Duchess Beware (Secrets & Scandals Book 2)

by Tiffany Green

  She bowed her head, feeling tears for the first time in years prick the backs of her eyes. Why couldn’t Daniel have loved her? She loved him to the point of pain and would have given anything if he returned just a small portion of those feelings. But he didn’t love her, and Silver knew it would take her a very long time, if ever, to come to terms with that.

  Taking a deep breath, considered her other dilemma. There was no guarantee her brothers would allow her to come back and live with them. They had sent her away before. So, she had better quit thinking of Daniel and start thinking of how she was going to convince her brothers to let her stay. She might also consider where to go in case her brothers told her she would have to leave. Would she return to England?

  Silver shivered, knowing how terrible it would be for her and Prudence if her brothers didn’t let them stay. Her hand moved over her stomach. It would be terrible for them all.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  In the mansion, Silver watched Larkin retrieve her chest of books from the duchess’ suite. The butler frowned as he carried the cumbersome thing down the stairs and out into the coach. The two footmen the family called John, really Samuel and Henry, followed with a trunk filled with some of the clothes Daniel had bought for her. Only a twinge of guilt wove its way to the surface. After all, she had nothing else to wear. The rags she’d brought from Kelmscott had been destroyed.

  Once the coach had been loaded with the trunks and enough food to feed the entire city of London, Silver turned to face the servants lined up to watch her leave. Even though she hadn’t said one word of her plans, they could sense something amiss. Undoubtedly, they would send word to Daniel. But she would be long gone by the time the message was delivered. He’d probably feel nothing but relief, anyway.

  “Er, Your Grace?”

  Silver turned. “Yes, Godfrey?” She tried not to think about how much she would miss him and the other servants. Even though her stay had been short, they had been so good to her. Mary would bring her tea with a bright smile. Mrs. Wiggins would fix her favorite lemon tarts regularly. And dearest Godfrey would always hurry to do her bidding.

  Straightening his spine, he set is jaw. “You can’t go.”

  Her lips twitched. “I am leaving, Godfrey.”

  His shoulders slumped, and he wagged his head back and forth. “But, Your Grace—”

  “Now, Godfrey.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “This is something I must do.”

  He stood silent for a moment, then lifted his head, squaring his shoulders once again. “Then I should go with you. For protection.”

  The hole in Silver’s heart tore open a bit more when many of the servants nodded, indicating they would also come and protect her. Several of the maids dabbed wet eyes with handkerchiefs or the corners of their aprons.

  “That is very kind, but quite unnecessary. I shall be fine.”

  If the servants came with her, they would certainly be dismissed. She could not—would not—have that. She had already put Molly’s job at risk. Hopefully Megan or Evie would hire the maid. She must remember to send a note when she sent the girl back.

  After a final farewell, Silver walked toward the coach, her heart heavy with sadness. She slowed her steps. She’d never be here again, never see Torie again. Her throat went tight and she closed her eyes, swallowing several times. But she had to be strong. Especially now. Her hand moved to her stomach and she felt more in control.

  Taking a deep breath, Silver squared her shoulders and glanced around. She frowned. Where was Molly? She looked through the small window, her frown deepening when she found the coach empty.

  “Has my maid returned?” she asked the two drivers.

  The larger of the two shook his head. “We ain’t seen ‘er.”

  Silver sighed. “Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

  She walked to the stables. “Molly?” she called as she entered the building. Receiving no answer, she was about to leave when she noticed a thin strip of light under the door to her right.

  Could Molly be in there? What on earth was she up to?

  Silver opened the door and came to an abrupt halt. “Oh, my,” she whispered, watching Molly and Garrett pull apart from a heated kiss. She hid a smile behind her hand after watching the maid’s face turn bright red as she fumbled with her mused gown. Garrett, however, recovered much quicker and turned to her, his eyes worried.

  “We were, um…” he paused and shook his head. “Where is Daniel?”

  Her mirth vanished. She shrugged. “Probably with Susanna Davenport.” She ignored her maid’s gasp.

  He looked away, grumbling some sort of curse under his breath, then faced her again. “Why do you need Fiona?”

  She shifted her gaze to Molly. The frightened maid shook her head, and Silver relaxed. “That is not your concern, Garrett,” she said. “Now I am afraid we are in a bit of a rush. If you will please retrieve my horse—”

  “Silver.” He stepped before her. “Where are you going?”

  “That, too, is not your concern,” she stated softly. She hated treating Garrett this way but had no choice.

  His eyes turned sad. “Has it truly come to this?”

  Swallowing back the knot in her throat, she gave a jerky nod. “I’m afraid so,” she whispered.

  Garrett swore again then opened the door. She and Molly followed and watched him retrieve Fiona from her stall.

  Silver’s relief fled when he started to saddle the mare. “What are you doing?”

  Ignoring her, he tightened the leather straps and continued working.

  “Garrett?” She stepped toward him as he tied the reins into a knot around the post. “What are you doing?”

  Again he ignored her, then disappeared back into his room.

  She turned to Molly who shrugged, then walked to Fiona. Garrett had tied the leather straps in some sort of knot. She pulled and tugged but the knot held. Rot!

