The Duke who Saved Christmas (Preview)

Chapter One

“Alex! How good of you to come! I must admit, I wasn’t certain whether you would attend.”

That was how Alexander Hanson, the Duke of Kelton, was greeted by his best friend, David Wilson, the Marquess of Richland. Alexander had to admit that he had been on the verge of not coming. The usually soft strains of the waltz were now an offence to his ears, and the ballroom, which was resplendent with Christmas finery, was too bright. Garlands of evergreen draped along the walls like snakes, and even the guests, dressed in the finest livery, seemed to laugh too loud and clink their glasses a little too hard.

Nothing was right. However, David was his best friend, and as the host of the ball, Alexander could not offend him by feigning an excuse such as a headache or some ‘urgent matter.’

“I would not miss it for the world, old boy,” Alexander smiled at him as the two friends exchanged the usual greetings and pleasantries.

David lifted an eyebrow, and then he burst into a chuckle. “You know, you might say that to someone who doesn’t know you.”

Alexander had to chuckle himself. Sometimes, he forgot that he and David had been friends for far too long, and David knew him better than he himself did. With an easy smile and a twinkle in his eye, David leaned closer to his friend.

“You really must learn to enjoy yourself at these events. Christmas is just around the corner.”

Alexander’s gaze shifted, following the movement of the guests, huddling and scouring like ants on a picnic. He didn’t like the hustle and bustle of it all. He preferred the solitude of his study or library to the chatter of people he didn’t know and didn’t want to know. But that was not all. He had heard rumours of a smuggling ring, and it was yet another addition to the world he wanted to keep away from himself but simply could not. So many things were wrong with the world, and his inner guide urged him to right them. Only that was easier said than done.

“Enjoyment isn’t the issue, David.”

“Then what is?” David enquired curiously. “You always stand apart from everyone else, looking as though you are plotting the downfall of some nefarious character.”

Alexander chuckled again. “Who is to say I am not? Especially considering the rumours that have reached my ears as of late.”

David gave him an inquisitive glance, intrigued despite himself. “Rumours, you say? And at Christmas, no less? I was under the impression that we were here to celebrate.”

“Indeed,” Alexander replied, his tone clipped. “But celebration is a luxury not everyone can afford. You see, there are whispers of a smuggling ring operation within the county, David. It is a vast network, by all accounts.”

“How does that have anything to do with us?” David wondered, still amused.

“Well, I’ve been thinking …” Alexander continued, musing on his theories. “It would require not only a significant number of men but also the cooperation, or at least, the indifference of those in power.”

David’s expression sobered, though the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. “And naturally, you suspect everyone, from the stable boy to the magistrate. You’ve always been inclined to see shadows in the light, my friend.”

Alex’s gaze finally settled on his friend, his expression as inscrutable as ever. “A fault of mine, I know. But better to be overly cautious than to be caught unaware. You know as well as I do that these things are never as innocent as they seem.”

“Ah, Alex,” David sighed, though there was a warmth in his voice. “Always the vigilant protector. But tonight, perhaps you might allow yourself a moment’s reprieve? After all, it’s almost Christmas, and even the most watchful guardian deserves a night of peace.”

Alexander’s rigid stance softened slightly, and he allowed himself a small, reluctant smile. “Perhaps. But I won’t let my guard down completely. Not until I know for certain who is behind these machinations.”

David clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh. “Of course you won’t. But try to enjoy yourself, nonetheless. Who knows, you might even find some pleasure in the evening—if only in proving yourself right.”

As the waltz played on, David’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You know, Alex,” he began, his tone as light as the champagne being served, “there is one surefire way to distract yourself from these dark thoughts.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “That would be if I were home, away from everyone, but I am assuming that isn’t what you have in mind.”

“No.” David chuckled. “Something else entirely.”

“And what might that be?”

“A dance, of course,” David replied, gesturing towards the crowded dance floor. “This is a ball, after all. It’s almost scandalous that the Duke of Kelton has yet to take a lady’s hand this evening.”

Alex’s expression darkened slightly. “I have little interest in dancing, David. No one here has caught my eye, and I’d rather not engage in frivolous displays.”

David chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s your problem, Alex. You’re always looking but never truly seeing.” He gave his friend another pat on the shoulder. “Perhaps you’re not looking in the right direction.”

Alex frowned, glancing around the room, his gaze sweeping over the finely dressed ladies who laughed and danced under the glittering chandeliers. None of them stirred anything within him beyond polite indifference. “I assure you, I have not missed anything of importance.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” David countered, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. “You’re too focused on what you expect to find—the danger, the intrigue. You’re blind to what might be right in front of you.”

“You are the only person right in front of me,” Alexander replied playfully. “And I intend on keeping it that way.”

The two men chuckled again, then proceeded to partake in another glass of Scotch. Alexander promised himself that he would endure another hour and then excuse himself to go home without offending his friend.

Yes, that sounded like the perfect plan. Only perfect plans rarely tended to unravel as one expected them to.

***

“Did you hear, Eve?” Lady Caroline Stanton leaned in closer to her older sister, Eve, her eyes sparkling. “The Duke of Kelton is here tonight. The entire ballroom is talking about him.”

Eve rolled her eyes slightly, casting a quick glance around the ballroom. “Yes, I am quite aware.”

The air around her was thick with the scent of pine and the glow of candles reflecting off the festive decorations. Although there was still some time before Christmas, everyone seemed to be feeling the festive season already. She was standing in the corner with her sister and their mother, Elise, the Countess of Highbury, who was busy searching for someone in the crowd.

“The whispers of the debutants have been relentless ever since we arrived,” Eve continued. “It seems every mother in the county has their eye on securing a match for their daughter with the duke.”

She gasped silently as she glanced at their own mother, her eyes still searching for someone. Eve could only hope she had not been bitten by the same bug.

Caroline, on the other hand, giggled at her sister’s words. “Can you blame them? I mean, from what I’ve heard, the man is the most eligible bachelor in the room. And after being abroad for nearly four years, he’s something of a mystery. You know how people are drawn to that.”

“Women especially,” Eve scoffed.

“Yes, women especially,” her sister agreed, but much differently than Eve, only accentuating the differences in character between the two sisters.

Eve’s lips curled into a wry smile as she accepted a glass from a passing footman. “It’s all rather silly, don’t you think? As if the man has returned simply to choose a bride from among the simpering ladies gathered here tonight.”

Caroline raised an eyebrow. “And you, dear sister? Are you so above the notion of catching the eye of a duke?”

“Quite,” Eve replied with a soft laugh. “I have absolutely no interest in the duke or any other man for that matter. The idea of spending my life bound by the dictates of a husband is hardly appealing. I would rather retain control over my life than surrender it to a man.”

Caroline shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. “You are so stubborn, Eve. One might think you’ve decided never to marry at all. But you’re only twenty-two, and there’s still time for your heart to soften.”

Eve took a sip of her punch, her expression impassive. “Perhaps. But if remaining unmarried means I keep my freedom, I would be perfectly content with that outcome.”

Caroline let out a light, musical laugh. “Well, it’s interesting you should say that about the duke because … he’s looking at you right now.”

Eve’s heart skipped a beat, and she nearly choked on her drink.

“What?” Her voice was a whisper as she hurriedly scanned the room, her eyes darting from one corner to the next.

Finally, her gaze found him—Alexander Hanson, the Duke of Kelton. He stood across the room, his tall frame commanding attention even in a sea of guests. His expression was unreadable, but his piercing blue eyes were unmistakably focused on her. There was an undeniable air of confidence and authority about him, a man accustomed to command and being obeyed.

His hair, dark and slightly wavy, was neatly trimmed, though a few rebellious strands had escaped, falling across his forehead in a way that softened the otherwise stern lines of his face. It was a contrast that captivated her—a hint of wildness in an otherwise meticulously controlled exterior.

His skin was fair but carried a hint of ruggedness, as if he had spent time under foreign suns, facing the elements head-on. It added an intriguing layer to his otherwise aristocratic appearance, a reminder that this man had seen and done much in his life beyond the confines of English society.

