Page 75 of Sincerely, the Duke
What should he do? What was right for his wife or what was right for her sister? A wave of dizziness caught him off guard and a sweltering heat felt as if it was consuming him. He simply had to do what seemed right to him.
Edwina would never agree for her sister to go and certainly not to aid her in doing so. He had already been up against his wife’s oath to her father and lost. That was futile, as he feared trying to stop Eileen would be. He had no doubt she meant it when she said she’d try again.
“What the bloody hell? Eileen, get back here and put down the basket of food and come to the book room with me.”
She stopped and turned back toward him. She held her mouth at an odd angle and her eyes squinted as if she faced the sun. Obviously, she thought he’d lost his mind. And maybe he had. His wife would surely think so.
“You want me to just quietly walk in there with you so you can lock me inside? That’s not going to happen.”
“I’m not going to lock you inside, although I should. I’m going to help you. If you are going to chase your dream, you are going with enough money to take care of yourself and not travel like a destitute drifter. And certainly not carrying your own food. I’ll give you plenty until you return.”
Her expression showed her doubt of his sincerity. “You give me your word?”
“Yes. For better or worse, I’m going to let you go. But you’ll damn well have enough blunt in your pocket to take care of yourself. I’ll also be sending a footman with you to make sure you are safe. While I’m at it, I might as well write a letter of introduction to Mr. Herschel for you. I have no idea if it will get you in the door since we are not acquainted, but if you meet with the man, or his sister, and talk with them, maybe you’ll get this fool notion you have out of your mind, come back home, and be ready to find a husband and be a proper wife.”
Her face softened, but her expression remained distrustful as she asked, “Are you really going to help me?”
“If it were any other night, I probably wouldn’t. And don’t forget to send a message to your sisters as soon as you get there so they will know you are safe.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” She made her way as if to hug him but he held up his hand to stay her.
“Don’t thank me for this.” Rick took another drink from the bottle. “I know Edwina willhateme in the morning.”
And that made him realize he loved her.
CHAPTER 25
THE ART OF BEING A FINE GENTLEMAN
SIR DUDLEY SAMSON PEMBERTON FINE
It is not easy to be a fine gentleman, but it is essential.
Edwina didn’t mind having her tea and toast brought to her bedchamber each morning, something that had never occurred when she was in York. In the duke’s home, Palmer and the meticulous housekeeper liked to have everything done the proper way. Edwina was getting used to their more formal style and cooperating as best she could, especially since her first meeting with Palmer had been somewhat contentious. They were getting along well and she didn’t want that to change, but she might modify her morning routine occasionally and join her husband downstairs.
Today, Edwina’s tray remained untouched on the table in front of the window where she stood looking out.
She didn’t know where Rick was. The door connecting to his room had been closed and quiet all morning. This was the first time he’d left before she’d awakened since sharing her bed. She’d missed that morning intimacy with him and tried not to feel bereft. He had probably forgotten to tell her about an early appointment. Maybe hehad one of his early shooting or fencing matches that he was so fond of participating in.
Finally deciding she couldn’t mope about it, she walked over to her breakfast tray to pour tea before it turned completely cold and noticed a note by the cup. Assuming it was from Rick telling her what he was doing, her spirits lifted, but just as quickly evaporated when she recognized Eileen’s beautiful penmanship.
Why would her sister send a note when she lived in the same house? That was odd. She opened and read.
I beg you not to be ill-tempered with me, Edwina, but understand I had to leave the security and comfort of your new home and life. You are happy and I’m delighted. Elle is adjusting more each day to life in London, but I am not. Therefore, as you read this, I am making my way to Mr. Herschel’s Observatory. I have done my best to help you fulfill your vow to Papa, but marriage is not for me. I am sorry I can’t do more but must fulfill my own dream. Please don’t follow me. I promise to write.
With love, dearest sister,
Eileen
“No,” Edwina whispered as her hands trembled. “She couldn’t have done this. It can’t be.” Edwina’s mind swirled with denial, but the weight pressing against her chest, obstructing her breathing was very real. Yes, Eileen had been unhappy in London, but she wouldn’t run away. This must be a joke. Except, her sister was not the kind to enjoy a joke.
Fear paralyzed her for a moment. If Eileen said shewas running away, she was. Edwina bit down on her lip and forced away the rising panic, trying to think of what she should do first.
Find Rick. She dropped the letter onto the table and rushed toward the door connecting her room and his chambers. If his valet was there, he might know where Rick was. She swung the door open to darkness. The draperies were closed tight but sunlight from her room spilled inside. Rick was sprawled on top of the bed sideways in a deep sleep. Her first thought was,He is dressed only in his trousers and shirt and with his feet bare?A prick of suspicion needled her. Had he left her bed after she slept and gone somewhere? There was no time to concern herself with that.
“Rick,” she called, hurrying over to him. “Rick, wake up.” She climbed onto the bed beside him and rested on her knees. Leaning over him, she shook his shoulder. His shirt felt wet, yet his body seemed warm. That was odd. She called him a third time and he roused slowly, blinking rapidly and holding his head.
His lashes fluttered up. “Edwina,” he mumbled and groaned as he rose on one elbow.
