Had she always been this curious? This need to unravel mysteries, to understand the hidden depths of others—was it simply in her nature? Perhaps. But there was something different about the duke. This time, her curiosity wasn’t just intellectual; it was something deeper, more personal. Hefascinated her, not just because of the enigma he presented, but because of the way his presence stirred something within her.
As she lay there, eyes closed, her imagination began to wander. She envisioned him not just as a figure of mystery, but as someone strong, someone who might one day hold her with those capable hands. The thought brought a warmth to her cheeks, and before she could stop herself, her mind slipped into fantasy. It was a tempting reason to let herself drift, to dream of something—someone—who made her heart race in ways she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Chapter Four
“What are youto make of this, Mother?”
Trevor paced the length of his study, his footsteps echoing in the stillness as his mother sat on the edge of the couch, absentmindedly fingering the pearls around her neck. He had just finished recounting the horrific details of the accident and, more troubling still, the girl’s complete memory loss. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him, far more than he had anticipated. Never before had he been faced with such a dilemma. He hadn’t slept at all the previous night, turning over countless scenarios in his mind, each more uncertain than the last.
What was he supposed to do now? If Miss Louisa wasn’t a respectable woman—and how could he know, given her amnesia—he could hardly justify keeping her in his house. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to cast her out either. It was, after all, his carriage accident that had nearly claimed her life, and now, because of him, she wandered through a haze of forgotten memories. The thought of abandoning her to fend for herself, with no recollection of who she was or where she belonged, felt unconscionable. But allowing her to stay? It risked scandal.
He glanced at his mother, hoping for some wisdom or clarity, but all she did was offer a thoughtful hum, her eyes distant. He knew no easy answer existed. The question loomed overhim, growing heavier with each passing hour—what kind of man would he be if he turned his back on her now?
“Oh, dear.” The dowager tsked and shook her head. “I must say, Trevor, this is upsetting news. I think what we need to do is discover who amongst thetonhas lost a daughter.” She fluttered her hand against her throat. “Although, I think that might be hard to do since you don’t know if this girl is of Quality or not.”
Blowing out a frustrated sigh, he dug his fingers in his hair. “Oh, Mother, I highly doubt she is of noble birth. You should have seen her. The dress she wore was small, like a young girl’s, and tattered badly. The oversized coat she wore was a man’s garment, and very old with several missing buttons. Her hair looked as if she had not washed it for quite a while.”
His mother’s face turned white as she grimaced. “How utterly disgraceful.”
“She speaks as though she has some education, but I don’t believe she is of Quality.”
“Oh, Trevor. I don’t know how we will find the girl’s parents then, assuming she has any.”
He nodded. “That is my concern as well.”
“What are you going to do with her once she heals?”
He stopped pacing in front of a window overlooking the land sloping over the hillside. The sun shone over the green grass, and highlighted the flowers by the fence. “I’m responsible for the accident, and if she does not regain her memory, I shall have no other choice but to offer her employment here.”
Gasping, his mother stood and rushed to his side. She clutched his arm. “You cannot be serious. You do not know where she’s been or what she’s done. She could steal from you.”
Over his shoulder, he met his mother’s stare. “What would you have me do? Send her out on the streets to care for herself? If this was what she had been doing, it’s obvious she failed miserably.” He shook his head. “If anything, having herwork here will give her experience so she can find employment elsewhere. If she steals from me, I shall handle it the way I would with any of my other servants.”
A small smile touched his mother’s worried face as she caressed his cheek. “You are a very caring man, my dear, and I’m proud that my son has a big heart.”
Rolling his eyes, he turned away from her and peered outside again. Out in the yard, flocks of birds flitted from one tree to another as in a rhythmic dance. His mother didn’t know what she was talking about—him having abig heart.“I appreciate your sentiments, Mother, but I assure you, I do not deserve them.”
She took a step back. “Would you like me to go see the girl and talk to her?”
He shrugged. “I do not think it will do any harm. I’m certain she would enjoy the company.” He strode toward the door. “Come, I shall take you to her room.”
“After my visit with the girl, I hope you don’t mind if I take a peek at my precious grandchildren. I have not seen the twins in a fortnight.”
“Do as you wish, Mother. I’m certain they will love to see their grandmamma.”
He clenched his jaw as he marched into the hallway and toward the stairs, balling his hands into fists at his sides. He dared not tell his mother he doubted he had sired the twins. His mother had thought the sun rose and set on Gwendolyn, and he didn’t have the heart to give his mother such disturbing information that his wife was not the pure, sweet woman she’d led everyone to believe.
When he reached Miss Louisa’s room, the door stood open. Mrs. Smythe chatted with the stranger as if they were the best of friends. Louisa didn’t notice him, so he was able to study her for a few moments. Color bloomed in her cheeks today. Herblonde hair held a healthy shine and even had a slight curl to it. The white nightdress emphasized her slender figure, and it bothered him to see her looking so gaunt. The housekeeper said something and Louisa laughed, which brought a smile to his face. At the same time, he realized there was a sad quality to the tone of her laugh. Indeed, this woman’s past would remain a mystery to him until her memory returned. A strange emotion stirred within him, and it pierced his heart.
Finally, her gaze shifted to him and she smiled brightly, sitting up in bed a little straighter. “Your Grace. What a surprise it is to see you.”
He nodded and strode into the room. “Miss Louisa, may I present my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Kenbridge.”
His mother stepped inside and walked straight to Louisa’s bed. The young woman’s eyes grew wide as she gazed upon his mother.
“A pleasure it is to meet you, Your Grace.” Louisa bowed her head and lowered her eyes. “Forgive me for not getting out of bed, but I’m still quite weak.”
“That is to be expected, my dear. My son told me about the terrible accident. May I say how relieved I am to hear you are doing better?”
