Page 161 of Courting the Wrong Duke

She had trusted William enough for his ignorance to frighten her. Trusted him enough that discovering how little he knew about his own family had felt almost like betrayal. Perhaps that was why walking away from him had hurt so terribly.

But when given a choice between protecting his brother and helping her find the truth, William had chosen the truth.

He had chosen her.

Rosalind tightened her fingers around Nelly’s. “Tell her I will bring Papa home.”

Nelly’s eyes glistened. “You had better.”

The next instant, she pulled Rosalind into a fierce embrace.

Rosalind held her just as tightly.

“Be careful,” Nelly whispered against her hair.

“I will.”

“And bring him back.”

“I will do everything I can.”

Nelly kissed her cheek before releasing her. “Then you had better go before I lose my nerve and wake your mother myself.”

Rosalind laughed softly through the sudden tightness in her throat. She fastened her cloak, took the traveling bag Nelly handed her, and hurried downstairs before either of them could make leaving more difficult.

The house remained silent as she descended. When she reached the rear corridor, she could see movement beyond the windows near the stable yard, where William and Gabriel were making the final preparations for their departure.

Someone else was waiting beside the rear door.

Rosalind slowed.

The figure wore dark trousers, boots, and a coat, with a hat pulled low over the face. For one startled instant, Rosalind thought William had returned.

Then the figure turned.

“Isabella?”

Her friend smiled.

Rosalind stared at the trousers before lifting her gaze to Isabella’s face. “No.”

“Of course I am coming.”

“It is two days of hard riding, and we have no idea what we will find when we reach Bryn Hir.”

“I am aware.”

“Isabella—”

“You are my dearest friend, Rosalind. Your father is in danger. Where else would I be?”

That silenced her.

Only moments ago, Gabriel had given William much the same answer. Rosalind could hardly demand the freedom to face danger for someone she loved and then deny Isabella the same choice.

She stepped forward and hugged her. “Thank you.”

Isabella wrapped her arms around her. “You may thank me after we find him.”