Page 59 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

“No sign of pursuit,” he reported quietly. “Though I fear that Caldwell will not be long in discovering which way we fled.”

Charlotte’s fingers trembled as she withdrew the letter from her reticule. The late Duke’s words seemed to burn from the page:

My dearest son,

If you read this, then my sins have finally found me out. But know this - whatever mistakes I have made, whatever burden I leave you, none of it was your doing. Caldwell’s claims of partnership were ever false, his documents forged by his own hand. I was fool enough to trust him once, but you need not carry that shame...

“Charlotte.” Edmund’s voice held quiet urgency. “We must go. A carriage just stopped before Harrison’s office - Caldwell’s man looking rather agitated.”

Charlotte rose swiftly, tucking the precious papers away. “Mrs Wilmot, we can never repay...”

“Nonsense, Your Grace. Though perhaps...” The milliner’s eyes twinkled suddenly. “Perhaps you might mention to His Grace that my daughter’s wedding approaches? A new shawl for the occasion would not go amiss.”

Charlotte managed a shaky laugh.

“I shall see to it personally.”

They slipped out through the shop’s front entrance, forcing themselves to walk with calm dignity despite the urgency thrumming through their veins. The rain had intensified, providing a convenient excuse for their swift progress towards their waiting carriage.

Yet as they pulled away from Millhampton’s quiet streets, Charlotte’s heart raced with more than the mere risks of their escape. The proof that they carried would save William from Caldwell’s threats - but at what cost to the careful trust growing between them?

Only time would tell.