An hour later, the library door creaked open.
Assuming it was a servant checking on her, she remained where she was, hidden from view. But then she heard two voices—Lord Gerrard and Lady Jane.
Grace nearly stood to make her presence known, but something stopped her.
The two entered alone. No chaperone.
Frowning, she shifted slightly, peering through the bookshelves. What she saw made her freeze.
Lord Gerrard and Lady Jane were locked in a passionate embrace.
Her breath caught.
‘My love, are you sure no one will come in?’ Lady Jane asked breathlessly. ‘We had a close call yesterday. We cannot be found out.’
‘No, darling,’ Lord Gerrard assured her, pulling her towards a large couch. ‘None of the servants are allowed in here. Old Holden only comes in once a week to clean. The ladies are shopping. Gabriel is out of town for a couple of days. We have this place all to ourselves. No one will disturb us. And remember—we leave for Gretna Green tomorrow night. Once we are wed, no one can separate us.’
Grace blushed furiously. She needed to get out.
Slipping deeper into the library, she rounded a corner, searching for another exit—only to be seized by strong arms and yanked into a dark recess in the wall.
A hand clamped over her mouth, stifling the scream that would have escaped.
The scent was familiar.
Turning her head, she immediately recognised the Duke.
He gestured for her silence. She obeyed.
Then, whispering in her ear, he said, ‘Stay here.’
He stepped out.
A moment later, Lady Jane let out a startled scream.
Grace moved cautiously forward.
‘I see you two are taking the time to get acquainted,’ the Duke drawled.
Lady Jane scrambled to compose herself.
‘Lady Jane, I will speak with you later. Leave us.’
She fled the room, only too happy to scurry out.
Gerrard, white as a sheet, stammered, ‘G-Gabriel—I thought you were gone.’
The Duke folded his arms. ‘I suppose that means you help yourself to my fiancée in my absence?’
Gerrard paled further. ‘Gabriel, I—I never meant to hurt you... but Jane and I, we... we fell in love.’
A muscle in the Duke’s jaw ticked. ‘Did you kill our father and Gareth, Gerrard? Am I next?’
Gerrard blanched. ‘No! I swear!’
The Duke’s eyes darkened, his demand cold. ‘Tell me the truth.’
‘Gabriel, I never meant to hurt you. There was no malice or planning!’
