Page 70 of The Duke’s Wager

Alfred looked concerned, and Edward shook his head sadly. “I hope it does not come to that, but if it so happens… I will have to accept it. All I know is that what I want with her. I cannot build a future on a lie. On deceit. She deserves to know what I have done, and she deserves to know that I will never do anything to hurt her ever again.”

Without him truly being aware of it, a small smile started playing around Edward’s lips. “All I know is that I have to take this chance, the chance to make it right, the chance to start something real with her.”

“It is good to see you in this manner, Edward.” Though he smiled, Alfred’s voice held a note of concern. Edward watched him apprehensively.

“Yet you seem as though something is still bothering you. What is it?”

“I am happy for you, Edward… And I do like seeing you as happy as you are… But I must admit that I am concerned.”

Edward sighed and looked at his hands intently. When the silence became unbearable, he raised his head to look at Alfred. “What exactly are you worried about?”

“I am worried about Julian Pembroke.”

Ah. That made sense. Edward too was rather worried about that fool. Not about losing the wager, of course – he’d gladly pay Julian the money and sacrifice the first choice of all events to the other man if it meant he’d be left alone.

“He may be an idiot, but he still is not someone to mess with.” Alfred’s voice was nervous.

Edward, of course, knew that this was true. Julian Pembroke was indeed rather foolish, but he still had some influence over people at the court – and for some odd reason, a lot of sway. It was how he had managed to start Lucy’s cruel nickname some seasons ago. People listened to him, and getting on his bad side could prove rather dangerous. Still, Edward thought now, he could not care less about him or any danger the other man held.

He was no coward, and he would not let fear of Julian Pembroke dissuade him from living his life – living it with Lucy.

“I am not afraid of Julian Pembroke.”

He exclaimed this rather loudly, and Alfred quickly glanced around, his entire disposition wrought with anxiety.

“Hush! You might not fear him, but it is not necessary to ensure that he hears you!”

Edward laughed softly. Alfred was far too worried; for some reason, admitting his feelings about Lucy felt liberating.

“Oh, Alfred. Breathe. Julian Pembroke does not care about this wager as much as we believe, and I am rather sure he knows that I am not afraid of him.”

“Still…” Alfred glanced around, clearly still nervous. “It is not necessary to taunt the man.”

“I asked Lucy to meet me at the cemetery soon. I want to tell her how I feel about her, I want to start courting her for real.”

Alfred lifted his brows at this. “Another meeting at the cemetery? When?”

Edward grinned brightly, excitement starting to build in his chest. “Before dawn. I want to witness the break of day with her and see how the sun rises over our future.”

“Edward Lockhart!” Gone were the nerves. Alfred was plainly teasing his friend now. “That is rather scandalous indeed! The cemetery, of all places, in the dead of night?” Edward merely grinned, and Alfred looked at him with a smile. “This woman has truly taken residence in your mind, has she not?”

Edward nodded quickly. “Indeed.”

They were quiet for a moment, each busy with their own thoughts. Edward did not have to ask. He knew exactly what Alfred was thinking. As though they could read each other’s thoughts, they started laughing simultaneously, and Alfred shook his head.

“I never thought I would see the day that a woman broke through Edward Lockhart’s armor. The Ice Queen, of all people!”

It was true – Lucy Beaumont had managed to break through the armor he had worn all his life. Perhaps, he thought now, she had managed to start cracking the armor years ago when he had just started to build it… but she had truly managed to break through it and take up permanent residence in his head and heart now.

“I must go,” he declared now, his eyes sparkling with joy. “I need to ready everything at the cemetery. It needs to be perfect.”

Alfred merely nodded with a smile, and Edward left the gentleman’s club, thoughts of Lucy pervading his every step. He did not notice any of the men in the club around him, he was far too preoccupied with the odd, light feeling in his heart. A feeling he was not used to.

It was a feeling he quite liked. He knew without doubt that he was making the right decision.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

It had not taken Lucy long to find Maria, and once she did the two women did not waste time. Soon each had a cup of tea in their hands, while Lucy relayed her experience at the opera house.