Page 42 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

Margaret studied her for a long moment, something like hope dawning in her expression.

“You truly care for him, don’t you? Not just as a duty, but...”

Heat rose in Charlotte’s cheeks, but she met her sister-in-law’s gaze steadily.

“I begin to think that I care rather more than is entirely wise, given his determination to keep me at arm’s length.”

“Then perhaps,” Margaret said softly, “it is time that someone breached those carefully constructed walls of his.” She squared her shoulders with sudden decision. “I shall keep watch in the corridor.”

As they moved towards the door, a roll of thunder sounded in the distance. Charlotte glanced out at the storm clouds, her heart heavy with the weight of what they planned.

“William,” she whispered to herself, “I pray you will forgive me for this breach of trust. But I cannot – I will not – watch you face this darkness alone.”

Margaret touched her arm gently.

“Come. We haven’t much time before the storm worsens.”

At that moment, Mrs Walden hurried into the room again. She held out a hand to Charlotte.

“Here Your Grace – the keys for that room, and, I believe, for all of the cabinets in it. These copies are the only ones other than the one’s in His Grace’s personal possession, and are normally locked away in my office.”

Charlotte took them, a heavy weight settling on her at the thought of what she was about to do.

“Thank you, Mrs Walden.”

The Housekeeper nodded once, and turned away. Margaret touched Charlotte’s hand in reassurance, and together, they stepped into the corridor, their footsteps silent on the thick carpet. Whatever secrets lay hidden in William’s private study, Charlotte knew that their discovery would change everything between them – for better or worse.

But as another rumble of thunder shook the windows, she remembered the look in William’s eyes before he departed – that complicated mixture of fear and longing and something deeper that he dared not name. For that look, for the man who tried so hard to protect everyone but himself, she would risk everything.

Even his love.