Page 6 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Well, perhaps Olivia will finally understand why she must distance herself from me. After all, I am no hero.

Alexander was about to tell his sister and mother that he would leave and see them later when a familiar voice caught his attention. He turned and saw a man of average height with sandy brown hair and green eyes making his way towards them. Alexander recognized the loping gait of his dearest friend and held up a hand in greeting.

“Rokesby!” Nigel Maxton, the Duke of Glassley, clapped Alexander on the back. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious, Maxton? I am clearly dancing.” Alexander grinned at his friend. “Though I confess, I hadn’t expected to see you here.”

Nigel laughed. “You know full well that I never miss a ball. Actually, I was with a few of the old Eton crowd, and I’m sure they would love to?—”

Alexander shook his head. “I have no desire to see anyone from our Eton days.”

Of the many friends he had had at Eton, Nigel had been the only one who had remained by his side.

The man is a more loyal and honorable friend than I deserve.

“Of course, I understand.” Nigel gave an easy smile. “I fear I have been frightfully rude and not extended my greetings to your companions.”

“Ah, yes, of course.” Alexander stood to the side, allowing Olivia and his mother to see the addition to their group. “I am sure you remember my mother?”

“Duke! It is so lovely to see you.” The Dowager Duchess held out a hand to Nigel. “It has been far too long. Tell me, how is your mother? You must tell her to visit us soon. I have missed our conversations as of late.”

“You are too kind, Duchess. My mother is well, and I shall convey your wishes to her when I return home.” Nigel took her proffered hand and bowed over it. “Perhaps you could visit Glassley? I am sure Mother would be only too happy to accommodate you and your family.”

“That would be most agreeable. I shall write to your mother on the morrow, it has been far too long.” The Dowager Duchess smiled at him.

“And I am not sure if you remember my sister, Lady Olivia Rokesby. It has been some years since you last saw her.” Alexander gestured to Olivia.

“Of course, I remember your sister!” Nigel smiled warmly at Olivia. “Though I confess, you have changed since I last saw you. No longer a girl, but a woman in full bloom.”

Olivia flushed but returned his smile. “I hear that time oft has that effect on one.”

“Indeed, it does. I must only apologize, for I fear time has not been as kind to me as it has been to you.” Nigel’s eyes softened. “I trust it is your influence that has convinced our recluse to leave his cave?”

Olivia nodded. “Of course. I insisted he join us. To be quite candid, I feared that if he remained away from Society much longer, he would become quite a feral creature.”

“I am not some rabid dog. I simply do not enjoy languishing in the company of others.” Alexander frowned at his sister. “Save the few people I care for.”

Olivia shook her head at him, exasperation clear on her face as she exchanged a look with Nigel.

“You know, when I first saw him, I assumed I must be dreaming,” Nigel mock whispered to Olivia and the Dowager Duchess. “For it seemed as if some giant was descending the stairs, rather than my good friend.”

“I am sure it seemed more likely a giant would grace us with his presence than my dearest brother.” Olivia giggled. “You see, Alexander, you have been gone from Society for so long that people think you are a mythical creature!”

“Indeed.” Nigel laughed and clapped his hands together. “Tell me, My Lady, would you do me the honor of a dance? Perhaps you can tell me what witchcraft you have used to lure our good Duke out of hiding, so I might try it myself.”

Alexander felt a rush of affection towards his friend that only deepened as he saw the joy on Olivia’s face.

I will never be able to repay this kindness.

As Olivia met his eyes, Alexander nodded his approval and felt his heart swell as his oldest friend began to dance with his sister.

Perhaps this evening will not be a complete disaster.

Despite that thought, his hopes came crashing down. No sooner had Olivia left his side than he caught a few strains of whispered conversation.

“I hear he killed his own father,” one voice whispered. “Ate his heart.”

“Apparently he stabbed him while he was sleeping,” another said.