Bitterness swelled in her and Amelia tried her best not to show it to Lewis.
“Why?” she asked as softly as she could. “Why is he doing all of this?”
Lewis looked her in the eyes, but then shook his head. “That is not my story to tell, I’m afraid. Perhaps one day, Gideon will tell you himself. All you should know is that he must be stopped before he goes too far.”
“I don't understand. Why are you telling me this? What do you expect me to do about it? Why don’t you confront him yourself?” she urged.
“He will see it as an act of betrayal, as if I’m turning against our friendship. It will be even more difficult getting through to him after that. But you… you might have a chance.” He wandered back over to the fireplace, deep in thought. “He's planning to target the Earl of Appleby next. He hasn’t put his plan into motion yet, but it is only a matter of time before he strikes with full force. Even if he must draw blood. And I don’t think I can restrain him for much longer.”
“I still don’t understand what you think I can do about it. The Duke and I are not close.”
“But the closeness I share with him ispreciselywhat renders my interference useless. It has only caused him to double down thus far. Maybe, just maybe, you could reach out to him, persuadehim to abandon this destructive path of vengeance. If you grant me this favor, Amelia, I will forever be in your debt.”
“I…” She didn’t know what to say. His request was so earnest, tinged with such desperation, that she couldn’t find the strength to turn him down.
Perhaps it would not be such a bad thing, she thought. Now that she knew her father had not gotten caught in a crossfire but had actually been targeted, she needed to understand why. Why Gideon wore that mask and why he had been so determined to ruin her father’s life.
“All right,” she finally murmured. “But I cannot make any promises.”
“And I cannot ask for anything more,” Lewis said, letting out an audible breath of relief. “I’d gotten the feeling that your marriage to Gideon might have been a good thing, you know. Perhaps you will prove me right yet.”
Amelia didn’t say anything in return. Lewis approached her, the grim look on his face disappearing and a small smirk appearing in its stead.
“If my suspicions are correct and you are hiding from Gideon, you’ll likely be caught if you go back out there now. Allow me to distract him for you.”
Amelia retreated from the door, allowing him the space to reach for the door handle. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He winked at her. “It is my pleasure, Your Grace.”
Then he left the room. Amelia pressed her ear to the door and was able to make out the faint sound of Lewis’ voice as he greeted someone. The thought that Gideon had nearly come upon them made her heart tremble with an odd sense of excitement and trepidation.
But how did she plan on stopping him if she couldn’t even be in the same room as him? Amelia sighed, wondering if she had acted rashly in agreeing to Lewis’ plea. She hadn’t a clue how she would ever be able to approach Gideon about his revenge.
Yet, standing idly by and watching another family potentially crumble under Gideon’s relentless pursuit was something she couldn’t bear. The painful memories of her own family’s struggles and her sister’s suffering were too fresh, too raw. Amelia wanted nothing more than to prevent anyone else from suffering in that way.
Even if she couldn’t stop him, she at least had to figure out why he was doing all of this, why her father had been targeted.
Just then, Amelia decided, she would not rest until she had uncovered the full truth.
CHAPTER 14
My Dearest Amelia,
I find myself sitting quietly in my room here in Brighton, looking out at the sea, and my heart is full of thoughts of you. Brighton has its beauty, but there’s a certain quiet that I find myself lost in. It’s in these moments that I wish most for your company. I miss you dearly, and I hate to be selfish, but I am very much looking forward to our meeting again soon. It has been three long years, and my heart grows heavy at the thought.
Yet, even as I write this, I want you to know that I wouldn’t wish for you to leave your season in London just to be with me. These moments are precious for you, you may never get to experience them again. So if it is a burden, then I will be very upset with you if you choose to leave them behind.
Sometimes, I imagine you, little sister, dazzling the ton with your elegance and charm, and my heart swells with pride. Remember, the gentleman who eventually wins your heartmust be deserving of your grace and kindness. He must cherish you as the treasure that you are.
I must confess, the thought of you finding love fills me with a joy that is bittersweet, for I know the path of the heart is a delicate one. Yet, I have faith in you and in your ability to choose a love that is true and kind.
I must go now, but please write to me when you are free from your busy life. It might be some time before I can write again. The Earl had an injury at the docks and will be staying home for the foreseeable future.
Know that you are always in my heart and on my mind. Take care of yourself and remember to have fun for the both of us!
With all my love,
Dorothy
