As he shut the door to his study, Sterling leaned his body against it and let out a deep sigh, grateful for Lena's departure. Once the Duke regained his sanity, he made his way to the bookcase in his office. With a gentle tug, he opened the cabinet door. From inside, he produced a bottle of his favorite pear brandy.
"Hmm..." he shook his head. "That one really is a piece of work," he mumbled to himself while staring at the green pear that was trapped inside the liquor bottle.
Sterling took a brandy snifter from the bookshelf and filled it halfway with the pale, golden liquid. He then rolled the delicate tulip shaped glass between his palms, warming its contents. As he lifted the vessel to his nose, a heady scent of alcohol mixed with the sweet aroma of ripe pears assailed his senses. The warmth emanating from his hands caused the essence to bloom, intensifying the fragrance.
