That morning, the Duke woke at half past nine. Lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll. He sprang from his bed and set about getting ready for his riding lesson with unusual diligence. Today, he was especially irritated by his own tired reflection in the mirror and promised himself he would sleep more.
He rushed past Sebastian, but the butler called after him. Knowing his master too well, he silently handed over a parcel of sandwiches. The Duke looked at Sebastian with endless warmth and, smiling, said, "Thank you, my dear friend," before dashing off, tearing open the parcel as he went and trying to finish the sandwiches as quickly as he could.
— "Your gift is outrageously improper." said Alex with rose cheeks
Seated atop Waterlily, the Duke turned his head. Alex's brows knitted together, though the delight at receiving such a gift fought to show itself, tugging gently at the corners of his lips.
Anything in the world would have been worth seeing that adorable expression on his face.
— "Paganini's études has only just set out on its tour with Franz Liszt itself, yet you send me such a costly gift. I must say, your generosity puts me in an awkward position."
There it was. Alex could no longer frown; he looked at the Duke with a bashful smile. Nathan's heart fluttered.
— "I do not know how I might ever repay you for this."
The Duke smirked. He could think of nothing better than to tease his friend just a little.
— "I am glad you've brought up the matter, Young Lord. I confess, I did not do this out of mere generosity."
Alex tensed noticeably, almost prompting Nathan to laugh before he could reply.
— "In return, I wish to hear those compositions performed by you."
Alex was stunned. The Duke laughed heartily, then suddenly urged Waterlily forward, breaking into a gallop. He was so happy that he did it without a shadow of doubt or fear. The rhythm of the horse seemed to merge perfectly with the beat of his own heart.
I would give anything to know what he might have been thinking to be so startled.
As Nathan looked back, he saw the young lord watching him for a moment as he rode away, then urging Soul forward with a smile.
***
— "Now I understand why you were willing to give almost anything to hear it live," the Duke said after hearing Alex perform the etude.
Apparently, after such a gift, Alex had deemed it impolite to send the Duke away. Instead, he had asked him to stay and listen. He had been practicing for hours, playing fragments in different orders so that Nathan could not anticipate how it would all sound in the end.
— "I am so happy," Alex said with a smile. "I hope Franz Liszt will one day visit England as well!"
Without hesitation, the Duke answered, "I believe that one day you will indeed undertake that journey."
Alex smirked and replied with a smile, "It seems only you can do as you please."
The Duke raised an eyebrow. He felt a slight sting but understood perfectly that Alex meant no harm.
— "You are very mistaken there, Young Lord."
— "Why so? I do not know a single gentleman who would travel for three or four years, return as if nothing had happened, and… behave as you do."
The Duke laughed genuinely, perhaps for the first time so wholeheartedly.
So this is what he thinks of me.
— "Your words amuse me greatly. Ah, how I wish they were true."
Nathan smiled, gazing out the window as the rays of the setting summer sun lit up his face. The green of his eyes seemed even brighter in the light.
Alex snorted, as if finding this amusing were not a compliment at all.
— "I do not know why you find that so amusing. I would gladly embark on such a journey. But… Father always claims we are in rather modest circumstances. You have certainly noticed that we have very few servants at home, and I am the one who saddles and trains the horses. Not that I am unhappy because of it. But it is not only my father's exceedingly possessive attitude toward the horses we raise. He cares little about money, it seems to me, being pleased that we cannot host grand balls. But my mother had to give up a much wealthier life to marry my father. Even after more than twenty years, she still longs for her former life. It would be wonderful if she could inherit something, and we would certainly travel to Paris!"
Alex paused and realized the Duke had been listening intently the entire time, not daring to interrupt for even a moment.
— "My apologies, I've become carried away. In any case, as materialistic as it may sound, my parents would prefer I find a wealthy match rather than one for love, I am sure of it. It would spare them many worries. Yet I remain happy and grateful to them for all they have given me, do not think poorly of me. And I am grateful to you for your gift, though I beg you not to spend on such trifles again."
The Duke looked somewhat saddened. It pained him to see the weight this boy carried. He knew well that such a burden was heavier than it appeared: to follow the expectations of others rather than the call of one's heart.
Yet… no, that was not all that troubled him. Listening to Alex's plans, he realized that very soon the Young Lord would choose a suitable lady, marry, and erase Nathan from his life for sure. And in that instant, he remembered Alex's happy face beside that Lady Elizabeth, whom Ophelia had mentioned in passing.
No, such a boy could not marry without love. Happiness would surely find him, he deserved it.
Inside the Duke, a thin thread seemed to snap, a fragile symbol of hope.
— "Your Grace, have I tired you with my chatter? Perhaps it is time I head home."
Nathan realized he had been standing silently, gazing at Alex all this time. He returned to the present, forced a smile, and said:
— "Not at all, not at all. It is I who should apologize. I was merely reflecting on… life. I have heard every word you spoke; do not think I am uninterested, not in the least. I am honored by your trust, and I would never think poorly of you. Please, play for me once more, if it would not trouble you."
Alex nodded, and the Duke stepped back to settle upon the couch.
***
— "Young Lord Carlston, a pleasure as always," the Duke said, stepping closer.
