Page 87 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“Anne has been very distraught at our row. No doubt she talked to your wife.”

“Of that, I’m sure. But Cynthia does not have the skill, at least to my knowledge, to imitate my writing.”

An odd look comes over Joseph’s face as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Teresa was rather quiet last night. I should have known she was up to some mischief.”

I shake my head, chuckling. “At least they are all friends. I would hate to see what would happen if they were enemies.”

“Hear, hear,” the others murmur.

With a smirk, I ball up my fist and playfully hit Joseph on the shoulder. “Don’t be too hard on her. It all turned out right in the end.”

“Oh, don’t worry. She’ll be just fine.”

“Come,” Lewis chuckles. “I have some theories I’d like to go over with you about the person sending the letters.”

Chapter 44

Cynthia

A cage, though adorned with pretty things, is still a cage. I look over at Charles as he prepares for the day, a heavy sigh flitting from my lips. He glances at me through the mirror and frowns.

After a moment, he turns to look at me. “You seem unhappy, my dear. Whatever is the matter?”

“I long to leave. I have been cooped up in this house for several days now.”

Charles goes back to fixing his cravat and smirks at me in the mirror. “Have you tired of me already? Is my cum not spilling from you even now as you sit there?”

Heat spreads across my face as I turn and hide the soft smile. “No. I am not tired of you. But I do wish to go make some calls. I miss my friends terribly. We’re nearing the end of The Season, and I worry we will not see each other until next year.”

“Ahh. So you wish to cause more mischief. Is that what I’m hearing?”

With a soft laugh, I lean back against the pillows. “Still holding that against me even though your brother and Anne dine at our house now nearly every evening? I feel as though your bruises were worth it.”

“Hmmmm,” he growls as he comes over to kiss me. “Yes, but your care and treatment of them after was far better.”

“What treatment?” I giggle. “You act as if my slick has magical properties.”

He shrugs. “They’re nearly gone, aren’t they?” With another sigh, I look out the window. “My darling. I don’t like to see you so down. What if your friends were to come here? The weather is rather nice out. A garden tea wouldn’t go amiss.”

My lips part into a wide smile as I slide out from the bed, pull my wrapper around, and head to the desk. “It will be just the thing.”

As I pen my letters, I glance back over at Charles. Something is wrong. Normally, the bond has a nice, solid hum to it. Today, it almost jangles.

“My love?” I say as I set down the quill and walk over to his side. “What’s wrong?”

He gathers my hand in his. “I’ve not wanted to tell you this. It’s all rather silly, but now that we’re bonded, it’s harder for me to keep unpleasant matters from you.”

“Then tell me. Please. I’d rather know than to feel your unease with no words to explain it.”

“I have been receiving letters. Threatening letters. They involve you.”

I jerk back from him as ice floods my veins. “Why?”

“That, I don’t know. I can surmise they wish to harm me through you.”

“But who would want to do such a thing?”

A heavy sigh flits through his lips. “That’s what none of us can figure out. Until we do, however, I’ve been keeping you here where you’re safe.”