But it was his eyes that truly held her. They were a striking shade of blue, sharp and clear, yet holding a depth that suggested he saw far more than he let on. As those eyes locked onto hers from across the room, Eve felt an unexpected thrill course through her, as if those piercing blue depths could see right through her defences.

For a moment, she felt rooted to the spot. The intensity of his gaze was almost unsettling, and she could feel a blush rising in her cheeks. In an instant, she turned away, pretending to be engrossed in her conversation with Caroline, but she knew it was too late. Her reaction had not gone unnoticed.

Caroline stifled a giggle. “You looked positively alarmed, Eve. It seems that the duke has done more than just catch your eye. He’s caught you entirely off guard!”

Eve shot her sister a warning look, her cheeks still warm. “Nonsense. He was probably looking at someone else, and I just happened to be in the way.”

“Perhaps,” Caroline said, her tone teasing, but I think you know better. The duke has certainly taken an interest. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”

“Absolutely nothing,” Eve replied with firm resolve, though her heart was still racing. “He can look all he likes; I cannot forbid him that, but it will change nothing. I have no intention of becoming another pawn in the marriage game.”

“Very well,” Caroline said with a grin, clearly enjoying her sister’s discomfort. “But you might find it harder to resist than you think. The Duke of Kelton is not a man who is easily ignored.”

Eve glanced over her shoulder once more, finding that the duke had indeed turned his attention elsewhere, though she could still feel the lingering weight of his earlier gaze. She straightened her shoulders, determined to dismiss the moment as insignificant. Yet, deep down, she couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in her chest.

“Let him try,” she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to her sister. “I have no intention of being swayed by any man, duke or not.”

But even as she said the words, a part of her wondered if she was speaking more to convince herself than Caroline. Before she could say anything else, she turned to grab a glass from the table, but as she did so, she did not notice a servant girl passing by with a tray of drinks, and the two ended up colliding with a sharp shatter of glass exploding all around her.

The look on the servant girl’s face was one of utter horror. “Oh, My Lady, I am so terribly sorry!”

Chapter Two

“… but then I told her that was simply not how those things were done, and I … Alex? Alex, are you listening to me?”

The sound of breaking glass was not audible enough over the strains of the music, but he was close enough to hear it and follow the ensuing unravelling of the scene. The servant was apologetic and hasty in her clean up, but the lady’s reaction surprised him. She smiled the entire time, even placing her hand on the young servant girl’s shoulder in a kind gesture of understanding and forgiveness.

Now, she stood by two other women, her posture as poised and elegant as one might expect from a woman her status. Her gown, a rich emerald green, highlighted the slender curves of her figure, draping gracefully as she moved with the natural ease of someone entirely comfortable in her own skin. She wore the slightly soiled gown as if it were purchased as such, exuding a quiet confidence and a subtle grace that drew the eye without needing to compete with the flashier ladies around her.

Her skin was fair, with a natural, rosy glow that seemed to radiate from within. It gave her an almost ethereal quality, though there was nothing fragile about her. Her beauty was understated, refined—like a perfectly cut gem that revealed its brilliance only to those who took the time to look closer.

But it was her hair that particularly struck him. Long and wavy, its chestnut brown strands were arranged in an elegant style, befitting her status yet allowing a hint of its natural wildness to peek through. A few soft tendrils framed her face, adding a touch of warmth and softness to her otherwise composed appearance. He imagined the feel of those waves, the way they might slip through his fingers, and the thought intrigued him more than it should have.

David’s voice barely reached Alexander’s ears. Only after David gently nudged him with his elbow did Alexander’s mind return to the present moment.

“Yes?” Alexander said nonchalantly.

David lifted an eyebrow. “Do not yes me, old boy. I can see exactly what is happening here.”

“What do you mean?” Alexander wondered, pretending he had not just noticed the most beautiful woman in the room.

“You are smitten,” David teased through a chuckle as he leaned in closer and tried to pinpoint the direction where Alexander’s gaze lingered a moment ago.

“Preposterous.” Alexander shook his head. “However, you did tell me not only to look but to see, and that is what I am doing … seeing.” He paused momentarily, as the lady in question turned to her friend and laughed. The sound did not reach Alexander, but he could somehow hear it inside his mind, that melodious choir of the angels themselves. “Who is she? The young lady in the green gown.”

