Chapter 470: The Duke's Peculiar Request
Lyria's POV
"Your G-Grace," I protested, "y-you must stop t-teasing him."
"Teasing him? I assure you, I have done nothing of the sort."
"You h-have done n-nothing else since e-entering the room."
"Have I not?" he asked, his head tilted in thought, as though the notion itself required careful consideration. "I had thought myself the very picture of consideration."
I shook my head at his Grace's blatant act and then focused my attention upon Jim, whose arms remained folded and whose expression had grown steadily more closed with every exchange.
"Please do n-not concern y-yourself too much with H-his Grace's behaviour. He has a n-natural flair for a-annoying people, and I have c-come to suspect t-that he c-considers it a p-particular accomplishment."
Duke Valenridge drew in a sharp breath, one hand placed dramatically upon his chest while his eyes widened in an exaggerated fashion that left no doubt as to its theatrical intent.
