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James's expression softened. "Of course. I will make arrangements for the carriage and have it ready as soon as possible."

Olivia hurried from the parlor, her heart pounding as she made her way toward the stairs. She had thought London meant wedding preparations, family, and finally seeing Louiza again. Now it represented something entirely different. Someone knew about Felix, and whatever happened next could change everything. Yet as she thought of James taking her hands and telling her they would face it together, Olivia found the smallest thread of courage within herself.

They had survived Aunt Charnley, Boulton, secrets, threatening letters, and James's painful past. She could not imagine what awaited them in London, but she knew one thing with absolute certainty, she would not let anyone take Felix from them without a fight.

The travelling carriage slowed as it approached the little cottage, and Olivia's heart began to ache before her feet had even touched the ground. She hurried inside with James beside her, finding Felix awake, his little face brightening at the sight of them.

"Oh, my darling," Olivia whispered, reaching for him at once. She gathered him against her breast and held him tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of his soft hair as he curled his tiny fingers around hers.

For several moments, Olivia could not speak. She pressed a kiss against Felix's forehead, feeling tears slip down her cheeks as she rocked him gently. "My heart is breaking," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I do not want to leave him, James. What if he needs me?"

James stood beside her, his expression unusually tender as he placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder. "He will be safe," he said quietly. "He is well cared for, and we will return soon. I promise you, Olivia, we will not be gone longer than necessary."

Olivia nodded, though the reassurance did little to ease the terrible weight in her chest. She kissed Felix again and again, as though she could somehow store the feeling of him against her heart for the journey.

"Be a good boy," she murmured, touching his cheek. "Mummy will come back to you." The word escaped before she could stop it, and she closed her eyes as another tear fell.

At last, James gently touched her arm. Olivia looked at him, then reluctantly placed Felix in his arms for a moment. She lingered for one final moment, brushing her fingers over his cheek.

They headed toward the door. Outside, she turned back once more, her heart twisting at the sight of the cottage.

James took her hand as they climbed into the carriage. "We will come back soon," he repeated, squeezing her fingers.

Olivia leaned against him, still crying quietly, and watched the cottage disappear through the window until it was finally out of sight.

Only then did she close her eyes and let herself grieve the distance between herself and the little boy who had become her whole heart.

By the time the carriage reached London, Olivia felt as though she had lived through a lifetime since leaving Shirley House. The familiar streets should have comforted her, yet every turn of the wheels seemed to carry her closer to something dreadful.

James had scarcely spoken during the journey, though once, when Olivia's hands had begun trembling in her lap, he had reached across and covered them with his own. That small gesture had steadied her more than he could know.

Now, as the carriage stopped outside Bethany's London house, Olivia drew a deep breath and tried to prepare herself for whatever Louiza had discovered.

The door had scarcely opened before Louiza came rushing down the steps. Olivia climbed out and barely had time to straighten her bonnet before her sister threw her arms around her.

"Olivia!" Louiza cried, holding her tightly.

Olivia clung to her twin just as fiercely, shutting her eyes against the sudden rush of relief. "Oh, Louiza, I have missed you so terribly," she whispered, pulling back only far enough to look at her sister's face. For one precious moment, nothing else mattered. She had her sister again.

Bethany appeared behind Louiza, smiling anxiously, and Olivia immediately turned toward her and gave her a hug.

"It is so good to see you, Olivia," Bethany said.

"And you," Olivia replied.

"James, this is our sister Bethany," she said, taking his arm and bringing him forward. "Bethany, this is my husband, the Duke of Glenmore."

James inclined his head with formal courtesy. "Your Grace, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for informing us of what has happened. I would like to discuss the situation immediately." His tone was controlled, but Olivia knew him well enough now to recognize the tension beneath it.

Bethany gave a solemn nod. "Of course, Your Grace. Come inside. We have much to tell you."

Bethany led them into the parlor, where afternoon tea had already been laid.

Olivia scarcely noticed the silver teapot, delicate china, cakes and little pastries arranged upon the table. Her mind was too occupied with the terrible urgency in Louiza's expression.

They all sat, with Olivia beside James. Olivia reached instinctively for her sister's hand, needing the familiar connection.

"Tell us everything," James said, leaning forward.