Page 24 of How to Capture a Duke

The door opened, and Mrs. Ludson entered. “Good morning, Your Grace.”

“Good morning. Will His Grace be joining me?” She inwardly cringed at the hope in her voice.

A flash of pity crossed the housekeeper’s face. “I’m sorry, but the duke rose earlier and is in his study.”

Of course he was. From what she surmised over the past two days that she’d been at Keswick Hall, the duke spent his days ensconced in his study. His stewards would come and go. She couldn’t fathom how much time Tristan spent working on his ducal estates. Her brother, Ian, was responsible and managed the earldom’s estates, and even he did not spend that much time in his study.

One thing was certain: her husband had been avoiding her.

Olivia rested her fork on the edge of her plate. “I’ve noticed the ballroom is lovely. Does His Grace entertain often?”

The housekeeper’s face paled a shade. “Oh no. It is forbidden.”

“Forbidden?”

“There hasn’t been a ball at Keswick Hall in over a decade. His Grace dislikes them.”

Shocked, she stared at the housekeeper. Over a decade? Had she married a complete hermit?

At her obvious shock, Mrs. Ludson shifted from foot to foot. “Pardon my saying, Your Grace, but the duke is a good man.”

A good man. The more she learned about him, the more she was unsure. He may treat his servants well, but his other actions made little sense. Why avoid all society functions?

Olivia picked up her cup. “Perhaps you’re right, but His Grace must soon accept that things shall change. Keswick Hall has a new mistress.”

…

Olivia spotted her sister on the casino floor. She ran the distance from the Raven Club’s front door to where Ellie stood by the hazard table talking with a servant. “Ellie!”

Ellie whirled. “Olivia! When did you return to town?”

“Recently. I’m sorry I had no time to write to tell you. Are you upset?”

“Don’t be silly. I’m thrilled.”

Ellie opened her arms, and Olivia ran into her embrace. Olivia’s heart squeezed in her chest, and tears blurred her vision.

Her older sister looked as lovely as ever with red hair, blue eyes, a porcelain complexion, and a sprinkling of freckles on her pert nose. Ellie had always hated her freckles and had tried numerous cosmetics, but Olivia had always thought they added to her beauty.

Ellie pulled back and looked into her eyes. Her delicate brows drew together. “What is it, love?”

The concern written on her sister’s features made the tears come faster. Olivia choked back a sob. “Everything.”

Ellie rubbed her back soothingly. “There, there, now. Come upstairs to the office, and I’ll order tea. We can talk.”

“Is Ian here?” Olivia rubbed her eyes as she scanned the casino floor for their oldest sibling.

“No. Ian enjoys early mornings with Catherine before her tutors arrive. Hugh is with our little Alexander. I come early to see to the staff and balance the ledgers. We will have time to ourselves.”

Olivia walked beside her sister. They passed roulette, whist, and vingt-et-un tables on the casino floor. Hours later, the tables would be full of gamblers, most betting heavily. She spotted the back door that led to the boxing room where pugilist matches took place twice a week.

They walked by doorways hidden in the paneling that gave entry into private rooms for high stakes gamblers and a secluded women-only gambling room.

Continuing on, they ascended a flight of stairs and were soon ensconced in an opulent office with a large oak desk, matching leather chairs, and a thick Oriental carpet. Numerous leather-bound ledgers were open on the surface of the desk beside a pen and inkwell. Olivia knew Ellie was skilled with the ledgers. A shilling didn’t pass through the place without Ellie’s knowledge. It was a skill that their sister-in-law, Grace, had taught her. A blue velvet sofa was in the corner flanked by a side table filled with crystal decanters of amber-colored liquors.

But it was the window that overlooked the casino floor below that drew the eye. Olivia walked to the window and gazed down at the casino floor. On any night, a person could see everything from the window—the flurry of the dealers’ hands, the occupants at each table, and the meandering guests. The casino floor was empty today save for a few servants cleaning the floor in anticipation of that evening’s patrons.

A soft knock on the door sounded, and a maid carried in a tea tray and tea things then quickly departed. Olivia turned away from the window to join Ellie on the sofa.