Page 5 of The Duke’s Wager

“Yes, indeed,” she replied. “I believe I asked you where you were going,” she continued with the authority of a queen, and Edward hesitated.

“I’d love to chat, grandmother, but as it is I am late…”

He tried taking a step towards the door, but Evelyn held her walking stick out to block him. Edward narrowed his eyes at the swift movement. He was almost certain that she did not need the stick to walk. She more likely needed it in case she wanted to whack someone over the head.

As such, Edward relented with a sigh. “It is Alfred’s birthday, grandmother and we are going to celebrate.”

For a minute, Edward was certain that his grandmother wanted to ask where they were going to celebrate. She seemed to reconsider and reformulate, judging by the look on her face.

“Will any ladies attend this… event?”

Edward tried to hide the smirk forming on his face.

“I should hope not, my dearest grandmother… We are not going to a place that is fit for any lady.” He winked at her good-naturedly, hoping that the wink would melt her frozen heart.

It did not.

“Edward Lockhart! Do I look the tiniest bit amused at your ridiculous behavior?”

Edward took another small step towards the door, but the walking stick blocked him again.

“If you think for one second that I will allow you to tarnish the Lockhart name, you are sorely mistaken, my child.”

There was no mistaking it, Evelyn was furious.

Edward bit down on his lower lip. The Lockhart name was so important to his grandmother and he wanted to respect it, of course, he did. She had raised him after both his parents had died, and he knew that she only wanted the best for him.

“Settle down, old bird.”

She scowled at the pet name and he laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of her pristine hair.

“Please, do not worry, grandmother. Alfred is hosting a ball at his estate, in honor of his birthday. I promise to be on my very best behavior all night.”

Evelyn lifted a brow and tilted her head.

“Well. Speaking of your best behavior… I saw Lady Margaret’s carriage again this morning… leaving the estate.”

Edward suppressed a sigh. Of course, she had seen the carriage. The Duchess did not miss anything – she had eyes and ears everywhere.

“I would expect you to have seen her carriage, seeing as she was here.”

Evelyn looked at her grandson with pursed lips, and he sighed.

“Grandmother, please. It was just a night of innocent fun. There is no need to get upset.”

The stern expression stayed on her face, and Edward sighed. There was no debating with his grandmother over this. She believed in morals, values and, above all, a good name.

“Edward…” Evelyn’s voice was stern, and she stared at him with narrowed eyes. “Do you intend to marry Lady Margaret?”

He sputtered at the question, his eyes wide. Certainly, Lady Margaret was attractive enough, and quite a lot of fun. But marry her? No… He was certain that Lady Margaret did not want to marry him, either. In fact, Edward did not plan on marrying anyone –not now and perhaps not ever.

“Grandmother, no!” The words tumbled out of his lips, and he shook his head determinedly. “I am quite certain you are aware of the fact that Lady Margaret is recently widowed.”

Evelyn nodded stiffly at this, and Edward fumbled with his hands awkwardly. His grandmother had a way of making him rather uncomfortable.

“Lady Margaret and I are… friends, who sometimes require… company. We understand one another, and there is absolutely no talk of marriage, I swear.”

If he had expected his grandmother to be relieved by his admission, Edward now realized that he had been sorely mistaken. She looked everything but relieved.