Page 87 of To Ensnare a Duke

Giddy for the first time in a while, I walk down the hallways committing everything to memory. No door goes untouched. If anyone asks, I'm merely doing my wifely duty and seeing how to make this place a home for both of us. Unfortunately, nothing turns up as anything more than a guest room, parlor room, or his study.

Perhaps Teresa is wrong and Portswell doesn't have a secret lair in which to ravage me. Slumping down at his desk, I study the walls of books. I could possibly stay here and wait for him, reminding him of the first time he took me in hand.

But that proves to be a bit boring. I try my best to occupy my time by looking at the various books, only to stop as I feel a bit of a breeze. How odd. I hold my hand to it, smiling as I realize it's coming from a particular shelf. I push, pull, and tug, until finally it opens up, revealing a hidden passage.

My heart trips a bit as I take up a lamp and slide in. Not wanting to alert the staff, I slip my fingers around a handhold and pull the door shut behind me. Just to make sure I'm not trapped, I push on it, letting my breath out in a whoosh as it opens once more.

Trembles of excitement flow up and down my spine as I follow the path to its conclusion where another door stands. I open it, my heart pounding in my chest. From the light cast by the lamp, I see it is indeed a space like The Rose and Thorne.

My fingers graze the odd furniture as I make my way to the fireplace. It takes little time to get a fire roaring, illuminating the space. All that's left is for my husband to come find me so we can bury the hatchet once and for all.

CHAPTER 39

BENEDICT

Itromp up the steps to my house and kick the dirt off of my Hessian boots before striding into the foyer. The butler greets me, his stern demeanor sending a frisson of relief down my spine. With him at the helm, I know my wife will be safe.

"Any disruptions?"

"Her Grace did inquire after your whereabouts this morning. There was a slight scuffle with the doorman, but nothing unbecoming. She seemed more upset at your absence than her inability to leave. The Duchess of Foxford came to call. They had a quiet game of Vingt-et-un and conversation. Then the Duchess left."

"And after?"

"Nothing to report, Your Grace. The house has been silent the rest of the evening."

"Very good. I shall see to her progress in dressing for dinner then be back down shortly."

"Will you be staying this evening, Your Grace? Or shall we have a carriage waiting like every evening?" There's a hint of disapproval in his voice, but wisely says nothing.

"I haven't decided yet. Have them readied, just in case."

"Very good, Your Grace."

A weary sigh drifts from my lips as I force myself up the stairs. This impasse has to end. If she's not willing to do it, then I'll simply have to find a way. I can't keep sleeping at The Rose and Thorne when there's a perfectly acceptable bed here at home.

Taking in a deep breath, I rap on the door and wait. Nothing. Narrowing my eyes, I knock again. Still nothing.

Dread and anger slip down my spine as I turn the handle and step inside, noting my wife's absence. The bed looks untouched, as if she's not been back since breakfast. I stride over to the window and check the latch. Still closed.

A soft sound pricks my ears, and I whirl around, a snarl on my lips. The poor maid drops the linens in her arms as a startled squeak drifts from her lips.

"F- forgive me, Your Grace. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Where is she?" I growl.

The maid's forehead furrows for a moment as she thinks. "The last I saw, she was in the drawing room with the Duchess of Foxford. I was hoping to get her prepared for dinner, but you stand here instead of her."

Without saying a word, I storm past her and race down the stairs. My heart squeezes so hard it almost steals my breath. Every room I look in has no trace of her. At this point, I don't know whether to be enraged, worried, or both.

Storming out of the house, I walk around to the back to where a secret path leads out. There, in front of the door, is the servant I set to guard it.

"You there. Has the duchess been out this way."

"No, Your Grace. No one has been here save Cook making sure I have food and water."

I grind my teeth and nod. "Good lad. Continue to keep watch."

"Yes, Your Grace."