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Chapter Nine
Letty ran.
Her thoughts were in turmoil and she had no real idea where she was going but she just let her feet carry her away. For a moment, she contemplated finding George to tell him that she was going away.
But how will I explain why I am leaving?
She shook her head, feeling like a consummate coward as she slunk past the guards at the gate. She was fairly sure the Duke would tell his son something. She was also sure that whatever he said would not be complimentary.
Honestly, what did youthinkwould happen?
She had no idea but she felt a dull ache around her chest, as if her heart was breaking. She walked slowly down the road, her cloak providing some shelter from the cold breeze but still, she was unable to stop shaking.
Did he believe me? Does heknowthat he’s in danger?
The question nagged at her the further away she got from the manor. It dragged at her feet and slowed her down until she was merely standing in the middle of the road, unwilling to go forward but unable to go back.
She recalled the abandoned cottage where she’d squatted when she was spying on George and his nanny and decided to go there and regroup. Even if she chose to go to the rendezvous, there was no transport at this time of night.
With a sigh, she stepped off the road and made her way to the cottage. Tomorrow was soon enough to decide what to do next.
* * *
Bertram already regretted sending her away. He still had so many questions and she was the only one who could answer them. He was tempted to chase after her but realized he had no idea where she went.
You are not acting in a logical manner.
He berated himself as he poured a large brandy into his glass and drained it in one swallow.
You’re acting like some lovesick fool and that will not abide.
He sat down, putting his legs on the desk of his study and crossing them as he contemplated the shiny tips of his shoes. “If I go after her, I will have to turn her in to the authorities. There is no other alternative. But if I don’t…” he shook his head, grimacing in annoyance.
I didn’t ask for this.
He rubbed his chest absently, trying to get rid of the ache that seemed to have lodged deep in his bones. He felt as if he’d been cast adrift, with no anchor in sight and nothing but open sea in every direction, helpless and hopeless with no control over his future.
“God, why did you come here?” he whispered in despair. He knew he should be thinking about her words, about the possibility of betrayal and murder, but he was not yet able to face that. He was aware that war came with sacrifice and he knew that he must take measures to protect his son. It didn’t matter if he believed Letty or not. The allegation had been made of imminent threat, and he would be remiss if he simply ignored it.
If he was honest with himself, he would have had to admit that hedidbelieve her. He believed that she returned to warn himbecauseshe cared for him and his son. It was too apparent in the intensity of her gaze, wintry eyes gone dark with emotion.
Or else, she is a consummate actress.
From whatever angle he looked at it, he did not see any advantage for her, to come back and warn him. She could not have been naïve enough to think he might exchange her information with some of his own.
Could she?
He really hoped not because he had her pegged as quite intelligent for a woman.
Perhaps it is, after all, her womanliness that made her mawkish enough to return here despite the danger.
He got to his feet, walking slowly to the door with a sigh and wondering if he would manage to get even a wink of sleep. Before he retired to his chambers, he went outside and summoned one of his guards.
“Yes, Your Grace.” The burly, dark-haired man bowed before straightening up to look the Duke in the eye.
“Simon, I need to give you a very important assignment. Are you up to it?”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
