A clock on the mantle chimed the hour. Nine o’clock. Olivia had been missing for hours. For all William knew she did not have food or warmth or protection, and the stubborn chit across from him refused to help him find Olivia. What the hell was wrong with her? Did she not understand the repercussions for Olivia? Even if she was physically safe and cared for, her reputation was in grave danger.
The earl came around his desk to lean against the front of it, directly across from Lady Juliet. “I believe His Grace’s sister did indeed witness such a scene.”
Lady Juliet pressed her lips together.
“You will explain yourself,” the earl commanded.
“I cannot.” Lady Juliet sighed, then peered at William.
The earl’s voice boomed, “You can, and you will.”
“She doesn’t wish to be found. Least of all by him.” Juliet sprang from her chair and started toward the door.
The earl reached her in three long strides. He took her by the elbow, then brought his face close to hers. “Do you value her wishes above your own?”
“Yes. No.” Juliet shook her head vertically, then horizontally. “Olivia is my friend. I can’t betray her confidence.”
William moved to stand in front of the library door. “Lady Juliet, I commend you for being a loyal friend.” He paused, waiting for her to react. When she turned her speculative gaze on him, he continued. “However, your loyalty in the instance is misplaced.”
William stalked toward her. “You must tell me where to find Lady Olivia before something terrible happens.”
Lady Juliet looked at her father. The earl gave a firm nod of his head. Juliet turned back to William, a combination of stubborn defiance and indecision, showing in her posture.
“Lady Olivia’s parents are beside themselves. I too am worried about her. We all want to see her safe and happy.” William held her gaze, pleading. “Tell me where she is.”
Lady Juliet searched his gaze. “Do you love her?” She asked.
“So much that I have decided to free her from our contract, but I must see her home first.”
Lady Juliet relaxed, her shoulder’s losing their rigidity, and a smile curving her lips. “Then I will oblige your request.”
William blew out the breath he’d been holding. “You are making the right decision.”
“I will know in time, and I pray that I am. All the same, I cannot keep Olivia’s secret now that I know love is involved.” Lady Juliet pulled her elbow free from her father’s grasp and strolled closer to William. She angled her head, studying him for long heartbeats. “You do love her.”
“Very much,” William said. “Where is she?”
Lady Juliet’s smile widened, her eyes taking on a dreamy haze. “You will find her at Lady Emma’s. I delivered her to the old gardener’s cottage. Enter the estate through the servant’s drive at the back. The cottage is the first building you will come across.”
“Thank you.” William grasped Lady Juliet’s hand and gave a slight squeeze. “You’ve done the right thing.”
“I hope so.” She angled her head toward the library door. “Now go.”
William needed no further encouragement. He pivoted and marched from the room. His feet eating up the distance with long strides as his heart pounded. William reached the cottage without realizing what had happened in between. His only thoughts, his only care remained on Olivia.
She dominated his mind as he jumped from his mount and raced to the door, then flung it open. Olivia stood near a tattered sofa, her back to him as he strode into the room. “Olivia. Thank God you are safe.”
She spun around, her amber eyes finding his. Her gaze lit with anger as she glared at him, her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here?”
“I came for you. To return you to the safety of your parents home.”
“I did not ask to be rescued, and I have no wish to return home.” She stepped further away from him, coming to a stop when her back pressed to a wall. “Leave at once, and forget that you have seen me.”
“I cannot.” He took a step, and she started shaking her head. He stilled but held her gaze. “Olivia, hear me out.”
“There is nothing you can say. My mind is set. I am not marrying you, nor am I returning home.”
“You do not have to marry me. I will do as you wish and cancel the contract, but first, you must hear me out.” William closed drew in a breath. “Your happiness is my main concern.”
