“My dearest Duke,” she read it softly, lifting the letter carefully.
Her breath caught as she read on.
My love for you has deepened since last night. I can only explain this feeling as a deeply sated ache. I long for you even when you are near…
It was clearly a woman writing to her lover. She was promising devotion and an unfailing love.
Deena’s hand trembled.
She did not know much about Austin’s father except that he had a reputation with the many mistresses he kept. She also did not know much about his mother, only that she had died when he was young and that his father had not treated him right thereafter. Austin never spoke about them much, but from what she heard, his father was an unlovable man.
And yet this woman loved him so deeply.
Deena’s throat tightened. She should stop. She should put it back. But she read on, and the final paragraph made her fingers go numb.
But this is not about me; it is about your son?—
The door to the study suddenly opened, and Deena dropped the letter into the notebook, shoving it back into the drawer and slamming it shut. Ryan stood in the doorway.
“Why did you not knock? Have you forgotten your manners?” She snapped at him.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. But you have a visitor, and it seems urgent.” He looked at her apologetically.
Deena stared at him, confused. “Who is it?”
“A young lady. She did not give her name, but she said she is your friend.” Deena did not have time for this. She had no friends in London, so she doubted that she knew the uninvited guest.
What if one of Austin’s mistresses felt bold enough to present herself?
Her heart stopped.
“Take me to her.” Ryan nodded, and she walked with him.
Her mind filled with dread as she tried to think who her mystery visitor could be. Perhaps it was Miss Waldron, or Selina had come to check on her. They turned a corner, and Ryan stopped at the drawing room; he quickly opened the door for Deena without hesitation.
The light from the drawing room suddenly blinded her and Deena blinked against it. A young lady stood in the middle of the room, but she struggled to make her out as her eyes adjusted slowly.
“Deena…”
Deena froze.
That voice.
“Penelope?” she gasped.
When her vision finally cleared, she saw her friend standing before her. Pale-faced but healthy and alive. Her blonde curls fell carelessly around her shoulders, and she smiled brightly at Deena.
Deena’s knees buckled as Penelope ran to her with open arms. Capturing her in a warm hug, they clung to each other, sobbing and laughing at the same time. Deena’s mind could not fathom that her friend was there, so she pulled away to look at her.
“Youarehere,” she choked.
“Yes, Deena, I am here,” Penelope sobbed. “I am safe because of you.”
Deena let go of her friend.
“I…I did not do anything, Penelope. I failed you,” she said as tears cascaded down her face.
Penelope frowned at her. “What are you speaking of? Deena, you saved me!”
