Page 47 of The Duchess and the Beast
“We have to head back!” he shouted, his voice barely audible over the thunder and the relentless rain.
Virtue pouted. “Must we?”
He grinned, water streaming through his hair as he ran a hand through the wet strands. “Come on. Before we drown.”
“Oh, I’ll be fine!” she giggled. “You have that coat for me, remember?” She arched a brow at him and he didn’t even hesitate, happily shrugging it from his shoulders and holding it over her head.
A monster once perhaps, but no more.
They were still laughing as they dashed through the tall gates surrounding Greystone Castle and into the shelter of the gardens. It was still pouring rain. Lightning and thunder still waged war overhead. The once-dry moat encircling the castle had begun flowing again too over the last week of stormy weather. But none of that mattered. Drenched as they were and covered in mud, none of it mattered, for their spirits remained undamped when standing beside one another.
That was until they saw Lucy waiting for them by the entrance—standing beneath the veranda’s shelter so as to not get wet. She had her arms crossed and a look on her face that was none too pleased.
“Oh no,” Virtue giggled at the sight of her. “Mother is angry.”
Sebastian came in behind her, spying Lucy watching them. “She is very rarely happy, is she?” he chuckled.
“Lucy!” Virtue called as they ascended the steps of the veranda. “So nice of you to meet us here.”
“So nice of you to make it back, Your Grace,” Lucy said dryly. “Mr. Merchant was nearly at the point of dispatching a search party.”
“Oh, it is just a little rain,” Virtue replied, rolling her eyes playfully.
“Your Grace,” Lucy smiled for Sebastian. Virtue noticed her eyes flick to the scar and a fleeting frown cross her maid’s features, but thankfully, she masked it well. “We have a fire warming for you inside the drawing room. And, of course, steaming tea awaits the two of you.”
“Tea?” Virtue perked up as she stepped inside, escaping the relentless downpour. “Has it finally arrived?” she asked, handing the maid Sebastian’s drenched coat.
“I am afraid not,” Lucy accepted it with a sigh.
“Still?” Sebastian grumbled as he joined them in the foyer. He gave his hair a shake, sending droplets of water cascading across the space. “It has been nearly two weeks now. It should be here already.”
“Perhaps it has been mislaid,” Lucy suggested diplomatically. “We are, if you will pardon the observation, somewhat removed from the usual thoroughfares.”
“I suppose so...” Sebastian muttered, sounding rather annoyed.
They were referring to a shipment that Sebastian had ordered from London almost a fortnight ago—a collection of rare and costly tea leaves sourced from China. Virtue had once mentioned her fondness for exotic teas, prompting Sebastian to order themwithout a second thought. While the gesture was both thoughtful and appreciated, Virtue could not help but wish for the teas to arrive sooner.
“Anything else?” Sebastian asked as he started through the foyer.
As if summoned by his very words, Albion, the butler, emerged from around the corner. “Ah, Your Grace! Some urgent correspondence has arrived in your absence,” he said as he fell in step behind Sebastian. “I have set it by the hearth, awaiting your perusal.”
“Thank you, my good man,” Sebastian acknowledged with a nod.
“And thank you too, Lucy. I shall take a bath after I have warmed up, you can return to your duties for now,” Virtue added, offering a warm smile. Lucy returned it, then eyed the Duke warily before curtseying and scurrying off. She had not taken to the Duke as swiftly as Virtue had, mostly due to how protective she was over her mistress and friend, but then again, she had not had the same opportunities to know him as deeply. And the mere fact she wasn’t as nervous around him as before was a good start.
Together, Sebastian and Virtue proceeded to the drawing room where a welcoming fire indeed crackled in the hearth. Sebastian moved to prepare some tea, while Virtue approached the hearth to inspect the two letters resting by it.
“Anything that looks important?” Sebastian inquired.
Virtue's expression turned curious as she examined the two envelopes. “One bears the seal of the Rochesters.”
“Oh? Open it,” Sebastian urged.
Virtue did just that, her eyes lighting up when she read the details. “They are hosting a ball,” she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. She paced in small circles like an energetic mouse. “This week too! A masquerade ball! Oh, how delightful!”
“They are?” Sebastian grimaced. His expression was far less enthusiastic, as he rubbed his elbow awkwardly. “From the Rochesters too, eh? For me? That’s a first.”
Virtue sucked through her teeth when she realized the problem, sensing the shift in tone. “I suppose we don’t need to attend...” she said softly. “I know you don’t favor... that social events such as this are not to your liking.”