Page 169 of Courting the Wrong Duke

Ahead, Rosalind drew her horse to a sudden stop.

William followed her gaze.

For two days, Bryn Hir had existed only as a name in a letter and a destination somewhere beyond the next mile. Now, as the road descended into the valley, the dark woods parted and the distant estate rose into view.

Bryn Hir.

Chapter 24

Bryn Hir seemed to darken as they watched it.

The last of the daylight had begun to disappear behind the mountains, leaving the distant house in shadow. From the hill above, Rosalind could make out little beyond a long stone façade, a steep roof, and several chimneys rising against the fading sky.

Woods crowded close around it on three sides, while no neighboring house or village light broke the emptiness beyond.

Somewhere inside that house, her father might be waiting for her.

The thought should have filled her with relief. Instead, fear settled so heavily in Rosalind’s chest that for several moments she could do nothing but stare.

For weeks, she had wanted nothing more than to know where her father was. Every false lead and unanswered question had been another obstacle between her and the truth, but searching had been easier than doing nothing.

Now the truth might be waiting at the bottom of this hill, and she was suddenly terrified of finding it.

The letter had called her father a prisoner, but it had said nothing about his condition. Nothing about whether he was ill or injured, whether he had been treated kindly or cruelly, or even whether he was still alive.

Rosalind had spent the entire journey telling herself that someone did not go to such trouble to imprison a man only to kill him, but hope was not evidence.

Anything could have happened in the weeks since he disappeared.

Her hands tightened around the reins until the leather pressed painfully into her palms.

“We should slow from here,” William said quietly.

Rosalind dragged her attention from the house and looked at him.

“We do not know who is inside or whether they are expecting anyone.” His gaze remained fixed upon the estate below. “Four riders arriving at speed will announce us long before we reach the house.”

Gabriel nodded. “And if someone is keeping Eastmere there, I doubt they will be pleased to see us.”

Rosalind swallowed.

Beside her, Isabella shifted in the saddle. “Then perhaps we should not all enter together.”

Three heads turned toward her.

Isabella looked mildly offended. “What?”

“What do you suggest?” William asked.

“Gabriel can remain near the front entrance. If anyone approaches, he can stop them or warn you.”

Gabriel glanced at her. “How generous of you to place me directly in danger.”

“You are welcome.”

“And you?” Rosalind asked.

“I will watch the rear of the house.”