Page 141 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Mrs. Ellis smiled softly. “So it appears.”

Jane turned as two men carefully maneuvered Father’s favorite leather chair through the doorway.

The very chair where he had read aloud every winter evening. The chair Colin had refused to let anyone replace after Father’s death. She felt tears prick unexpectedly.

Mrs. Ellis reached into her apron. “The duke’s steward also asked that I give you this.”

She held out a folded ivory note sealed with dark green wax. Jane recognized the seal immediately. Her pulse quickened. She accepted it carefully before breaking the seal.

Inside, the handwriting was bold and unmistakably his.

Lady Jane,

These belongings belong at Wynten House.

No memories should ever be sold to satisfy a man such as Zachary Deverell.

I have also secured a special license.

There is no reason for us to delay our wedding while your uncle waits to tighten his hold upon your family.

If you are still willing to become my wife, then allow me to remove that burden from your shoulders as quickly as possible.

I shall call tomorrow to discuss the arrangements.

H. Lockwood

Jane read the letter twice. Then a third time. The words blurred. He had not written of romance. He had simply solved another problem before she had even asked.

Mrs. Ellis watched her carefully. “My lady?”

Jane smiled through damp eyes. “I believe...I believe I am going to marry a remarkable man.”

One week later, the bells of the village church rang across the countryside.

Jane stood in the small antechamber beside the sanctuary while her maid adjusted the final folds of her ivory silk gown. The dress was elegant without being ostentatious. Soft satin. Long fitted sleeves. Pearls stitched delicately along the neckline.

She had never imagined wearing it under these circumstances. Not after Colin had been kidnapped. Not after Lord Maltby had broken their engagement. Not after believing she would spend the rest of her life trying to protect her mother alone.

Yet here she stood.

Anna, her maid, arranged her veil. “There now.”

Jane smiled. “Thank you.”

The other woman stepped back. “You look beautiful.”

Jane glanced into the mirror. For the first time in months, she scarcely recognized herself. Not because of the gown, but because the frightened woman she’d become after Colin vanished no longer looked back at her.

She still worried, still missed her brother terribly, still wished Father could stand beside her. But she had changed. She was stronger. Perhaps Hector had seen that before she ever had.

A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts. Ambrose stepped inside. He looked surprisingly solemn in formal morning dress.

He offered an exaggerated bow. “My lady, you truly look happy.”

She nodded. “I am.”

He studied her for a moment. “I have known Hector for nearly twenty years. I’ve seen him angry. I’ve seen him impossible.” Ambrose paused. “I’ve seen him win fights, lose arguments, terrify politicians, and frighten grown men without raising his voice.”