“So, you put yourself in danger to protect your friend?” He squeezed her hand, bringing her back to the present.
“I did what was needed.” She dismissed her action as something anyone would have done. For a friend. For somebody she loved dearly. And then a low moan escaped her for the second time in his presence. “What if a body was found? What if he is dead?”
Was it possible Dudley had lived? Something in the pit of her stomach insisted that he had not. She’d shoved. He’d stumbled and then disappeared. So different from earlier that day but with the same result. He’d died. Her breaths grew shallow. She tried to wish her fears away but could not.
“Wait.” Her feet couldn’t move. “I can’t breathe,” she gasped.
Dudley’s body would have been found. The magistrate would want to speak with her. And she couldn’t lie after confessing to Justin. She couldn’t lie after confessing to the duke and to Sophia. Her heart pounded in her ears. How was her heart pounding when she couldn’t breathe?
Justin’s mouth was near her ear, and he was whispering something. She tried to focus on his words. “Trust me.” A soothing hand rubbed her back. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. Shh…” She nodded as air seemed to enter her lungs again.
Lord Carlisle did not attempt to pull her along right away. When she was breathing normally again, he drew back a few inches and bent down so he could peer into her face.
“Dev is a fair-minded person. Beyond that, you need to remember Sophia is his wife. If this Scofield fellow harmed the duchess at one time, and then threatened you…” His voice trailed off. He did not make a move to drag her farther along the path. He would allow her to make the decision regarding her confession. A cold wind swept through the trees and drew a shiver from her.
His warmth protected her from the brunt of it.
She leaned inward, her forehead dropping onto his shoulder.
“Yes.” She wanted to trust him. She wanted so badly to believe his words. To believe that everything would be all right… but it seemed like a fairy tale.
She curled herself against him. In another life, she’d stay here forever. Just like this, with the wind whipping around them, holding one another for warmth. She’d never have to face her mother with this. She’d never see the disappointment on her sisters’ faces.
When she finally stepped away from him, he took hold of her hands. “All right? You’re ready?” He looked so earnest, so dependable.
She nodded, and they continued on their way. The terrifying thoughts threatened once again when the manor came into sight. And again, when he opened the large front door. She stepped inside, hoping against hope the duke and Sophia had retired for the evening.
She needed answers though, didn’t she? Was knowing better than not knowing? With one hand protectively guiding her from behind, Justin’s other hand gripped hers supportively.
They approached the duke’s study, and Justin knocked loudly.
Rhoda’s heart fell into her shoes as Sophia called out, “Come in.”
They hadn’t yet retired for the night.
Stepping in, Rhoda took in the brocaded walls, the heavy wooden desk, and a few paintings hanging behind it. She recognized one as the previous duke and the dowager.
She shivered. Could her secrets be contained within this room?
Justin steered her inside, their hands clasped together but hidden in the folds of her gown.
The duke had been carrying Sophia and was just setting her down as they entered.
“If we’ve come at a bad time…” Rhoda shook herself free of Justin and attempted to back out of the room. They wouldn’t want to discuss this now. They would wait until morning.
“No, it’s fine.” Sophia looked curious. Of course, she would. Sophia always looked curious. “Sit down. Dev, let’s sit by the fire, shall we?” Half the candles had been doused. Sophia moved the screen to one side of the hearth and then gestured for the duke to join her on one of the sofas.
That left a second loveseat for Rhoda and Lord Carlisle.
By the time they all made themselves comfortable, Rhoda’s mouth had gone completely dry. She sat primly, ankles together and back straight. Justin leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.
As the clock ticked loudly, the awkwardness of the situation grew.
“Um, would you care for something to drink, Rhoda, my lord?” Sophia went to stand but when both of them shook their head, she dropped back onto the cushioned sofa beside Prescott.
“Last summer,” Lord Carlisle began.
These words captured the duke’s attention. “Yes?”
