His father placed a hand on Nicholas’sshoulder. “Although I don’t know the full story, Abigail was savedby Captain Thorne. That terrible night when both of you wereabducted from Belvoir and Anthony’s lab exploded, she was putaboard a ship where she suffered at the hands of a cruel Englishslaver until Captain Thorne rescued her. I am indebted to him.”
“Where is she?” Nicholas demanded.
Lady Rachel Rutland smiled. “She is livingin Boston and happily married to the uncivilized savage, CaptainThorne. Did I mention you are an uncle?”
His father told him of the eyewitness on thedocks the night of his abduction. How he’d recognized Nicholas andgave the names of the ships they sailed on. How his father hadships sent out to search for them.
Nicholas dropped into the chair, astoundedby the extraordinary course of events.
Alexandra had told him Abigail was alive.That his father and brother were alive.
She had always given him hope.
Like you, Nicholas, she survived. Youmust count on that, live with that thought.Alexandra’sprediction and faith came true. His eternal optimist.
He held his head in his hands. WithoutAlexandra, London would never be home again, no place would be. Heremembered her smell, her laugh, and gentle mocking to rouse himout of his moods. Everything about her was perfect and without her,his soul withered and scarred.
“Nicholas, someone must have seen Alexandraleave. There must be a trail. I’ve given her description to runnersto pursue her. We will find her. What village does she comefrom?”
Nicholas fell back into the settee. “I don’tknow. All she ever told me was southern England.”
“We could search for her father by name,”said the Duke.
“Elwins. Samuel Elwins, a sea captain. Buthe is not her real father.”
“Go on,” said the Duke.
Nicholas looked right at his father. “She isLady Alexandra Sutherland and she saved my life.”
“Oh.” Everyone said in unison.
“Did you say Alexandra Sutherland? I thoughtshe was dead,” said Anthony.
“She is not. Lady Alexandra is alive,spirited away by the Elwins when Lady Ursula Sutherland murderedher husband, Baron Sutherland and planned to do away with hisdaughter.”
Lady Rachel Rutland gasped.
Anthony jerked his head back and his fathernodded, taking it all in. “Baron Sutherland was a great friend ofmine and I always thought it strange he died when in vigoroushealth.”
Nicholas further recanted the rest ofAlexandra’s story, explaining her unfortunate life, including herstepmother, Ursula, and how she had taught him to survive on theisland.
“I’d like a private moment to talk,” saidthe Duke.
Anthony handed Rachel up. At the door,Rachel peered at Nicholas over her shoulder and said, “Keep yourhopes up, Nicholas. I can tell this woman is very special toyou.”
Nicholas was just getting to know Anthony’snew wife who he hadn’t met until a few short hours ago. He likedher. She was far from Anthony’s selfish first wife.
The door closed with a light snap. Alonenow, Nicholas waited, dreading his father’s new demands. “Don’ttell me
His father raised his hand. “I’m not goingto tell you what to do, Nicholas, ever again. You cannot imaginethe dreadful hurt and pain of not knowing if you were alive ordead. Time became tenuous, and cruelly oppressive, thinking of yourfate.”
Nicholas slumped in the chair and rubbed ahand over his unshaven face. “I want to become a great duke, butyou cannot tie my hands anymore. I can’t be the person you want meto be. I want to bring progress to the estates. I cannot go back tothe stagnant”
“I’m a different man now, son. I admit afteryour mother’s death, I became detached and morose. It is no excuseand I hope you can find forgiveness in your heart for my distance.I have not been a good father, but from now on, I will be at yourside. You can do anything you desire to do with the estates. I giveyou free rein.” His father poured a brandy and handed it toNicholas.
“I don’t want to marry Lady Tomkins. She isill-suited for me.”
The Duke smiled. “With you turning Londonupside down and…after a year on an island with a certain LadySutherland, I gathered nixing your relationship with Lady Tomkinsmight be in your future.”
