Duchess by Chance(10)

Daniel realized that she was as much a victim, if not more so, than he in this mess they called a marriage. He’d never had a woman fear him and was at a loss to know what to do to reassure her that he meant her no harm.

“If you will follow me, please.” He nudged his mount forward and hoped she would follow.

They rode in silence for over an hour, rarely speaking, just the occasional word from him about the land or buildings and a responding murmur from her. Strangely, it was not an uncomfortable ride, perhaps because Daniel always enjoyed viewing the lands around his home. He knew every dip and rise and lush, rolling inch of pasture, and took pleasure in showing it to others. She followed where he led, the thud of Posy’s hooves the only indication of her presence.

“Stratton is a beautiful place, your Grace, and one I am honored to now call home,” she said as they neared the stables again, and Daniel heard the honesty in her words.

“I hope you will be happy here, Duchess.”

She didn’t reply, instead urging Posy past his mount into the stables. He watched her dismount unaided and hand Holby the reins. She then talked to the boy for several minutes and Hobly was soon chuckling at something she said. Her eyes followed Posy as he led the little mare away and Daniel wondered what she was thinking. She turned then and caught him staring at her, offering him a small smile she then bobbed a curtsey and left the stables quickly. Shaking his head Daniel led his own mount into a stable and began unsaddling him. It would be best for both of them if he left, only then could they begin to build their lives once more, and perhaps then she would also believe she was safe here at Stratton, safe from the men she feared.



Later that day, Eva stood outside her husband’s door once again. Taking a deep breath, she knocked twice. She had to do this one thing before he left for London. Thoughts of Reggie in her father’s care were constantly in her head and she had promised him that she would send for him as soon as she could. Betsy, her father’s housekeeper, was another she had vowed to rescue. If she could just get this interview over with, she would never bother him again. Wiping her sweaty palms on the skirts of her dress, she fought for calm.#p#分页标题#e#

“Enter!”

Dear Lord, he sounded angry again. Obviously his mood had darkened since this morning’s ride. Eva felt her heart beat faster as she pushed open the door and slipped inside.

“Can I help you?” The duke rose as she approached.

Eva hesitated briefly, her eyes going to the hands he had braced on the desk before him. They were very nice hands - big strong hands, with blunt-filed nails. They were hands you could place your heart in and know it was safe. Hands that would hold a child secure.

However, not her heart and definitely not her child.

“Well!”

Eva felt a spark of anger as he barked the word at her; she had done nothing to deserve it. When they’d last met, at least he’d been civil. Taking a deep breath, she then recited the words she had practiced long into the night. “I have need of your assistance, your Grace.”

“Of course. Speak freely.”

Eva was relieved when he sank back into his chair. She felt safer with him sitting.

“I wish to have my brother and a servant brought over from my father’s house, your Grace.”

“And you want my help?”

Eva nodded. “My father will not release either of them into my care if the request comes from me.”

She desperately wanted to lower her eyes - anything to avoid his intent stare - but she needed this one thing and then she would never ask him for anything more for as long as she lived.

“I would not ask if it were not important, your Grace.” Eva wanted to yell at him to speak but he just kept looking at her almost as if he was searching for something. When the silence became unbearable, Eva turned to leave. “I will intrude on you no further.” She would have to find another way to get her brother and Betsy here.

“Give me the name of the servant and I will see it done.”

“And my brother?” Eva faced him again.

“I know his name and will try to have him brought here to you. However, it may not be as easy because he is still under your father’s care.”

She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to him. He flipped it open and scanned the contents.

“Betsy Mullholland is the name of the servant and this is your father’s address?”

“Yes.”

“And it is important to have both her and your brother here with you?” he asked softly.

“Yes, your Grace.”

“I will make sure the request is made before I leave tomorrow.”