A shudder ran through him. My God, a trap could have severed her foot.
The image—Bella crying out in pain, the jagged steel clamping down—flashed through his mind, swift and brutal.
He could barely stomach it.
It was too horrible to even consider, and yet, for one terrible moment, it had nearly been a reality.
“It’s incredible that he saw it. But I’ve seen this before, my lord—on the battlefield. Some of the horses that belonged to the officers, they trusted them with their lives,” Franklin said.
William nodded. “Incredibly, he spotted the traps—whether by sight, scent, or both—and stopped you. He would have done the same for your father. But in his case, it wasn’t a trap. Something made him throw your father…”
His mind reeled at the possibilities.
“A gunshot…” Bella’s voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes widening as a long-buried memory surfaced. “I heard a gunshot that day.” She drew in a shaky breath, her face pale with the weight of realization. “I was in the parlor with Grandmère.We were reading when it happened. It was so loud that I put down my book. Grandmère commented on the hunters being too close and said she would speak to my father when he returned…” Her mouth began to tremble, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
William exhaled sharply, cupping her face. “A gunshot could have spooked his horse…” His mind worked quickly, connecting the pieces. “Between that and the glass shards I found in the saddle, we have to consider the possibility that your father’s death wasn’t an accident. But we don’t know anything for certain. Not yet.”
He glanced over his shoulder toward the horizon. “We’re close to my manor house,” he said. “Let’s stop there and get some lunch.”
Bella sniffled, blinking back emotion. “But what about our picnic?”
William reached for her hand. “We’ll have our picnic in my study—the doors open to a scenic view of a small, enclosed rose garden,” he said gently. “But I can’t risk your getting hurt out here.”
He gave her fingers a soft squeeze before turning to Franklin. “We need another sweep of the grounds. I thought the men had done a thorough job, but clearly, there are still traps. I won’t risk the safety of my household—or Bella’s. This time, I want more men. I want every inch of grass combed through—and then combed through again.”
Franklin nodded sharply. “Yes, milord. I’ll organize it as soon as we return.”
William gave a firm nod, then turned back to Bella, his expression softening. “We’ll eat first, and later, if you’re up for it, we can take a ride along the beach. There’s a path near the property line—it’s been too long since I’ve kicked up sand.”
Bella managed a small smile, tugging Winterborne closer. “That sounds lovely.” She stroked the horse’s neck. “And yes, we’re still going for a ride, dear Winterborne.”
Winterborne gave a soft nicker as if he understood.
As the trio walked up the drive to the manor house, a sleek black lacquered coach came into view, stationed in the drive.
“Ah… the Dormans have arrived,” William said, a note of surprise in his voice. “I wasn’t expecting them until later.”
He could use Lucas’s help with the animal traps, and he wanted to talk to him about what Bella’s uncle had told him.
Turning to Bella, he added, “I think you’ll like Harriett. She’s a wonderful person. I met her after my cousin passed—she was the former Lady Dudley, the lady of this house.” His gaze swept over the manor before returning to her. “She’s here to help me refurbish it.”
He caught the slight upturn of Bella’s lips, and warmth spread through him. He liked seeing her smile.
And he had no doubt in his mind that his friends would adore her—as much as he did.
~*~
Bella was still shaken from the ordeal, but the prospect of meeting William’s friends brought a welcome distraction. She knew the Duke of Dorman and William had formed a close friendship through Harriett—the former Lady Dudley—who was now married to the duke.
As Franklin led the horses to the barn for water and grooming, Bella and William made their way inside to greet his guests.
The door opened, and they were met by Harlow, the ever-efficient butler.
“We’ve decided to have lunch here,” William said. “Can you have Mrs. Bradberry set up for us in the study?” Then, lowering his voice slightly, he added, “There’s also something I need your help with. Franklin is in the stable seeing to the horses, but you’ll be working with him on this matter.”
He quickly explained what had happened.
The poor butler went pale, utterly beside himself, immediately turning to Bella with deep concern. “My lady, I am so terribly sorry! This never should have happened. Shall I fetch the doctor?”
