She had to leave.
With an aching heart, she fled the room, leaving a very confused Duke in her wake.
Chapter 18
Morning broke, and Grace had not slept a wink. Her chest felt hollow and sore all at once. Her face was surely swollen and blotchy from all the crying. But she was dried out now, and with the harsh daylight streaming in, she would have to rise, splash cool water on her face, and carry on.
She resolved to return to her cottage with Heather and Mrs Merriweather as soon as possible. She felt like an intruder now.
Grace feared encountering the Duke again, but she knew it was inevitable. However, at that moment, Betty entered her bed chamber and when Grace enquired about his whereabouts, she was handed a letter instead.
Betty said, ‘He left early this morning, Miss, but he was most particular that you receive this as soon as you woke.’
A deep disappointment settled in the pit of her stomach. He was gone. Grace impatiently tore open the letter, noting the official ducal seal.
Dear Miss Skye,
I had intended to speak with you last night but, regrettably, did not have the opportunity.
Please know that I hold you in the highest esteem. Without your assistance, I would not have come a step closer to uncovering the person responsible for my father’s and brother’s deaths. For that, I am forever in your debt.
As a small token of my gratitude, I wish for you and your family to remain at Skye Manor—your rightful home. It was taken from you unjustly, and I would not have it any other waythan to see it restored to you. I will make the necessary legal arrangements upon my return to London.
Lastly, I would be honoured if you, your sister, and Mrs Merriweather joined me at my London residence next week. My sister, who will be staying with me, is most eager to assist Heather in her preparations for the Season. This would also allow us to continue our investigation.
My friend is already pursuing a lead on Madame Jacqueline’s establishment. I only hope you have forgiven me enough to consider assisting me once more.
I await your response with anticipation.
Yours, etc.
Grace frowned. His tone was formal, distant—mercenary, even. It was as though he were settling accounts rather than extending kindness. A month ago, the thought of regaining Skye Manor would have been a dream come true. Yet, for some reason, the idea now left her unsettled.
He had left without seeing them.
Most likely, he would return to his ducal duties, leaving the chaperoning to his sister. He had gone back to London, where he belonged.
And she was here, where she belonged.
Her head told her to be indifferent, to treat his letter as a transaction. But her heart... her heart whispered that this was goodbye. That she had meant nothing to him after all.
Should she accept his offer? Or would it be too painful? She had no answer.
AT BREAKFAST, SHE TOOKthe opportunity to reveal the Duke’s identity to Heather and Mrs Merriweather.
‘I can’t believe it! But we laughed and joked together—you even sang that duet the other evening!’ Heather gushed.
‘He wrapped a shawl around me and fetched a footstool for me,’ Mrs Merriweather said, looking mortified. ‘And you say he is the Duke of Armitage?’ She turned pink. ‘Why... we treated him as we would treat anyone else. This is simply too embarrassing—how shall we ever face him again?’
Heather turned to Grace. ‘Gracy, I know he has feelings for you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you! He must be in love with you.’
Grace sighed and corrected her, ‘No, poppet, you’re mistaken. He is engaged to another. Whatever you saw was nothing but ingrained high-society flirtation. He was bored here, with no ladies to entertain him, and he was merely passing the time. That is all,’ she said, more to herself than to Heather.
Heather let out a dramatic groan. ‘Oh no, Gracy! I had high hopes that he would be my brother-in-law! I feel awful for encouraging this. I wish I hadn’t meddled!’
Grace frowned. ‘What on earth are you going on about?’
Heather replied sheepishly, ‘I wanted him to see the real you, so I devised a way to undo your disguise. I spent a great deal of time discussing it with Betty. And I insisted on moving here—not because I wanted a dance master or to practise music, but so that you two could spend as much time together as possible.
