The Duke sank deeper into the frigid waters of his bathtub, the cold seeping into his bones. With a trembling hand, he clung to a glass of scotch, seeking solace in its warmth against the icy currents. Goosebumps prickled his skin as thoughts of Colin's ill-fated attempt to orchestrate a nuptial arrangement with Priscilla haunted him. The very thought made Alexander cringe, embarrassed by his friend's desperate measures.
In the midst of the numbing cold, thoughts of Evelina stirred within him, radiating a contrasting heat. Her memory and the brazen way she had entered his life consumed his thoughts. Had it not been for her unexpected arrival and subsequent rejection that fateful night, he would still be the reckless rake he once was. Evelina had succeeded in tempering, if not eradicating, his wanton ways.
