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Chapter Twenty-Six

Selina stayed in her room, where she was brought dinner. From what news Faith brought her, it sounded as though Leah remained in her rooms, as well.

After Selina’s botched apology, it was clear that it was for the best that the two cousins remained apart.

Selina sliced her meat while sitting at the writing table. Her poor dear letters were utterly destroyed; they remained in a pile by the side of her plate. She couldn’t bring herself to put them on the fire.

“My Lady?” Faith asked.

“Yes, Faith?” Selina glanced at her maid, who was seated in an armchair, her book in her lap.

“What do you think will happen now?”

“It sounds, to me, at least, that Leah’s not letting go without a fight. I don’t think that Uncle Latimer will accept a duel on Leah’s behalf…” Her stomach roiled nervously. “But I also don’t know that he won’t.”

She didn’t want things to come to that—not with death. But she knew that Jasper wouldn’t give her up. He loved her.

“I’m frightened, My Lady,” Faith admitted.

“As am I.”

Setting down her knife and fork, she sighed. She pushed her dish away. “I don’t know if I can eat.”

“You must keep up your strength, My Lady. And you must keep your hope.”

She looked over at dear Faith, who was looking at her, smiling in earnest.

“Everything will turn out right,” Faith said, gently. “I’m sure of it.”

Selina smiled, holding out her hand. Faith stood and stepped forward, taking her hand. Selina pressed her fingers gently. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Faith.”

“You’d have no decent clothes left, My Lady,” she replied teasingly.

“You sly thing!” Selina said, laughing despite herself. Faith beamed at her. Selina turned back to her plate, spearing asparagus with her fork.

Despite being cooked in butter and fresh rosemary, it tasted of ashes. She speared another. She would make it through dinner, as well as whatever the next few days demanded of her.

She was resolute—she would prevail. She would do whatever was necessary so that she ended up with the gentleman that she loved. She would.

* * *

Leah had spent the night, sleeping fitfully. She kept waking, still full of anger. In the darkness, she promised herself, that all would be solved. She would be the Duchess. The next morning, she was taking her tea in her room, alone, when she received a letter.

“This has arrived for you, My Lady,” Mr. Wickes said, delivering it right to her hand.

“Who’s it from?” she wondered, looking at the unfamiliar wax seal, the unknown hand.

“It was delivered by a courier,” he replied. “I know not, My Lady.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wickes,” she said.

She broke the seal, which was made with green wax—it was of two intertwined snakes. She knew of no one with handwriting such as this—it was so fine, with exquisite flourishes. The ink was dark, very expensive. The paper was fine—very thick. It had to have come from a gentleman.

My Lady Leah,

I have heard all about your current predicament. I have heard the Duke of Gillingham speak of his plans, which are to end his engagement to you in favor of the Lady Selina. I feel that you have been wronged. I would like to offer you my assistance.

If you can, slip out this evening, and meet me in the garden of Kirby Hall at eleven of the clock. Tell no one. You have my word that no harm will come to you.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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