“Why was her letter not sealed?”
He shrugged. “I told her it was not necessary to seal it. In any case, she wrote it in haste as I was in a rush to get on the road once more. It is a note from a servant to her former master. What great secrecy or need for privacy could it contain?”
She spun around. “You speak of her as though she is less than us because she is not of noble birth.”
He swallowed and shrugged. “Those who have not had the good fortune of being born into our society cannot be faulted for not being equal. But Rowena, they do require a strong hand and firm leadership. As much as I respect your parents, they have been lax it appears when it comes to preparing your friend for life outside of the comforts of your family.”
Rowena’s head spun as she took in his words.
“She has been prepared well enough. She is a lady in her own right, and she does not deserve to be lusted after by some rake like Lord Portsmouth. She certainly does not deserve to be told she is making a mistake when she is trying to save herself.”
The Duke flushed red as he took in her words.
“You read her words. She has seen her error. She has been forgiven. There is really no need to be so upset.”
“So, you read her note.”
He shrugged once more. “Of course. I wanted to make sure she eased your mind sufficiently. Has she not? Rowena, I must say, this is all very irregular to be in such an uproar over a servant girl. You understand she was simply a ward? To have such close bonds with her is rather odd, I must say. And as for your tone and actions, you advised her to steal a horse. I do expect better from the Duchess of Thornmouth.”
Rage rose inside of her. She had known he was arrogant. That he considered himself better than most. Smarter and worthy of more. She could not believe that once upon a time she’d shared a daydream with Betsy of living at Crawford Castle with her as her governess. He would never allow such a thing.
The pressure of the past few days erupted inside of her as she balled her hands into fists. Across the little yard, she could see that her sister had turned toward her. Her face was a mask of confusion. Rowena regretted at once not involving her sister more in the events surrounding Betsy. She was, after all, like a sister to them both.
“I will never, ever become the Duchess of Thornmouth. I would rather die than be your wife,” she said, being sure to keep her voice low. While they were outside, voices carried easily and she did not want neighbors or perhaps her parents to hear.
His face fell as he took in her words.
“You do not mean it, Rowena.”
“I most certainly do, Isaac.” She spat the name at him as she said it. “I cannot be married to a man such as yourself. No amount of money, influences, or connections to the Crown are worth that. I will marry for love, with my best friend by my side.”
Catherine broke into a clap but tucked her hands behind her back at once when Rowena shot her a glare. While it was a comfort to know her sister supported her decision, obvious glee was the last thing they needed. It would only incite the Duke further.
“Rowena!” He took a step back, pale faced now. His lip was twitching rapidly.
“That is Lady Rowena to you.”
She had to leave. There was no keeping her here now. She had to find a way to get Betsy out from under Lord Portsmouth’s grasp as she was certain he would find a way to have his revenge on her for running away. There was no way he would simply forgive such a transgression.
Why would he even want her to remain? After she had made such accusations against him? Horrible thoughts swirled through her mind.
It did not matter why. She had to be brought back from Bedfordshire. Everything else could be addressed later. She set off toward the back door.
“Where are you going?” His voice was just above a hiss and it chilled her bones. He grabbed her by the elbow, stopping her in her tracks. She was only grateful that her sister was there to witness the rough way with which he was treating her. In fact, Catherine was already interfering on her behalf.
“Let go of my Sister! My Father would be outraged at this display. Rowena, come, let us go inside.”
“No, Catherine, I must go and find Betsy.”
“You are doing no such thing,” his voice rumbled now. Certainly, the servants, and perhaps her parents, would hear them soon enough. He continued to hold on to her arm.
Perhaps I ought to scream. Perhaps I ought to draw attention. But it would only result in a lengthy explanation. In the meantime, who knows what danger Betsy might be in.
Instead of screaming, she did the opposite. She lowered her voice further, glaring at him.
“You will let me go at once. No matter how tight you hold on to me, I will never be your wife.” She yanked her arm free and took a step back. “For soon, I will be wed. I will be a Duchess. However, not the Duchess of Thornmouth.”
Catherine gasped at this declaration, her eyes wide with excitement.