David followed his gaze and quickly identified the woman. “Ah, that would be Lady Eve Stanton, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Highbury. A rather sharp-witted lady, from what I hear. Not one to be easily swayed by the usual charms.”

Alexander’s interest deepened. “Lady Eve Stanton,” he repeated, rolling the name over in his mind. It suited her, strong and elegant. “I should like to witness her sharp wit first-hand. I think I shall ask her for a dance.”

David couldn’t help chuckling, raising an eyebrow at his friend. “You were telling me the exact opposite mere minutes ago, and now, you are planning to charm the most elusive lady in the room?”

A rare smile tugged at the corners of Alexander’s mouth, a glint of determination in his eyes. “Perhaps. But there’s something about her … something that makes me want to know more.”

David sighed, though amusement laced his tone. “You’re forgetting one important detail. You can’t just march over and ask her to dance. You haven’t been properly introduced. The rules of society, and all that.”

Alexander scoffed, a flicker of impatience crossing his features. “The rules of society be damned. I’ve never been one to concern myself with such things, and I don’t intend to start now.”

David shook his head, though he was not entirely surprised. Alexander had always been brash, never one to be bound by convention. It was a trait that had served him well in many situations, but here, in the strict circles of the English aristocracy, it was likely to raise a few eyebrows.

“You do realize that your impulsiveness will get you into trouble one of these days,” David remarked, a touch of warning in his voice. “Not every lady is going to appreciate your disregard for protocol.”

“Perhaps,” Alexander acknowledged, his gaze still fixed on Eve. “But I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.”

He had no idea what mesmerized him so much about that woman. His eyes passed through every face in the room, some familiar, others not, but none of them had managed to capture his attention. None but hers. She was the only one smiling the entire time, her eyes fixed on the person next to her, not the ballroom around her. The colour of her gown was boldly unapologetic, standing out, just like her smile.

With that, he took a decisive step forward, his eyes locked on Eve. David watched him go, shaking his head in amusement and concern. Alexander Hanson was a man who did as he pleased, society’s rules be damned. And tonight, it seemed, he had set his sights on Lady Eve Stanton.

***

As Eve stood beside the refreshment table, engaged in a light conversation with her younger sister Caroline, she was aware of the whispers following the Duke of Kelton’s return. She had by now heard the stories, the rumours, and the endless speculation about the man who had come back to England to manage his estate after years abroad. Yet she had never imagined that he would approach her so directly.

But approach he did.

Eve’s conversation with Caroline faltered when she noticed the imposing figure moving towards her through the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat as the tall, dark-haired man cut through the sea of guests, his gaze fixed firmly on her. Caroline, too, fell silent, her eyes widening as she recognized the duke.

Before either of them could fully comprehend what was happening, the Duke of Kelton stood before them, his presence as commanding as she had imagined. Eve’s breath caught as she looked up at him, noting once again the striking blue of his eyes, the strong set of his jaw, and the way his dark hair—so neatly trimmed—had a few rebellious strands that had fallen across his forehead. He was even more arresting up close, and Eve had to steel herself against the unexpected pull she felt towards him.

“Lady Eve,” Alexander began, his deep voice carrying a certain authority that left no room for hesitation. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alexander Hanson, the Duke of Kelton. I would be honoured if you would grant me a dance.”

The shock on Eve’s face was mirrored by Caroline’s, who looked as though she might faint from the sheer audacity of it. This was not how things were done. Not in the strict, rule-bound society they lived in. Proper introductions were required, as was the presence of a chaperone. Yet here was the duke, disregarding all convention with a boldness that left Eve momentarily speechless.

“Your Grace,” Eve managed to say, finding her voice as she dipped into a graceful curtsy. “I am honoured by your request, but surely you must know this is not how things are done. Proper introductions—”

“Proper introductions,” Alexander interrupted, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, “are well and good, but I’ve never been one to adhere strictly to the rules. I have my own way of doing things, Lady Eve.”

