Page 46 of Corrupting his Duchess

Henry gave a curt nod, masking the flicker of irritation beneath a composed exterior. “Very well. I’ll attend to him shortly.”

The footman hesitated.

Henry’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”

The servant bowed slightly. “Forgive me, Your Grace. Lord Stenton insists it is urgent and asks to speak with you at once.”

Henry’s jaw tightened. He glanced at Anna who was walking towards the small lake beyond the garden.

The footman bowed and withdrew, leaving Henry’s attention to return swiftly to Anna, who was now sitting on a bench at the edge of the water.

Henry turned from Anna with reluctant steps, casting one last glance over his shoulder. She sat quietly, her figure touched by sunlight and shadow, a calm in the growing storm around them. He tucked the image away like a secret, then strode toward the gravel path leading toward the manor's west wing.

The air shifted as he walked, it was warmer, heavier. His boots crunched rhythmically against the path, the muted sounds of distant laughter from the drawing room floating through the open windows. The estate buzzed with activity, but Henry’s mind was elsewhere. Anna’s eyes had held something he couldn’t name. Something fragile and precious. And he couldn’t wait to return to it.

He turned the corner past the hedgerows, attention narrowing as he saw a figure waiting by the steps. Isaac Hessey leaned casually against the column as one hand tucked into his coat, the other absently turning a signet ring. When he caught sight of Henry, he straightened, offering a smile that had too much calculation behind it.

“Your Grace,” Isaac said smoothly, inclining his head.

Henry didn’t stop until they were just a few feet apart. The cordial distance between them thinned, and whatever warmth Henry had carried from Anna’s presence faded in the lengthening shadow.

“Lord Stenton,” Henry replied coolly. “I take it you’ve been looking for me.”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” Isaac said, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. “I’d hoped to catch you. And perhaps Anna as well. I believe she was with you earlier?”

Henry’s gaze sharpened. “She’s not at your disposal.”

Isaac gave a soft chuckle, as if Henry’s reaction amused him. “I merely wondered where she’d gone off to. She has a talent for disappearing. I do worry sometimes.”

“She’s hardly in danger,” Henry said, voice flat.

Isaac held his hands up in a mock gesture of surrender. “Of course Your Grace. Just a moment of concern for my cousin. But since I have your attention…”

His tone shifted.

“Your Grace,” he began smoothly, “I’ve gleaned further information on our discussion. Lord Fenwick is interested in buying. With Lord Fenwick's interest gaining momentum, we’d be wise to move quickly. If we-”

Henry raised a hand, his tone firm. “Not here. Not now.”

Isaac hesitated, brows drawing together ever so slightly. “I only meant to keep you informed.”

“I said I’d consider it,” Henry said, his voice low but unyielding. “You pressing the matter will not hasten my decision. If you have something new to add, write to me or request a proper meeting.”

A beat passed.

“As you wish, Your Grace” Isaac replied, bowing his head a fraction, though his jaw twitched with restrained irritation. “I’ll reach out again.”

Henry gave a curt nod, already turning away. “Do.”

And with that, he strode off, the matter shelved.

She was still seated on the stone bench near the lake’s edge, partially screened by the low branches.

He approached her quietly, careful not to startle her.

“I’m wondering if I chased you off or you're still escaping dry conversation and aggressive games?” he asked, hands clasped behind his back.

She glanced at him, amused. “Always. I was told this house party would be a pleasant distraction. Instead, it feels like a parade of expectations.”