“For all his flaws,” Alicia added, “he’s a good and loyal friend.”
“Karl appeared to be charm itself, too.” At least he had been charming in the beginning. Although there had been signs of his true nature.
There were always signs.
For instance, the prince’s inability to suffer being the subject of a jest while, at other times, publicly mocking those who refused to politely endure the sting of his own derision. Fastidiousness with his person bordering on compulsion. Impatience and anger manifested in one, perpetually balled fist. And the fact the prince hadn’t a single close friend for any length of time. Acquaintances, yes. Servile followers by the dozen. But friends who’d challenge him? Never.
Unlike Hurtheven, who clearly held the devotion of these two women as well as the children.
Fine crystal clinked as the duchess poured a glass of thick, brownish-red liquid. “Take this.”
Hera sipped.Sherry. She rolled the heavy sweetness over her tongue.
“I know that if I asked him to do so, Hurtheven would protect both you and the children,” the duchess said. “However, as to his character, all the reassurances Pen and I can offer you stem fromourexperiences with him. I can understand why you’d be unwilling to go with a strange man.”
Hera thought of the careful way Hurtheven had held Fee. She thought of the indulgence in his expression when he was talking to Delmare. She thought of the moment of unintentional understanding they’d shared when she’d explained how Fee had orchestrated her escape.
Perhaps, given her immediate need, she could trust his aid...
Then, she remembered the doll.
How had the doll come to be in his possession? Could the duke be in league with the prince?
Engage only with those you can master—she heard Karl’s voice.
The prince avoided men he could not control, men more powerful than himself.She could not imagineanyoneholding sway over the Duke of Hurtheven, least of all a man like Karl.
She sighed. There was one thing of which she could be sure. “I know the Duke of Hurtheven would never place the children in harm’s way.
“Hera,” the duchess began, “the reason I sponsor the Foundling Hospital is thatIwas unwed when Delmare was conceived. When I wasn’t sure I wanted to raise my child with Ash, Hurtheven convinced Ash to rebuild Wisterley to prove his sincere desire for a family. He and Chev were present at Wisterley when I arrived and were willing to pledge their support whether I chose to marry Ash or raise my child on my own. I chose Ash, but their steadfast friendship in my time of need is part of the inspiration for my decision to help you.”
The duchess had been carrying Delmarebeforeshe wed the duke? And, knowing this, Hurtheven had offered her his help?
Perhaps she had misjudged him.
Hera was so, so close to being reunited with her daughter. She’d had her eyes on the singular prize and hadn’t considered any complication beyond convincing the board of the Foundling Hospital she had reformed.
“What would happen if I cannot return before the board of directors meets?” she asked.
“We have a few weeks,” the Duchess of Ashbey replied. “By then—hopefully—we will know who hired the Runner and, whether he or she poses a threat to you or to Annis. If he does, we will do what we can to protect you. If not, we can proceed as planned. Either way, I will make sure you attend that meeting.”
A few weeks. Then she would be reunited with her child. But what would happen thereafter? If Karl had tracked her as far as Wisterley, she could not settle in the village near the estate as she hoped.
She’d simply have to come up with another solution.
One problem at a time.
She nodded to Alicia. “If you can convince the duke to take the children without giving away my plight, I will go, too.”
Yet again, she’d been compelled to make a choice among poor options. She only hoped that this one would not prove as life-altering as the last.
* * *
Shortly thereafter, Hurtheven followed a visibly irate Ash through the massive doors that led to Ash’s study. The doors ominously clicked closed.
“Howdid you contrive to make this happen?” Ash demanded.
“Really, Ash. I might, on occasion, imply I’ve God-like qualities, butAliciarequested that I take the children back with me to my estate. I don’t see why you’re looking at me as ifI’dconcocted the plan.”
