Chapter sixteen
The Marquess grinned warmly while he looked at her, an act that was the direct definition of temptation. Why did all the English Monarchs have to be sinfully beautiful?
While Monica still found herself gawking at the dark hair of the Marquess of Bellingham, she heard him ask, "Apart from that, is there anything more?"
Monica tried to remember what they were even talking about. Her eyes automatically travelled to what the man looked at. While both watched the lawn below them, Philip practiced archery with such dexterity you would think he was born with it. Then she remembered what they were talking about.
With a forced smile, she sent Earl Robinson a suspicious glance and replied, "There's nothing more my Lord. I barely know the Duke."
He seemed to nod his agreement to that and resume studying the Duke, "That is one thing I will have to correct."
"Excuse me," the lady squeaked with a confused frown, "And what does that even mean?"
The Marquess just kept on grinning, not shifting his gaze from his friend even once.
***
Sometimes Philip wished some things were just as easy as arching. The sun did not seem to care about his mood, it's heat had already began tanning him, and of course worsening his anger. Right now, Kilmarnock was the only thing on his mind. It was possible Nax exaggerated how difficult his task was. And it was also possible he meant every word he spat that day. Either way, he couldn't help but admit how nervous it made him feel.
After making his fifteenth flawless shot, he lowered his bow and stared at the board with arrows impinged in it. When was this ever going to end? He hadn't even been a Duke for long and it felt like eternal damnation.
Just then, he heard steps approach him, "Your Grace."
Philip faced his personal butler with a weary frown and watched him bow. His glower just increased as he looked away, "What do you want Tiffany?"
The man hesitated to answer. Was it the Duke's mood that scared him or the reason he disturbed him? He turned around and checked his surroundings, making sure they were alone, as unnecessary as it was. He faced Philip once more and gasped his reply, "It's my lady, Elizabeth. It seems she wishes to see you."
Philip's frown cleared into a confused glare as he turned to the older man suddenly. He was certain he did not hear him right. But if he did, today was certainly full of surprises. It was odd how he was engaged to someone he had never spoken to in his entire young life. To be honest, he did not know how to, neither did he want to. This was awkward, he realized.
But then think of the devil and he appears right in front of you. Elizabeth Aflong hopped from the back of the house onto the lawn he stood in gracious, happy strides. He forced his glare away instantly.
"Your Grace," she curtsied slightly with a wide grin.
It might have been easier for Philip if she chose not to smile like that. What did she even find funny?!
The Duke handed his weapon to Tiffany and sent him away with a stare. Now it was him and her. This could be easy. Just act natural.
"How are you," He plastered a grin.
Her wide smile immediately faded away, so suddenly that Philip thought he had done something wrong. Was there a different way to start a conversation with a woman?
Her lips curved while she frowned, "Today hasn't been the best. I was a bit lonely at home. So I decided to come see you." Her wide grin returned again. This lady was confusing him.
"Besides, we literally haven't spoken before," she added afterwards.
He nodded to that. Next, he searched for the right words, "That would be…right. Will my bedroom be fine?" Just immediately, he thought about what he'd said and almost slapped himself. "I'm sorry. I meant my office."
Elizabeth smiled sweetly at his naivety, "Anywhere will do. As long as we talk."
Right, he thought.
The right thing to do next, he remembered, was to ask for the lady's hand and walk her out. And that was exactly what he did. Going to parties really came in handy in the end. At least he learned that.
***
That made Monica frown angrily, however she remained silent because of Earl by her side. Unknown to her, Earl was frowning even more. What did Elizabeth want now?
She forced herself to believe it wasn't jealousy she was feeling. She would call it pity for the Duke. Either way, she was angry.
When she turned to the Marquess, he certainly did not enjoy the scene as well. "What is it," she asked in curiosity.
Earl just shook his head and uttered two words, "Let's go."
***
Elizabeth twirled around in the wide office with her eyes sweeping past every single design around, "This is lovely."
Philip smiled shortly and agreed, "Thank you."
