Coveting the Duke

A Novel Interest

It had been a week since Elena started working at Frowde's Fine Books. Persuading Catherine to agree to her request had required considerable effort. Her mother's concerns about their family's reputation in the capital city weighed heavily on her mind. With their family's current struggles, Catherine dreaded the possibility of Elena becoming the subject of gossip or shouldering the burden of their circumstances.

However, Elena's persuasive powers, honed from past experiences, ultimately won Catherine over. The only condition Catherine imposed was that Elena couldn't ride her bike to and from work. Instead, Tomas, Bethany's husband and the family attendant, would provide transportation, ensuring their family maintained a semblance of dignity and social standing in the capital.

Elena was beginning to get settled into her new routine at Frowde's Fine Books, she discovered a sense of belonging among the dusty shelves and whispered conversations.

Mr. Frowde's guidance helped her navigate the world of rare books and eager collectors. She spent her initial days immersed in learning the intricacies of the bookstore's organization system and categorizing the vast collection. Her conversations with Mr. Frowde were enlightening, and she soon found herself addressing him as "Professor," just like the regular customers who sought his expertise.

The first few days passed quietly, not due to a lack of patrons, but rather because Elena's anticipation of seeing the young man from her first day remained unfulfilled. However, as the days rolled on, his absence began to occupy her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Sebastian's days were filled with meetings alongside his father, Jonas, a prominent figure in Ashwood's governance. As they navigated the intricacies of urban development, Sebastian's thoughts occasionally drifted to the bookstore and the young woman who had captivated his attention. Elena's presence lingered in his mind.

One afternoon, they deliberated on the ambitious plan to expand gas lamp installations throughout the capital. Jonas, championing the initiative, had garnered praise from the King himself.

Though praised by the king, there was growing discontent in the capital over the recent tax increases placed on commoners, while nobles and merchants received tax incentives. This disparity had begun to stir social unrest, especially as industrialization and modernization fueled a shift in public opinion regarding the rigid class structure.

Jonas, like many other nobles, was invested in modernizing transportation and other initiatives in the capital, a key part of his business interests. However, he—along with the rest of the aristocracy—staunchly opposed the dismantling of the class system.

These issues found their way into the bookstore, where political students frequently sought out Professor Frowde, eager for his insights into the capital's unfolding developments.

Professor Frowde had spent much of his life teaching a wide range of subjects. By his late forties, however, he had narrowed his focus to politics, shaped by his experiences serving in the previous war. Upon returning to academia, he brought a fresh perspective to his lectures, eventually dedicating the remainder of his career to teaching politics at the university until his retirement.

Professor Frowde stood as a bridge between both sides of the class divide. Born the illegitimate child of a noble, he had noble blood but none of the privileges that came with it. Through sheer determination, he worked his way up, passing the capital's exams to become a respected teacher.

During the war, Frowde formed close bonds with many of his fellow soldiers, some of whom were nobles. Among them was Duke Jonas Carlisle von Edmonton, a young officer whose life Frowde had saved in battle. Over the years, despite their differing opinions on politics and class, Frowde and Jonas remained close friends, often engaging in deep discussions.