Chapter 25: A Warning

Eleanor sat by the window in her chambers, idly flipping through a book she wasn't reading. The events of the ball the previous evening swirled in her mind like a tempest. Just as her thoughts began to drift further, the door creaked open, and Greta entered, curtsying.

"Lady Eleanor, there is a gentleman waiting for you in the sitting room," Greta announced.

Eleanor frowned. "A gentleman? Did he give his name?"

"No, my lady," Greta replied. "He refused to say but insisted it was urgent."

With a sigh, Eleanor rose, brushing imaginary wrinkles from her dress. "I'll see who it is."

Descending the stairs, Eleanor entered the sitting room, her curiosity morphing into surprise when she saw Victor standing by the window. He turned at the sound of her footsteps, offering a warm smile.

"Duke Victor," she greeted, inclining her head. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"