Five more turns, and there it was. The lanterns illuminated the door, the large stone he had placed beside it still marking the way.
“We should hurry,” he said, ushering Michael and Lacey forward. “Our lanterns won’t last much longer, and I’d rather not spend the night down here.”
“Arf!” Lacey barked in apparent agreement.
Stephen pushed the door open but left the marker stone where it was—in case he needed to return. “Let’s get the treasure chest opened, Lord Stephen. I want to see all the gold and jewels.” He turned to the dog. “Isn’t that right, Lacey?”
“Arf!” Lacey seconded the sentiment.
Stephen admitted—at least to himself—that the treasure was important. He couldn’t wait to see it. But would he find enough gold and rubies to pay his mother back? There was so much to fix around the manor—he needed whatever money the chest could offer. The kind of treasure he dreamed of could make a big difference in his life. And what of Elizabeth? He couldn’t pursue her if his pockets were empty—especially if he was the cause. If Elizabeth suspected he was still gambling, she wouldn’t want to have a relationship with him. And he dearly wanted to pursue her.
Michael stopped and looked up at Stephen. “How much farther before we can open the chest, Lord Stephen?”
“We need to keep going, Michael,” Stephen said, quelling his frustration. As much as he enjoyed Michael, the boy could be wearing, he admitted to himself. But not when the little bugger was biting his lower lip with determination and trudging down the stairs, clasping the handle tightly. The two of them made it downstairs, the chest between them, just as Garrett answered the front door.
“Your Graces,” Garrett said, bowing. “Lord Dudley and Lady Connolly arrived back from the stables a few minutes ago. They are in the parlor.”
“Wonderful. Have you seen Lord Bridgewater?” the duke asked.
“He and Master Michael should be returning from their treasure hunt shortly,” Garrett replied.
“Treasure hunt?” the duke and duchess echoed in unison.
“We have just returned,” Stephen said, drawing their attention.
Harriett clapped her hands together as they appeared. “It appears you found something!”
“We need to hear more about this,” Lucas added.
“And have you opened it?” Harriett asked, her voice gleeful.
“Not yet,” Stephen said. “We thought we’d do that now in the parlor.”
Michael grinned proudly. “I bet it’s full of wubies and diamonds!” He looked around. “Where are my gwandmothers? They’ll want to see the tweasure!”
“Arf!” Lacey barked in agreement.
“You’re all just in time,” Stephen said, leading them into the study.
~*~
As Stephen set the chest on the desk, William stood, brows lifting. “Michael, I see you and Lord Bridgewater have found the treasure! Congratulations.”
“Garrett, fetch Grandmère and Grandmama,” Bella said. “Let them know Michael and Uncle Stephen found a treasure chest!”
As they waited, William, Bella, and the Dormans recounted the incident with Winterborne and the traps.
Stephen paled, shaking his head. “My God. I’m so grateful to that horse. Bella, are you hurt?”
Bella gave a small, reassuring shake of her head, but before she could respond, Stephen pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’ve no idea how devastated I’d be if something happened to you.”
He felt the strength in Bella’s embrace, the warmth of her grounding him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed. The worry that had gripped him began to ease, but the weight of what could have happened still pressed against his chest.
She stepped back slightly, looking up at him. “Uncle Stephen, I’m fine, I promise. Winterborne saved me.”
Stephen exhaled, his hands still resting lightly on her shoulders. “That horse is worth his weight in gold. And you—you’re far too precious to lose, Bella. I’ve already lost my brother. I couldn’t bear…” He trailed off, his voice rough with emotion, his expression shadowed by old grief.
Bella’s eyes softened, and she squeezed his arm. “You haven’t lost me.” Her voice was quiet but steady. “I know we’ve been distant, but I don’t blame you for anything. I want us to be close again.”
