He grinned. “Well, I’m definitely going to miss you, my lovely Cilla.”
Why did her heartbeat always bang against her ribs so quickly? His words were so sweet, but she didn’t think he had wanted to marry, or he would have done so by now. Had the incident in the cottage changed his mind? He had mentioned before that his grandmother thought it was best that they marry, so perhaps he didn’t want to exchange vows after all.
Oh, how she hated feeling confused. They really should have talked earlier instead of kissing.
He gave her a wink before leaving her to climb up inside the coach. She stayed on the porch with the dowager duchess, and once the coach was out of sight, Priscilla wheeled the older woman inside.
“Take us to the parlor,” the dowager said. “We have no time to waste.”
“Why?” Priscilla asked. “What is so urgent?”
The older woman tilted her head to the side, peering at Priscilla over her shoulder. “You cannot be serious. You really don’t know?”
Priscilla shook her head. “I don’t.”
The dowager chuckled. “Becoming a duchess isn’t a role that one just steps into. The young lady needs to be trained on the proper way to act, to dress, and, most importantly, how to speak. While my grandson is away, I will do all I can to get you trained.”
Trained?Was Priscilla an animal?
She blew out a frustrated breath. These next few days were going to be agonizing, she was certain of it.
*
If Gavin wasn’tso upset about all the accidents happening around the estate, he might be thinking about his upcoming wedding, and especially anticipating the wedding night. That kiss he and Priscilla shared had him reconsidering his ideas about marriage.
He had been raised with poor examples in his life. He had been too young when his grandfather died to remember how he treated and loved Grams, but she spoke highly of her deceased husband and how much they had loved each other. Gavin’s parents were definitely not in love, which was quite obvious not only to their only child but to everyone in Society. Even his cousins, whom he’d spent most of his childhood with, didn’t have parents with great marriages. A few did, but most didn’t.
So how was he to know that marriage might actually be a good thing? He could share his passion with one woman for the rest of his life, and if Priscilla kissed him like that every day, he would certainly find marriage as a blessing instead of a hindrance.
However, she hadn’t exactly said yes to his proposal. Then again, why would she refuse? It would mean she and her family would be ruined in Society’s eyes. But he knew she cared for him, and that was encouraging.
He made the driver travel through the night, and they reached Birmingham first thing in the morning. Gavin told his driver to take him straightway to the Birmingham Town Police station. The constable had suggested visiting the station to inform them about the stable fire as well as his purposely cut saddle. As the constable investigated the fire, he had found the broken remains of an oil lamp on the outside corner of the stable, and a man’s boot imprint in the mud heading away from the structure and into the wooded area. The footprints were nowhere near where the staff had helped to douse the fire.
Gavin scrubbed his hand over his face. Would the Birmingham police be able to help him at all? Were two incidents enough to merit their assistance, or would they think he was talking rubbish? Then again, he did have proof of money being stolen from his account, so perhaps that would convince them.
The coach stopped in front of the police station. Not waiting for the footman, Gavin opened the vehicle’s door and stepped out. The street was busy with women moving from shop to shop, and men riding through the streets, either in their carriages or on horseback. There was no time to study the people in the crowd to see if he knew anyone. He’d come for one purpose, and he would make certain he didn’t leave until he had convinced the police that they needed to investigate.
As Gavin stepped toward the front double doors, he heard his name being called through the noise from the street. He swung around, searching the street for anyone familiar. Only one face stood out. Miss Georgina Burns, his half-sister.
He groaned under his breath and fisted his hands. This was not the time to exchange pleasantries, especially if he had to act like he didn’t know who she really was. It surprised him that she wasn’t with her mother, but a servant.
Although it would be rude not to stop, especially after he’d met her gaze, he still thought about turning away and moving into the station. But he just couldn’t. Part of him wanted to see if she knew who her real father was. Sadly, that part of him won the battle in his mind.
He stood still, waiting for her to walk up to him. She curtsied, and he gave her a small bow.
“Your Grace, what a surprise it is to see you in Birmingham,” she greeted him. “Are you here for business or pleasure?”
He motioned toward the building they were in front of. “Business.”
“Is there something amiss at one of your estates?”
He watched her closely. Not that he suspected her of starting the fire, but at this point, he couldn’t rule anyone out. “The stable was purposely set on fire at the estate where my grandmother is residing.”
Miss Georgina gasped, and her hand flew to her throat. “No, you must be teasing.”
“I wish I was, but I’m very serious.”
“Oh, forgive me for being insensitive.” Her expression grew serious. “I pray nobody was hurt.”
