Page 43 of The Duke’s Wager

“Maria…” Lucy slowly rose to her feet and dusted off her knees.

“I would like to see if Sister Agnes is at the chapel. Would you mind?”

The woman smiled kindly and helped her dust off the spots she had missed. “Of course not, my lady. As long as you don’t mind me waiting in the carriage, that is. The nuns always make me uncomfortable. It’s like they can see right through me.”

Maria shivered dramatically, and Lucy laughed.

“Thank you, Maria. I shan’t be long, I promise.”

Maria reached a hand out to Lucy and pressed it against her cheek – the same cheek that had felt the sting of her father’s wrath a mere day ago.

“Take all the time you need, my little Lucy. I know how special your time with your mama is. Don’t haste on my account.”

Lucy made a quick move, grabbing Maria’s hand and squeezing it.

Lucy knew that she owed her the world and that she’d never be able to repay the woman for all she had done.

“Thank you, Maria. So much.”

She was not merely thanking her for their day at the cemetery or even the permission to visit the chapel. No, her gratitude was for years’ worth of sacrifice and love.

“Anything for you, my darling.”

She gave her hand another quick squeeze before heading back to the carriage. Lucy hesitated at her mother’s grave for a few seconds longer, then lifted her skirt and walked in the direction of the chapel.

She’d almost reached the chapel when she saw him at the far end of the graveyard.

Edward.

What was she to do? Must she ignore him, like her father would most certainly want?

For some reason, she found that impossible. So her feet carried her in his direction.

She had never seen Edward here before. He looked different. Gone was the arrogance, the bravado, the flirtatious demeanor. His shoulders were bent, and his eyes closed. She was certain she spied a tear flowing down his cheek.

Once more, she was reminded of the broken young boy.

Should she approach him, or simply go to the chapel like she had intended?

She made the decision impulsively, taking a strong step forward.

“I love the quiet of this place. It’s strange, don’t you think? To love a cemetery this much.”

* * *

Edward was deep in thought. In his imagination, he lived a life with his mother and father – two doting parents who gave him all he needed.

“I love the quiet of this place. It’s strange, don’t you think? To love a cemetery this much.”

It was impossible. It couldn’t be… Was it real, or was he hallucinating?

There was no way that Lucy Beaumont had found him here, in his sacred place. Well, Edward decided, if she were some sort of hallucination, no harm could possibly come from being vulnerable.

“I love it too.” He made the admission with a smile. “It’s like… it’s a different world out here. A world where they weren’t lost so soon… where they still exist.”

“Edward…” The hallucination of Lucy’s voice spoke again, softly. “I truly am sorry for your loss. Did I ever say that?”

Edward almost laughed. Now he was certain that it was no more than a hallucination. Lucy Beaumont would never apologize for his loss. She would know that she was the last person who needed to.