Page 70 of Courting the Wrong Duke

“What about him?”

“He left London during the night.”

Gabriel frowned. “Without notice?”

William nodded. “He abandoned his position, left his wages behind, and gave no indication where he intended to go.”

A heavy silence settled between them.

“That seems rather sudden,” Gabriel said quietly.

“Yes.” William looked back down at the letter. “The horse is still there.”

Gabriel frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Lord Eastmere's deposit remains untouched.” William folded the note carefully before slipping it into his coat. “The horse was never collected.”

Neither man spoke again for several moments.

At last Gabriel broke the silence. “You don't believe that's a coincidence.”

William met his friend's eyes. “No.”

A chill settled quietly in his chest.

The one man who had confirmed Lord Eastmere intended to remain in London had disappeared just as completely as the earl himself.

Chapter 10

The soft rap upon her bedchamber door barely stirred Rosalind from sleep.

“My lady?”

She blinked slowly, sunlight filtering through the curtains in warm golden bands. For one blissful moment, she simply lay there, disoriented by the unfamiliar sensation of having slept so deeply.

Nelly slipped quietly into the room carrying a tray with chocolate, toast, and a small vase holding a single late-summer rose.

“I do hope you'll forgive me,” she said as she drew back the curtains. “It is nearly noon.”

Rosalind pushed herself upright, surprised. “Noon?”

“You were quite exhausted when you retired.” Nelly offered an apologetic smile. “I thought you might appreciate the rest.”

Rosalind considered protesting before deciding the maid was probably right. The previous evening had left her mind far too full for restful sleep.

“I believe you're right,” she admitted.

Nelly's smile brightened. “I've also a note for you, my lady.”

Rosalind accepted the cream-colored envelope at once.

She recognized the handwriting before she broke the seal.

Lady Rosalind,

If it would suit you, I should be delighted to meet you for tea and cake at Gunter’s this afternoon.

Yours,