The morning after the ball went unnoticed. It was nearly noon by the time Alex made his way downstairs. Lady Carlston was already seated in the dining room. Upon seeing her son, her face brightened.
— "Good afternoon, my dear. I was beginning to think you'd sleep the whole day away."
— "Good afternoon. I rather think I might have," Alex replied, sinking into his chair with a sigh.
Lady Carlston poured him a cup of tea and slid it gently across the table. She appeared to be in good spirits; her eyes held the subtle gleam that so often preceded a piece of society news.
— "I took a walk in Kensington Gardens. It was such a lovely morning. It's a pity you never walk with me. I'm certain you would enjoy it too." Lady Carlston took up her teacup, "And whom do you think I saw? The Duke of Blackthorn with Lady Ophelia Latham. Such a wonderful pair they make. Simply made for one another. Lady Willow and I could not help but remark upon it yesterday."
Alex offered no reaction, as though the news concerned a stranger in the paper, not someone he had once called a good acquaintance.
— "It is heartening, truly. He looked entirely at ease beside her, and she appeared most attentive. I daresay…"
— "This jam is so tasty. Do you suppose Catherine might make the same crêpes tomorrow, only with cherry instead of strawberry?" Alex interrupted abruptly.
Lady Carlston blinked, momentarily thrown.
— "I—yes, of course, I'm sure she could. No one in London makes jam quite like her mother does."
A small silence followed. Lady Carlston set down her fork and asked carefully.
— "Alex, are you quite well?"
— "I am perfectly fine," he muttered, reaching for the jar of milk.
— "You've looked pale of late. And now this… abruptness. I understand the season can be exhausting, but you haven't eaten properly in days."
The Young Lord gave no reply.
— "I think it would be wise to send for Dr. Burton. Just to be certain all is well."
— "There's no need for a doctor," Alex said sharply.
— "But my dear—"
— "I said I'm fine. I just need some air."
Before Lady Carlston could press him further, he was already striding toward the door.
— "Where are you going?"
— "To the stables."
From the window, Lady Carlston watched as her son mounted his horse and rode out alone.
***
The following morning brought a surprise.
As Lady Carlston finished tying the ribbons of her hat in front of the mirror, she heard a light knock on the door.
— "Yes, come in"
— "Good morning, mother. I hope you would not mind if I joined you on your walk today?" Alex asked casually.
She turned, astonishment clear on her face.
— "You, my dear?" she asked, a smile rising swiftly. "To the gardens?"
He gave a silent nod.
— "Why, yes, of course! I had thought to walk alone, but what a lovely surprise — your company will make it all more pleasant."
And so they set out.
The early August sun was warm but gentle, casting dappled light through the leaves. Lady Carlston chatted cheerfully about the season, acquaintances, and the latest musical recital at Lady Penworth's salon. Alex listened with an attentiveness that surprised her, occasionally adding a remark or smiling at her stories. It was one of their more peaceful mornings in recent memory. The Young Lord was glad to have reconciled with his mother, to have brought her such pleasure.
As Young Lord and Lady Carlston strolled side by side, the crunch of gravel beneath their boots, a familiar figure appeared in the distance — alone, hands clasped behind his back, head slightly bowed in thought.
Suddenly Nathaniel looked up and his expression instantly brightened. He made his way toward Carlstones at once.
— "Lady Carlston, Young Lord Carlston" he greeted with unmistakable pleasure. "What a surprise. I did not expect to find you in the Gardens this early."
— "Nor did I expect to find you alone," Lady Carlston replied with a faint smile.
— "Solitude suits me now and then. But I must say, your presence improves the scenery."
Nathaniel turned to Alex.
— "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."
Alex glanced at him with genuine curiosity.
— "Black walnut, you say? What do you plan to make?"
The conversation between the young men carried on. Before long, Lady Carlston encountered an old acquaintance; together, they fell behind, allowing Young Lord and the Duke 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.
At that moment, their conversation was gently interrupted by a new arrival. Two women were approaching, walking arm-in-arm. It was Lady Latham with her daughter in a pale green dress.
Nathaniel gave them a courteous bow.
— "Lady Latham, Ophelia, what a delightful surprise."
They exchanged polite greetings upon meeting. Ophelia soon joined Nathaniel and Alex in their conversation, while Lady Latham fell in step beside Lady Carlston and her friend.
— "I'm so glad we've finally been properly introduced, Young Lord. Although I remember you as quite the charming little boy," Lady Ophelia giggled softly. "Nathaniel has told me so much about you lately. I'm truly happy he's found such a friend. By the way, what were you two discussing so intently?" she asked, turning to Nathaniel with a warm smile.
— "Sorts of wood, to be briefly" the Duke replied, with a chuckle.
— "Sounds... less exciting than I imagined," she said with a playful tone. "Are you recruiting Young Lord Carlston into your rustic hobbies?"
— "He seemed quite interested in it, if I'm not mistaken," Nathaniel said, glancing toward Alex.
Young Lord gave a brief nod and a smile but remained silent for the rest of their conversation, responding politely when spoken to.
At one point, Ophelia mentioned her childhood.
— "Nathan and I used to build forts near his mother's garden. What a fun time it was!"
— "You're childhood friends?" Alex asked.
— "Certainly," she smiled 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" - Ophelia teased her friend, elbowing him softly.
Something twisted uncomfortably in Alex's stomach. At that moment, Lady Carlston's voice came from behind them. She suggested to her son that they should end their walk and head to Bond Street for some errands. Alex excused himself politely and followed his mother.
"Why had the Duke kept his intentions toward Lady Ophelia so carefully hidden? Or perhaps I simply never asked…" Alex thought. "They do seem like childhood friends. It almost feels as though their bond were made in heaven. They get along so well and converse with such ease… I only wish I could speak with him as freely all the time…"
Lost in his thoughts, Alex was suddenly brought back by Lady Carlston's call, reminding him that there were duties yet to attend to.