When she faced him and began stalking to him with a mischievous smirk on, he felt his stomach churn. What was going on in that dirty mind of hers, he thought. Whatever it was, he wanted to avoid. Abruptly, he asked, "Can I offer you anything? Coffee, wine." He creased his brows together and concluded, "Whisky?"
The blonde smiled at the last one and replied, "A little will be fine."
Moments later, they were served and left alone. The Duke gawked at her, hating the awkward silence and hoping she had something to say, because he didn't.
Suddenly, Elizabeth broke the silence, "What do you plan to do with Kilmarnock?"
That was the last thing he had expected to hear from someone like her. How did she even know that he owned it? His frown returned immediately. But gently, he nullified it, "I have nothing to do with it. I'll return it to Monica."
Wow. That seemed easier than she thought. Her own part of the deal was not going to take much of her effort, she thought.
She put a smile on and went close to him, clutching his hands in a gentle hold between hers, "That is great news. If there is any way I can help, just let me know."
Philip looked down at their joined hands and for the first time, looked straight into her eyes. That was when he realized she was beautiful, no offense, "I thought you disliked Monica."
Her grip around his hands tightened as she rushed her words as though they might escape, "Why? No I don't. I've just known her before and was surprised to see her again you see." She made sure to leave the part of their relationship aside. With a sad frown, she looked back at him, "She has been deprived of the life she deserves and I feel so guilty for not being there. Just give me a chance to make it right. Please…"
That was one of the truest acts of kindness he had ever seen. He looked down at her small figure with a smile that was real this time. Just wait till he hears what's behind the kindness.
Meanwhile, his body began working faster than his mind. His hand came up to her face to cup her cheek before he knew he was doing it, "My friends and I, along with Monica and Nax, will be going on that quest. And we are just enough for it. But if I ever happen to need your help, I promise to send for you."
Elizabeth's cheeks flushed red with hidden excitement. She relished the warmth of his gesture. As for why Nax was involved in this quest, she left for another day.
"I am truly happy I had the chance to be with you," she began, "you are a good person."
Those words made Philip lower his hand from her face and look away. He even took a few steps back, that was his own definition of a blush. The red color had gone through both cheeks to his throat, just where his words had  hidden. All he could do there and then was gasp.
Elizabeth feigned worry, her gaze dropping to the ground while tears filled her eyes, "Why! Do you not want to get married to me?"
Philip's words suddenly rushed out from the base of his throat with lightning speed, "Not that! I just have little experience when it comes to women." He bowed shamefully.
She nodded. That was obvious enough for her to believe. Suddenly, she gave her mischievous smirk once more and went close to him. With a tiny shrug, she tilted her shoulders, "You could learn with me."
The words came out as a small rasp which lingered in the air for a while. Philip had still been thinking of them, wondering if he'd heard her right. He watched her blankly with a look as innocent as that of a child. Clearly he had not understood what she meant.
Luckily for him, she planned to explain. Not with words though.
Elizabeth raised a hand to cup his cheeks which now had a warm red color for some reason. Her smirk was still on her face while she looked into his amber eyes.
And ever so slowly, her gaze dropped to his lips in one seductive manner.
***
"We have to save Philip from her," Monica gasped as she tried her best to keep pace with Earl who seemed to have had some speed potion today. They strode side by side from one hallway to the next, one chamber to another, looking as though the matter was of life and death. As a matter of fact, it was.
The Marquess almost laughed his response, "From who? His fiance?" The question took a tone of an insult, one Monica clearly understood. She nodded knowingly, quickening her steps when they reached the Duke's office.
The doors were not always closed! Why were they closed now?! A little more and the Scottish would pull her hair from her head in jealousy…well she preferred to call it pity.
Earl suddenly raised his hand to her face to stop her from walking. With a sigh, he faced her, obviously about to say something she wouldn't like, "Stay here. And that's an order!"
Monica opened her mouth in protest but stopped halfway. He certainly had no clue of the whirl of emotions going through her body. A deep frown rested above her brows, making her glare at him in dismay.
He ignored her anyway and turned to face the doors again. Now,he pushed them open and stepped inside. And just as Monica was about to disobey and join him, he pulled the doors shut again.
Well that was just the height of madness!