But she didn’t want to marry him. He supposed he’d expected it. She saw him as a friend, not a lover. Her father remained hopeful she’d change her mind and urged Gene to give her time. But Gene would accept her decision. He had no intention of robbing her of the chance of true love.
He left the carriage and crossed the cobbles to the mansion where candlelight flowed out through the open door, nodded to the porter, and climbed the stairs. In his bedchamber, he was still unable to cast off this heavy feeling which had him in its grip.
Fortunately, his valet, Wallace, knew not to question him while Gene prepared for bed. His heart felt bruised. Despite feeling tired, threads of the rosy dawn seeped through the gap in the curtains before he banished his thoughts and gave in to sleep.
He rose late and waived his usual morning ride in the park. Charles would look for him, but he didn’t feel up to explaining what had happened. He thanked God none of his friends were there last night to witness his act of madness.
While he breakfasted, a footman relayed the message that a constable wished to speak to him. With a tight chest, Gene entered the salon where the man stood, hat in hand.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, to come so early and be the bearer of sad news. A body has been found believed to be that of Lord Harrington Felsted.”
“Where?”
“Devon. Near the Start Point lighthouse.”
Shocked, Gene raised his eyebrows. “Devon? My brother’s boat washed up at Beachy Head months ago.”
The constable nodded his head. “The ocean tides, I expect, and the water is freezing at this time of the year. The remains have been taken to Kingsbridge awaiting the coroner and an inquest.”
“I’ll leave within the hour.” Gene signaled to a footman.
The constable hovered. “May I offer my condolences, Your Grace?”
Gene nodded vaguely. “Thank you. If it is indeed my brother.”
It had been too long, surely. It was months since Harry disappeared.
When Blake came in, Gene explained the situation. “As Kingsbridge is only fifty miles from Haverstock Hall, I’ll return there to arrange for my brother’s burial. I’ll take the curricle. I shall have need of you, Blake. The coachman will drive you back to the hall with Wilson.”
Blake’s eyes were somber. “Very well, Your Grace.”
*
Abbersley Manor, Dorset
Mellie simply hadto discover what had happened in London after her mother whisked her away to the country. She penned a letter to Miss Anna Liddiard. They’d become friends during the Season and had promised to correspond when it ended. Anna’s reply, crammed with news, arrived within a few days. She wrote the duke had left London the day after the scandal erupted. Alfred Pallthorpe was still there, however, claiming to be an innocent victim of the duke’s savagery.
“Pallthorpe is trying to gain theton’ssympathy,” Mellie said angrily to Vivian, who leaned over the sofa to wave a skein of wool from Nanny’s basket for the kitten’s claws to capture.
“But will they believe him? The duke is highly respected, and will remain so surely, despite this lapse.” Vivian paused. “Why did he punch Pallthorpe, do you think?”
Mellie gave a deep sigh. “He came to my rescue like a knight in shining armor I read about in a book.”
“I suppose so. But why did he?”
Mellie glanced at her impatiently. “Because he is my friend.”
“Yes, you say he is your friend, but…”
“He asked me to marry him to save me from disgrace.”
“It sounds to me like he’s in love with you, Mellie.” Vivian eyed her doubtfully. “An offer of marriage goes beyond the bounds of friendship.”
“Nanny will be upset if you ruin her wool.” Mellie picked Rosie up and held the kitten’s soft fur against her cheek. She couldn’t allow herself to think she had ruined her life. That she’d been hopelessly wrong, and another chance to make it right would never come.
“Still…” Vivian continued.
“At least I don’t have to marry Pallthorpe.” Mellie put Rosie in her basket and went upstairs to her bedchamber as tears clouded her vision.Poor Papa.Would he end up in debtor’s prison? She intended to remain a spinster, for she would never fall in love again. Love at first sight happened only once. She was sure of it.
