Page 131 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Lady Wynten brushed a loose curl from Jane’s cheek. “You look exhausted. You found something.”

It was not a question. Jane hesitated only a heartbeat. “Yes.”

Hope exploded across Lady Wynten’s face. “Colin?”

Jane nodded. “I found him.”

For one glorious second, pure joy transformed her mother’s features. Then she grabbed Jane’s hands. “Where is he?”

The question struck like a stone. Jane swallowed. “He is alive.”

Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, thank God.” She pressed both hands over her mouth as sobs escaped despite her efforts to stop them. “My boy...”

Jane guided her gently toward the sofa. Lady Wynten sat heavily.

“Tell me everything.”

Jane chose her words with care. “I found Colin hidden away in the countryside.”

“Hidden?”

Jane nodded. “Yes.”

“Was he hurt?” Fear dripped from her mother’s voice.

“He had been treated badly.” Jane thought of the bruises covering Colin’s face. “He is recovering.”

Lady Wynten squeezed Jane’s fingers. “Then bring him home.”

Jane looked down. Silence settled between them.

Her mother’s hopeful smile slowly faded. “Jane?”

She lifted her eyes. “There is something else.”

Lady Wynten went very still. “What is it?”

Jane took a slow breath. “Colin is not coming back.”

Confusion crossed her mother’s face. “I don’t understand.”

Jane had rehearsed these words during the ride home. “He left because he loved someone.”

Her mother frowned. “Loved someone?”

Jane nodded. “A gentleman.”

Silence. Lady Wynten stared at her without speaking.

Jane continued gently. “His name is Evan.”

Recognition flickered. “The duke’s brother?”

“Yes.”

Her mother’s brows knitted together. “But...”

Jane squeezed her hands. “They have loved one another for years.”