The duke and I sat in silence. It was not an uncomfortable one, just an extremely solemn, melancholy kind of silence. Both of us understand the extent of what today means to us. Although, technically, there is no ‘us’ as far as society is concerned, there was no doubting the very real emotions between us, as well as a connection I can never truly explain.
Years ago, I believe I was around fifteen at the time, Elsie, one of the older ladies that worked at Exeter House, was going through a tough time with a trader she was romantically involved with. I recall everyone telling her to stay away from him, that he was no good, that he drank too much, that he never changed. I found Elsie sitting in one of the larders crying her eyes out one evening. I remember saying nothing, but I held her ha