It was another ball, another performance of societal expectations, yet among all the faces in the crowd, there was the familiar one Nathan cherished most.
After exchanging a few polite words with Alex, the Duke proposed hoping for a brief respite:
— "Would you care to step outside for a moment? The ballroom feels particularly stifling tonight."
Alex suddenly glanced past the Duke's shoulder and replied, "Your Grace, I believe the lady behind you awaits your next dance. I should not wish to distract you from your evening's pleasures."
What?
The Duke turned, only to see Ophelia approaching. When he looked back at Alex, the Young Lord had already vanished.
What was that all of a sudden?
Ophelia took Nathan's arm.
— "I did not mean to interrupt your friendly conversation, but I believe you'll have another chance to speak. Remember why we're doing this."
The Duke smiled and, with a graceful gesture, invited Ophelia to dance.
Soon enough, the Young Lord's attention was drawn to Lady Elizabeth. He acknowledged her with a courteous bow, and before long, they moved together across the floor with the ease of a perfectly matched pair.
All of this stirred a mix of uneasy emotions within Nathan, yet it must be admitted that despite it, he performed the part of a man enamored with Ophelia brilliantly and convincingly.
— "You're getting better and better, Nathan," Ophelia remarked after the dance.
But he seemingly did not hear her. His gaze was fixed on Alex, who was returning from the dance floor arm in arm with Lady Elizabeth. He looked too happy.
— "Admiring Lady Elizabeth, are we?"
— "What?" The Duke turned to Ophelia, who was smirking mischievously.
— "I hope you're not planning to trade me for a young coquette, Nathan."
The Duke knew Ophelia far too well to be fooled by her teasing. Yet he did not wish to play along and decided to feign ignorance.
— "I do not know what you mean, Ophelia."
— "Look, her mother has already ensnared the Young Lord in her web. I had the honor of meeting her. A formidable woman. She claws at potential suitors so aggressively and asks the boldest of questions that they flee from Lady Elizabeth immediately after meeting her mother. Poor girl."
— "Is that so? Well then, shall we return to dancing?" The Duke drained his glass of wine, and they made their way back to the center of the hall.
Bidding farewell to Ophelia, the Duke glanced around in search of Alex.
Had he already left?
Ophelia said, "Tomorrow and the day after, we must go for a promenade. Walk alone at first, and I shall join you casually. Make no other plans for that day."
— "Very well, Ophelia." He kissed her on the cheek and settled into his carriage.
On the appointed day, the Duke stepped out for the promenade and did the same the following day.
What could be more exhilarating than a stroll in the sweltering heat, under the watchful, scrutinizing eyes of onlookers, all eager to study him from head to toe? The Duke walked on, trying to focus on the fountains, the green leaves, and the crunch of gravel beneath his feet.
Suddenly, he spotted Alex, and his expression changed.
I've never seen him here before! Could it be that we simply choose different days for such walks?
The Duke approached Lady Carlston and greeted her first, then her son.
Today, he seems more cheerful than before.
— "I've recently acquired a rather fine shipment of black walnut. Beautiful texture — rich and dark, almost like mahogany. I've been meaning to try my hand at carving something with it."
— "Black walnut, you say? What do you plan to make?" Alex asked.
Nathaniel responded, carrying on the conversation with interest. Soon, Lady Carlston encountered an old acquaintance, and she fell behind with her friend, allowing Nathaniel and the Young Lord to speak undisturbed.
— "You should come by one morning and see it by yourself — perhaps tomorrow?"
— "I would like that," Alex replied, his face brightening.
Their exchange was gently interrupted by the arrival of two women walking arm-in-arm.
Damn, I completely forgot!
Nathaniel introduced them properly, and the three continued walking together.
— "I'm so glad we've finally been properly introduced, Young Lord!"
Alex nodded politely and smiled, remaining mostly silent, replying only when spoken to.
— "You're childhood friends?" he asked at one point.
— "Certainly," Ophelia replied warmly. "You might not remember since you were so young, but our families have been close for a long time. Nathan must have told you about it. Well, I do hope he did." She nudged Nathaniel playfully with her elbow.
The Duke inwardly sighed, a faint amusement passing through him at her teasing.
Lady Carlston's voice then rang out from behind, suggesting that her son end the walk and accompany her for some errands. Alex excused himself promptly and followed his mother.
Nathaniel resumed the promenade with Ophelia, who leaned lightly against his arm.
— "Forgive me, I did not expect you to arrive with a friend," she said.
A faint twinge of irritation crossed Nathaniel as he noticed how she always emphasized the word "friend," yet he deliberately chose to disregard it.
— "I happened upon him by chance today, and I was as surprised as you," he replied.
— "He looked like a startled fawn the moment I appeared within view. Does that make me a hunter?" Ophelia remarked with a delicate laugh.
Nathaniel briefly pondered what might have unsettled the Young Lord, as he had noticed it as well.
— "Perhaps he is somewhat reserved, and finds it difficult to meet new people. In my humble opinion, it seems likely," he said thoughtfully.
— "I hope that is all it is! I would very much like to become better acquainted with him. Tell me, what have you been occupied with of late?"
Nathaniel recounted the events of recent days — his engagements, errands, and activities — carefully omitting any mention of his private anxieties, while keeping the conversation light and pleasant.