“I am surprised that she is the person who was behind this,” Jacob exclaimed.
“As am I. In all my interactions with her, I have found her to a level-headed woman. It does not make sense for her to do such a thing.”
“Your Grace, if you allow me to interject, it is quite possible that someone was trying to frame her,” the valet replied. “It is easy to write someone else’s name on top of a parcel and say that they are the sender.”
“This case is out of our hands.” The Dowager shook her head. “We must involve the police immediately. Please take the package and the tea over to the police station so that they can get started on solving this mystery.”
“I shall go there myself,” Jacob volunteered. “We will get to the bottom of this, once and for all.”
CHAPTER 24
The Duke gradually emerged from the fog of unconsciousness, his senses returning one by one. His eyes were the first to open, and he looked around the room to find himself alone in his bed.
Confusion overcame him as he slowly attempted to sit up, his muscles aching, a sense of weakness lingering in his limbs. He had a noticeable gap in his memory as the last thing he had remembered was going up to Sophia’s room.
What had happened? How was it morning already? Did I really fall asleep without even knowing?
The doorway to his chamber was cracked open, and outside, he could hear the distant murmur of voices.
“I came as soon as I heard the news,” a worried voice stated. The Duke knitted his eyebrows together as he tried to figure out who the voice belonged to, and then he realized that it was Barbara.
Barbara?
What business did she have being here and what was this news that she was referring to?
“It is very kind of you to pay a visit, Lady Barbara, but I am afraid that I cannot allow you to go inside.” It was Jacob’s voice that answered.
“I understand. I did not know if it was even appropriate for me to visit like this, but the news of the Duke’s sudden loss of consciousness had us all worried. The Duke’s well-being is of utmost importance, and we cannot afford to have anything happen to him,” Lady Barbara urged, her voice tinged with concern.
“The physician has assured us that he is on the path to recovery, so there is nothing to worry about.” Jacob’s tone was measured and diplomatic, but Duncan could immediately tell that he was trying to make her leave in a polite manner.
“I understand,” Barbara replied. “I was wondering if I could have a chance to meet with the Duchess. Surely, she must be worried sick at a moment like this. I wish to offer her some consolation.”
“Sophia is visiting her aunt currently, and therefore is not available,” Jacob answered.
“Her aunt? I see. Well, then I must also take my leave. I hope that the Duke recovers soon.”
“Thank you, My Lady, and good day to you.”
Memories began to return to the Duke, and he recalled how he had lost consciousness. His dress had been changed, and he had grown a significant afternoon shadow.
“How long have I been unconscious?” he asked himself, his voice still weak.
He looked over to the calendar on his bedside, scrunching his nose in confusion. Slowly, he mustered enough energy to sit up straighter in the bed.
His own memory was drawing blanks, and he needed answers.
Jacob stepped into the room with a mix of surprise and relief etched on his face.
“Duncan, you are awake! Oh, I must alert mother immediately.”
“Hold on for a moment, brother,” Duncan replied. “Sit with me for a moment. There is a lot that needs to be explained to me.”
Jacob sat by the side of Duncan’s bed, looking genuinely happy to see his brother awake.
“Of course, I am sorry. How are you feeling? We were all so worried about you.”
“I feel much weaker than usual,” the Duke observed. “My muscles are stiff, and I can barely move them without catching a breath.”