Eve’s eyes narrowed slightly, a mixture of amusement and curiosity flaring within her. “Is that so? And does your way often involve compromising a lady’s reputation, completely disregarding the customs of polite society? One might wonder if you are even familiar with them.”

She was daring him, and he knew it. “One has to know them to break them, especially if those same customs prevent me from speaking to someone who has captured my interest. I find them rather tedious.”

Despite herself, Eve felt a spark of intrigue. The man standing before her was not like the others—those who danced to society’s tune without question. Something was undeniably compelling about his brashness, his willingness to flout convention simply because it did not suit him. It was both maddening and oddly refreshing.

“Then you must find English society quite tiresome indeed,” Eve replied, her tone light, though she could not entirely hide the edge of challenge in her voice. “It’s a wonder you’ve returned at all, given how many rules we must follow here.”

Alexander chuckled softly, the sound rich and warm. “Society does have its charms, despite the rules. And some rules,” he added, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, “are worth breaking.”

Eve felt her heart beat faster, though she struggled to maintain her composure. She should refuse him—set an example of propriety, as any well-bred lady would. Yet, the idea of dancing with the duke, of seeing what lay behind that confident exterior, was too tempting to resist.

“Very well, Your Grace,” she said at last, inclining her head slightly. “I shall accept your invitation, though I hope you understand that I do not make a habit of indulging those who disregard the rules.”

“Of course,” Alexander replied, his smile one of triumph, though there was something more there, something deeper that hinted at genuine respect. “But I have a feeling, Lady Eve, that you are not one to be swayed by mere flattery or titles. And for that, I admire you.”

Eve blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. She had expected arrogance, perhaps even a touch of condescension, but not this. Not a man who seemed to see beyond the surface.

She offered him her hand, her pulse quickening as his strong, warm fingers closed around hers. “Then let us see, Your Grace, if you can live up to your reputation.”

As the duke led her to the dance floor, Eve couldn’t help wondering if she had just stepped into something far more complex than a simple waltz. She had to admit that her sister was right. The duke was a man who boldly and unashamedly went after what he wanted, regardless of the repercussions. She could not help being intrigued by such a man. However, she also knew the dangers of keeping such company, so she silently reminded herself that this would be their only dance.

That was exactly why she intended to relish every moment of it.

Chapter Three

Alexander had all but forgotten about that surge of anticipation as he guided Lady Eve towards the other dancing couples. He couldn’t remember the last time a lady had captured his attention in such a sweet, innocent, yet titillating manner. And regardless of their initial encounter, he intended to find out all there was to know about her.

As they stood before each other, they began to move in unison, their steps perfectly in sync as if they had danced together countless times before. Alexander was no stranger to the ballroom, but there was something different about this dance—something different about her. He found himself admiring the grace with which she moved, the way her chestnut brown hair caught the light with every turn, and the soft, rosy glow of her fair skin. She was undeniably beautiful, but the intelligence in her eyes and the hint of a challenge in her smile truly held his attention.

“You dance beautifully, Lady Eve,” Alexander remarked, his tone light but sincere. He was accustomed to the usual platitudes of society, but with her, he wanted to go beyond the surface. However, even if one wished to delve beneath the surface, one needed to do it gradually and tactfully.

She responded with a teasing smile. “Flattery, Your Grace? I would have thought you’d take a more original approach.”

Once again, she surprised him with her sharp remark. “Ah, but who’s to say I’m not being sincere? You must admit, it’s a rare thing to encounter someone who can match me step for step.”

Her laughter was soft but carried a hint of amusement that only intrigued him further. “Perhaps you’ve just been dancing with the wrong partners.”

He tilted his head slightly, acknowledging the truth in her words. “Perhaps. But I’m glad to have found the right one tonight.”

He had a million questions for her and wanted to ask them away from all the prying eyes, away from the hustle and bustle surrounding them. But he knew that wasn’t possible. He had to satisfy himself with the fact that, for the time being, her attention was reserved solely for him as they danced together.

“Tell me, Lady Eve,” he said, his voice dropping slightly, “do you have a favourite holiday tradition?”

