It is with great reluctance, and greater duty, that I reveal the truth the ton has whispered for years. His Grace, the Duke of Windemere, may not be the rightful heir at all.
Official birth records, obtained through diligent investigation, show that the duke was born several days before the late Duke of Windemere wed his duchess. A certificate, signed and sealed, confirms the timeline. Was the late Duke simply paying a debt or saving a Lady in distress? And is the current Duke of Windemere not doing the same with his new bride?
If this is true, and the documents speak loudly, then society has been bowing to a man with no legitimate claim.
What else, one wonders, has the Velvet Duke been hiding?
—Lady Veritas
Deena’s hands shook with anger. “This is… vile. Austinisthe true heir of Windemere. This certificate could be fraudulent for all we know.”
“Yes, Your Grace, it must be fraudulent, but?—”
“It does not matter now; half of London has seen this and will conclude it on their own. They do not give a damn about evidence.” Austin’s voice was flat, and Deena feared that he might have given up.
She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “We will fix this, Austin.”
But Austin merely scoffed and turned to Mr. Whitman. “Can you at least be useful and tell me how I can dispute it?”
The solicitor looked pained. “First, Your Grace… you and Her Grace must leave, immediately. For your safety. Only once you are secure, we can we begin building a case.”
Fear gripped Deena. “Our safety? Are we in danger, Mr. Whitman?”
“I am afraid so, Your Grace. The blackmailers could be anywhere, and society would…not be so kind towards you two.”
Austin tensed again but remained silent.
“How much time do we have?” Deena continued.
Mr. Whitman hesitated, then pulled out another piece of paper from his case. “This arrived at my office an hour ago.”
Austin snatched it from his hand. His eyes scanned the page, and he froze.
“What is it?” Deena whispered.
He handed it to her.
Her vision blurred as she read:
By order of the Court of Chancery, the Duke of Windemere is hereby stripped of temporary control over all estates, properties, and titles pending investigation into his legitimacy.
Her knees nearly buckled.
“There must be some kind of mistake…” she breathed.
Austin looked at her then, and the fury in his eyes made her blood run cold.
Is he angry at me?
She felt an uneasy tension build in the room. She would understand if he hated her. Their rushed marriage only saved her and not him. It was not fair. Deena felt faint as she tried to think of a way to help Austin, but no plan came to mind.
What will we do?
“Deena.” His icy tone reeled her in. “Send word to Dominic. Now.”
Deena pushed aside her fear and did not hesitate. She rushed to the door, calling for their footman and praying for help.
How could you do this to me? I loved you!
