Page 57 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

My brain works at a fast pace as I walk to and fro, desperately trying to find the right answer. Joseph’s house has several entrances. We’ve gone in and out of them since we were children. Perhaps Cynthia is in one of those rooms. If I can see her tonight, if I can explain things to her, all will be well. I’m sure of it.

I sneak about, flitting through bushes and shadows, keeping myself hidden. Though not nearly as skilled as my brother, I hate that I’ve become far better these last few weeks. As I approach the first entrance, my heart pounds in my chest. What if she doesn’t wish to see me?

It is, however, a moot point. As I turn the corner, Joseph stands there, leaning against the wall, his eyes already peering out into the darkness. Bollocks. I’ve been found out. Some rake I am.

“Interesting seeing you here, Norhaven,” he grinds out. “You wouldn’t be disturbing our guest, now would you?”

I do my best to carry a nonchalant air when all I wish to do is throttle the man. How dare he interfere? “Just taking the nighttime air.”

“Indeed? This far from your town house?”

“I had much to think about.”

“I see. Care to discuss it over port?”

“I’d rather not.”

“She’s getting married in about a week.”

Just hearing those words makes my blood boil. “I know.” We all bloody well know.

“She’s marrying Henhaven.”

“Again. I know.”

“There is nothing keeping them from their vows.”

“I know, damn you,” I growl out. “You think I don’t know all of this?”

“Then I repeat. Why are you here? Why do you insist on tormenting her?”

My stomach drops. Has she revealed what’s transpired between us? Have we been found out? The very thought makes me both elated and fearful for my family, all in one painful breath.

“Has she said as much?”

“No,” he finally says on a sigh. “But her face speaks volumes. Go home, Norhaven. Nothing good will come of this.” As he walks away, he turns back with a slight smirk. “Besides, she’s not in the room connected to this entrance or any other. Did you think I’d be so foolish as to allow her to come to scandal?”

My fingers ball into fists as I watch him walk away. He is correct, I suppose. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. Besides, if I can’t get to her through his house, I’ll just have to find another way.

Chapter 27

Cynthia

Sunday — Final Banns

I sit there with Teresa and Foxford in their Harding pews, keeping my gaze straight ahead. I cannot bear to look over at the Barringtons right now. It must distress my friends that I left in such a hurry, but I couldn’t stomach Charles’s rejection one more moment.

As we go through the service, I glance over at him, but he keeps his face straight ahead as well. Seems we both are in agreement that this is best.

I sit there, squirming in my seat as heat engulfs my body. I can’t bear to be in these stuffy clothes a minute longer. Hopefully, I’m not getting sick. Or, if I am, maybe it will keep Henhaven from partaking in his marital duties.

Just the thought of him above me, thrusting away while I lie still underneath makes my stomach churn until nausea bubbles up my throat. I’m sure even that part of the act will be dull. What if I fall asleep during it?

As the sermon ends, I rise with the Hardings and head out the door, refusing to look one way or the other. Charles watches my actions, though. I can feel his eyes boring into my back as we leave. What else can I say? What else can I do?

Chapter 28

Charles