He watched her expression soften, a genuine warmth replacing the playful banter. “I do, actually. I’ve always loved the Christmas market. There’s something magical about it—the scent of pine and spices in the air, the glow of lanterns, the sound of carols. It feels like stepping into another world, if only for a little while.”

Her answer surprised him. He had expected something more conventional, yet her choice was uniquely charming. “I can see the appeal. The holiday season does have a way of bringing out the best in people, doesn’t it?”

She nodded, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. “Indeed. And what about you, Your Grace? Do you have a favourite tradition?”

He couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease her, though his words were laced with sincerity. “Holiday balls, without a doubt. Especially when they provide the opportunity to meet someone as enchanting as you.”

He noticed a subtle flush spread across her cheeks, and the sight pleased him more than it should have. She wasn’t as unaffected by him as she pretended to be, and that realization only deepened his interest. No one else existed at that moment.

“You’re quite skilled at turning a phrase, Your Grace,” she said, her voice steady, though he could sense the blush had flustered her.

He grinned, enjoying the playful exchange. “Only when the occasion calls for it. But I must confess, I’m curious to know more about you, Lady Eve. What else do you enjoy besides Christmas markets?”

“Reading,” she said simply, as the music required him to release her from his grip, only to welcome her back into his arms once again.

“Might I ask what draws you to it?” he enquired, although he already had a few versions of the answer himself. However, he still wanted to know hers.

Eve glanced up at him, her expression softening as she considered the question. For a moment, she seemed to be weighing her words as if deciding how much to share. “Reading has always been a way for me to explore worlds beyond my own,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “It allows me to travel through time, to understand different perspectives, and to see the world through the eyes of others. There’s something profoundly enriching about that.”

Alexander listened intently, genuinely interested in her perspective. “So, it’s the stories themselves that captivate you?”

“Not just the stories,” she clarified, her voice gaining a quiet intensity. “It’s the way books can connect us to the past, to people and events that shaped the world we live in today. I’ve always believed that understanding history is essential for understanding ourselves. And through reading, I feel a sense of connection to those who came before us—their struggles, their triumphs, their lives.”

Her words resonated with him in a way he hadn’t expected. “It sounds like reading is more than just a pastime for you. It’s a way to engage with the world on a deeper level.”

David was right. She was not a beautiful airhead like most of the other ladies of the ton. He enjoyed listening to her.

Eve smiled, clearly pleased by his understanding. “Exactly. It’s a way to learn and grow, to challenge my own thoughts and beliefs. And, of course, it’s also a source of great pleasure. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a well-told story.”

Alexander found himself admiring her even more. She wasn’t just well-read; she was thoughtful, with a deep appreciation for the power of knowledge. “I can see why you enjoy it so much. It’s a rare gift to find someone who values learning as much as you do.”

Eve’s smile widened, and for a moment, he thought he saw a hint of shyness in her eyes. “Thank you, Your Grace. I must admit, I’m not used to speaking about it so openly. Most people find my love of books rather dull.”

“On the contrary,” Alexander said, his voice firm. “I find it fascinating. It speaks to your curiosity and your desire to understand the world around you. Those are qualities to be admired, not dismissed.”

Eve looked up at him, clearly surprised by his words. There was a brief moment of silence between them as they continued to move in time with the music, the connection between them becoming something palpable.

“And what else makes your eyes glow as much as reading?” he asked playfully.

“Long walks,” she divulged. “Especially in the countryside. It is where I feel most at peace.”

Her answer resonated with him. She was not only intelligent but thoughtful, someone who valued knowledge and the solitude of nature. It was a rare combination he hadn’t expected to find in a woman of her status.

“Reading and walking … you strike me as someone who values both knowledge and reflection. A rare combination,” he said, genuinely impressed.

She smiled at his observation, and he could see that she was pleased by his understanding. “I suppose you could say that. I’ve always believed that understanding the past gives us better insight into the present. And there’s something soothing about being in nature, away from the bustle of society.”

He nodded, feeling a surprising kinship with her sentiments. “I couldn’t agree more. A certain clarity comes with solitude, stepping away from the noise.”

She liked how he was the first one to open up. She felt an irresistible urge to reciprocate herself.

