“I—Yes, they are his aunts.” Her voice was high-pitched, almost squeaky now.
“He is not a well-liked man. In fact, my cousins told me they had heard of what he’d done to his aunts. That the Duchess of Yardly has been looking for them for some time, as have others who were their friends.”
“Really?” Her eyes were huge in her face.
“I need to ask you another question now, Ruby.”
“Wh-What question?”
“Do you know who stole those things from the Amble household?”
Her hands gripped the arms of the chair so tight, her knuckles were soon as white as her face.
“I—ah, I have no idea who would do such a thing.”
“I did wonder if it was you, as you were there that night you came upon us.”
“I was out walking!” She’d half risen from her chair. “I was walking, is all I was doing!”
“You are yelling, Ruby.”
“I need to get back to Ella.”
Forrest raised a hand. “Whoever stole from Lord Amble has my congratulations and that of my cousins, if those stolen goods went to his aunts.” He gave her a gentle smile. “However, I do not condone the risks that were taken, or thievery.”
She nodded again and then scrambled to her feet. She dropped into the most inelegant curtsey he’d ever seen her give and then ran to the door.
He sat back and laughed softly. What a woman. Clearly it was her and some of the other residents who had stolen from Lord Amble. And while he did not agree with breaking the law, or like that she could have been caught or hurt, he did find it suitable revenge on a man who would throw his elderly aunts from their home.
Forrest left his office in search of food and found the library full of people, including the duchess.
“If you pull out a book, I’m not having it,” Dimity said, rubbing her belly. “I am just not up to a reading today.” She was pacing the room in an ungainly gait which was at odds to her usual elegance.
Nathan sat with his fiancée.
“Will you not sit, my love?” Gabe said from his place leaning on the mantle.
“If it was my wish to sit, I would sit,” Dimity snapped. She then rubbed her back.
“Where is Ella?” the duchess asked. “I wish to see her and that tutor. Fetch them at once, Fairfax.”
“Don’t order my butler about,” Nathan said.
“I shall collect them,” Fairfax said after he’d lowered a tray laden with food before them. He left the room with his usual dignity.
“Ouch!” Dimity cried, leaning on the wall. “That hurts.”
Gabe hurried to her side, his face going white. Beth climbed to her feet and went to her also.
“What’s happening?” Gabe asked.
“I think she may be close,” Beth said.
“To what?” He looked around him.
“Having the baby. What do you think?” Beth whispered.
Gabe looked stricken suddenly, Nathan and Zach no better. Michael was his usual calm self.
