Garden of May

Chapter 84

“…You’re not in a position to be so arrogant.”

“Lord Winchester.”

“Rumors would be… inconvenient for you, wouldn’t they? Vanessa genuinely believes you’re nothing more than a common naval officer.”

The Duke burst out laughing, startling Blair, who flinched and hunched his shoulders.

“Ah, my apologies.” His face, however, conveyed no remorse. The Duke’s hand, holding the cigarette, trembled slightly as he suppressed his laughter. Blair blinked, then gritted his teeth. He could hardly believe that the renowned Duke was such a brazen individual. Their first encounter a few seasons ago had been far more… civilized. The Duke had seemed the epitome of aristocratic pride, an upright soldier, a figure who inspired awe in other men.

“Is that all you wanted?” Despite being caught in a compromising position, the Duke appeared remarkably relaxed. He had no reputation, no family name, not even a title to protect in this place… In the extreme, Theodore could be killed right now, and no one would know for at least a month. Even if the body were discovered, a claim of self-defense against an intruder would likely secure a pardon… Blair coughed nervously, startled by his own thoughts.

“Are you aware of the trouble your… escapades are causing? If you were, you wouldn’t be so brazen.”

“Lord Winchester.”

“You dare to postpone the marriage proposed by the Royal Family in such an insulting manner. The Princess’s reputation has been tarnished, and the King has become a laughingstock, both at home and abroad.”

“Your concern for the Royal Family is touching. Why don’t you offer yourself in my stead, then?”

“Your Grace, you misunderstand. I’ve tolerated you this long only because…”

“Winchester, let me offer you a piece of advice.” Abruptly addressed by his name, Blair looked up. The Duke, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray, spoke in a calm tone. “Choose your words carefully. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the Privy Council for decades to come.”

Blair swallowed hard. Instinct warned him that provoking the Duke further would be dangerous, but his overheated mind ignored the warning. This man, after all, was his rival, the one who had stolen his cherished childhood friend. How could he possibly back down?

“I have only one request. Pack your things and leave this place within a few days. If you do, I’ll overlook everything.”

“And by what right do you make such demands?”

“My silence has been solely for Lady Vanessa’s reputation. If you continue like this, I… why are you laughing?”

“That lady wants me to ruin her reputation.” Theodore pushed himself off the doorframe, and Blair instinctively stepped back, as if fearing he would be crushed by the Duke’s imposing physique if they stood side by side.

“And Winchester, I know you’ve been hoping for the same.”

“Wh-what…?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice you peering through the window like a voyeur, spying on our kisses?”

The pointed remark struck a nerve, and Blair’s face flushed crimson. Unable to find words of defense, his lips trembled.

“You must have thought she would fall easily into your hands when you believed I was a common naval officer. You probably calculated that if she were to have a child and ruin her prospects, she might just roll into your bed. That was your plan, wasn’t it?”

“…You’re slandering me.”

“But the innocent hands she grasped belonged to a Battenberg.”

“You don’t mean that. Your Grace, please! She’s incredibly precious to me…”

“She’s nothing more than a woman without a title, foolishly infatuated with a poor naval officer.” Theodore casually picked up his bag. The car he had summoned would be arriving at the main gate soon. He had to leave within five minutes to catch the direct train to Lyndon.

“But I don’t mind that foolishness. If you want Gloucester, just give it to her. It’s a simple enough transaction, no need for all this… sincerity.”

“She wouldn’t like it. Not if it wasn’t earned.”

Vanessa’s face, contorted with discomfort at the mere sight of a few new dresses, flashed through Theodore’s mind. He froze, then let out a slow, hollow laugh. Only then did the young man before him begin to truly irritate him. That tongue, so quick to speak of Vanessa as if he knew her so well, that pristine face that had been by her side throughout her childhood…

Theodore slowly turned, meeting Blair’s emerald eyes, blazing with jealousy.

“Is it not that you have nothing to offer her, so you choose to believe that?”

“That’s absurd! I simply believe Your Grace’s interference in Vanessa’s life is dangerous for her…”

“Then what, pray tell, is in Vanessa’s best interest?” Theodore’s smile was cruel. “To spend her life hiding from your dear mother’s judgmental gaze?”