“Yes, I’ve always valued solitude,” Eve admitted, her voice soft but certain. “It’s where I can escape from the endless expectations of our world. Being alone with my thoughts is the only time I truly feel like myself.”

Alexander nodded, understanding her to a level that surprised him. “Solitude has its own kind of peace. It’s a rare gift in our lives, one that allows us to reflect and truly think. I often seek it out myself.”

Eve glanced up at him, her gaze searching his. “But how do you reconcile that with everything we’re expected to be? I care nothing for material things—the jewels, the gowns, the grand estates. None of it matters to me. What I want is something real. Something … genuine.”

Alexander’s interest deepened. “And what would that be, Lady Eve?”

She hesitated as if weighing the risk of being too open. “Romance,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want a connection based on love, not on the whims of dowries or the strategic interests of families. But in our world, love is the last consideration when it comes to marriage.”

Her words resonated with Alexander in a way he hadn’t anticipated. She spoke with such passion and earnestness that he found himself drawn to her even more. “It’s a rare thing to hear someone speak so honestly about such matters. I understand your feelings. The weight of our responsibilities can be suffocating. To think that our futures could be decided by anything other than our own hearts—it’s a bitter truth, and it is certainly much different for women than it is for men.”

Eve’s gaze softened. “I rarely find someone who agrees with me.”

He smiled. “I rarely find someone who speaks so unapologetically about things ladies prefer to only hint at.”

The dance had come to a gentle halt, and the two were now standing, facing each other, both reluctant to let go. But before Eve could say anything to that, a sharp voice sliced through the air, freezing them both in place.

“Eve,” the Countess of Highbury strode towards them, her expression a mask of barely concealed disdain. She was hissing her words, although it was obvious that she was upset, taking into account her hand on Eve’s elbow, tugging her away from Alexander. “What do you think you are doing?”

“Mother, I …” Eve started, clearly taken aback by the sudden and unexpected intrusion. “I was only—”

However, she wasn’t allowed to continue. “You need to come with me.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow at the coldness in the woman’s tone. It was clear that the message was her dislike of Eve’s company as the countess’ eyes flickered to him with a look of barely veiled hostility.

“Countess, I apologize for the improper manner in which I have approached your daughter,” Alexander immediately apologized, not wishing to be stripped of Eve’s company, not now that he was truly starting to enjoy it. “But I assure you that I meant no disrespect. Eve has been such a delightful companion during this dance.”

The countess’ expression tightened, her displeasure evident. “I’m sure she has. However, it’s time she rejoined the company. She knows better than to engage in such … improprieties.”

Eve’s eyes widened in shock, and she glanced at Alexander, clearly mortified. “Mother, we have not done anything wrong. We were merely dancing.”

“Out of all the gentlemen here, it has to be him?” her mother sounded flabbergasted. It almost offended Alexander. He did not consider himself the most eligible of all bachelors in London, but he was certainly not the worst, which was exactly Lady Eve’s mother’s reaction to him.

“Why not him?” Lady Eve surprised him with her bravado.

“Because our two families will never come together again, that’s why!” her mother exclaimed furiously, ignoring her daughter’s protest as she took her arm with a firmness that brooked no argument. “We are leaving this instant!”

There was something in the countess’ eyes as she looked at Alexander—a mixture of disdain and something darker. It was as if she harboured a deep-seated animosity towards him, though he couldn’t begin to imagine the reason.

Alexander’s expression remained neutral, but inside, he felt a flicker of irritation. It was clear that the countess was intentionally pulling Eve away, and for entirely personal reasons. He watched as Eve was led away, her expression mirroring confusion and hurt. She managed to glance back at him, a wordless apology perhaps, although it was not she who had to apologize, but rather her mother. He held her gaze, trying to convey that he understood and would not allow that to be their last encounter. If one disliked him greatly, he at least expected them to divulge the reason behind it.

Our two families will never come together again. The statement made no sense. Were their families ever close in the past? He knew of no such thing.

Whatever the countess’ reasons for disliking him, they would not stand in his way. He intended to see Eve again, demanding an explanation from either of them, and nothing—not even a protective mother with a mysterious grudge—would stop him.