here for a few moments longer,” she said apologetically. “I will return to the party soon.”

He nodded again, his expression gentle. “Of course, take all the time you need.”

As he walked away, Ciara took a deep breath, feeling a bit more grounded. She was grateful for her uncle’s understanding and patience. Although he was also no stranger to letting her know when he didn’t agree with her actions, he was still on her side, no matter what. Knowing she had his support gave her the strength she needed to face the gathering once more.

But not just yet.

“Ah, there you are,” Jonathan approached his cousin, who was gracefully mingling with the other guests at the garden party. His tall, well-built frame stood out among the crowd, and despite his unkempt appearance from that morning, he still managed to exude a certain rugged charm. “You owe me for this favor, you know.”

She turned to him, laughing. “Need I remind you that I used my own favor to drag you here?”

“Yes, and now you owe me a favor back,” he said much to the amusement of them both. “Everyone around here is sodreadfully dull, Becky. And what’s worse, there is hardly any real alcohol to make it bearable.”

“Thank goodness for that,” she rolled her eyes playfully. “Who knows what alcohol would make you do?”

He smirked, his dark blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “And here I am, so very well-behaved.”

She could not suppress a smile. “Just try not to cause any scandals this time, for my sake?”

Jonathan sighed dramatically but acquiesced, “I will do my best, but don’t expect any miracles.”

Rebecca laughed softly, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Just try not to corrupt anyone too much.”

Jonathan gave a mock salute, his grin widening. “I will be on my best behavior, then. No promises, though.”

Just as he was about to suggest they take a walk away from the crowd, a young lady approached them.

“Lady Kirdale!” the lady gushed upon reaching them. “How lovely to see you!”

“Miss Danforth,” Rebecca smiled back. She turned to her cousin. “You do remember my cousin, Jonathan Whitlock, the Duke of Silverbrook?”

“Of course, how do you do, Your Grace?” Sarah smiled, curtsying. There was nothing outstanding about the girl or her persona. She blended so easily into the sea of other equally charming and lovely young ladies who had nothing spectacular about them.

Jonathan smiled back, suppressing a yawn. “Lovely to see you again, Miss Danforth.”

“Such a lovely gathering, isn’t it?” she asked cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with obvious interest.

Rebecca nodded politely. “Indeed, Miss Danforth. How are you enjoying the party?”

“Oh, it’s splendid,” Sarah replied, her gaze shifting immediately to Jonathan. “Your Grace, I heard you recently returned from a trip to Italy. How was it?”

Jonathan stifled a sigh, forcing a polite smile. “It was just business-related. Nothing too exciting, I am afraid.”

But her curiosity was far from satiated. “Business trips can be quite interesting, though. Did you meet any fascinating people? Learn any new customs? Surely there must be so many intriguing stories to share.”

Jonathan usually had very little patience for questions and people who did not hold his interest, especially after the sort of night he had had. However, he maintained his composure. “Nothing intriguing, Miss Danforth. Just… business.”

Rebecca could obviously sense Jonathan’s lack of interest and tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Miss Danforth, have you had a chance to explore the gardens yet?”

“Oh, yes!” Miss Danforth said enthusiastically but quickly returned to Jonathan. “Your Grace, you must tell me more about your trip to Italy. I have always been fascinated by that place. Did you encounter any unexpected adventures?”

“I am afraid not. It was just… routine,” he said with a shrug, looking about and trying to come up with an excuse to leave.

Miss Danforth seemed undeterred. “Well, perhaps you can share your thoughts on the latest book you’ve read? I, personally, have read a ton and simply cannot find anything new to titillate me.”