  He reappeared holding a satchel. Without one word, he walked to the horse and secured the bag to the saddle.

  Realizing his intent, Silver shook her head and placed her hand on his arm. “Oh, no. You aren’t coming with us.”

  The cursed man still remained silent. Did all men have to be so stubborn? Her hand fell away when he walked back into the room, reappearing with several weapons.

  “Garrett, what are you doing?”

  When he still didn’t answer, Silver folded her arms over her breasts. “You are not coming with us, Garrett Somersby, and that is my final word.” She barely refrained from stomping her foot.

  He slid the last weapon into the waist of his pants and slowly turned to her. “That insane ex-fiancé of yours is still out there—somewhere. Not to mention highwaymen and many other unsavory characters that slither out after dark. I am not going to allow you to go anywhere without me.”

  She ran her damp palms down the sides of her dress. “You mean you aren’t going to try and stop me?”

  He shook his head. “I know you too well. You’d just escape when I wasn’t looking.”

  She couldn’t stop her lips from turning up. “Hmmm, you do know me.” And then she sobered. “Garrett, I don’t want you losing your job…”

  He placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “I won’t lose my job, Silver.” He gave a slight squeeze. “Trust me.”

  Having Garrett escort them would remove a tremendous weight. She wouldn’t constantly be so worried about the two unpleasant coach drivers she’d hired. Garrett would protect them all the way to Scotland. And he would be able to escort Molly back to England.

  Without another thought, Silver nodded. “All right, you may come with us.”

  ****

  The ormolu clock on the mantle started to chime, just as a knock sounded at the door. Daniel halted his pacing and turned. “Enter.” God, he hoped Silver had been found.

  Jenkins opened the door and bowed. “Your Gr—”

  Godfrey pushed past the butler. “I must speak to you at once, Your Grace.”

&n
bsp; Daniel dismissed Jenkins and nodded to the troubled servant. “What is it?” He hoped a catastrophe at the estate would take his mind off the fact Silver had been missing all night. At least Thomas Porter, the investigator he’d hired last evening, had started on the case.

  “Her Grace arrived at the estate yesterday,” Godfrey said, still trying to catch his breath.

  Daniel closed his eyes and sighed. Thank God.

  “She stayed long enough to gather her things and that horse of hers and left.”

  His eyes flew open. “What did you say?”

  Godfrey paled. “I-I said Her Grace came to get her clothes and her horse and left.”

  He took a step forward. “And you didn’t stop her?”

  “I-I tried, Your Grace, but she wouldn’t listen.” A sheen of perspiration popped out on the man’s forehead.

  Daniel reined in his temper. Unleashing it would help no one. “Tell me,” he said, softening his tone, “exactly what happened.”

  “Her Grace came and called for her clothes packed in a trunk. After the trunk was loaded in some old coach she must have hired, I begged her not to go. She wouldn’t listen to me, then I followed her to the stables. She was getting Fiona, you see. And Garrett was trying something fierce to stop her.”

  “And Garrett failed as well?”

  The man bowed his head. “Failed, he did, Your Grace.”

  Daniel ran a hand down his face and sighed. At least he now had a place to start looking for her. How far from Huntington could she have gotten in a coach? But which direction did she take?

  “Garrett did manage to go with her, though. Convinced her she’d be much safer with him along, he did.”

  Daniel jerked his head up. Oh, thank God! Garrett would keep her safe. “Did she happen to mention where she was going?”

  “No, Your Grace.”

  Gritting his teeth, Daniel closed his eyes. At least Garrett had managed to accompany her. His friend might have even left a note or a clue behind as to where they were going.

  “But I did overhear the hired coachmen say something about having to go all the way to Scotland.”

  “Oh, thank God,” Daniel whispered, then glanced at the loyal servant. “You did well. Now inform Jenkins I need Zeus saddled as soon as possible.”

  Godfrey bowed. “Right away, Your Grace.”

  ****

  Silver moaned as the coach rattled along the bumpy road, swaying from side to side, her stomach about to come up her throat. “Tell them to stop, Molly.”

  When the coach lurched to a halt, she scrambled out and ran into the trees lining the side of the road. When her stomach finished turning in-side-out, someone behind her spoke.

  “Are you all right, Silver?”

  She jumped, then relaxed her shoulders. It was only Garrett. The dreadful dream she’d had yesterday, and again last night, still fresh in her mind. She prayed it hadn’t been an omen, then chided herself for thinking such foolishness.

  “I’m fine,” she said. Exhaustion had come over her. Actually, it never left, just hung on. Those horrible dreams interrupting her sleep didn’t help. She leaned a forearm against the tree and settled her head on top, praying the queasiness and exhaustion would pass. How would she ever manage the long trip to her brothers’ estate like this?

  “You don’t look fine.” He stepped closer. “You look like you need a doctor.”

  She opened her eyes and turned her head. Garrett’s brows dropped low over worried eyes and a deep frown replaced his usual grin. She recalled what Daniel had told her about Garrett’s wife and how the woman had died from a terrible illness. An admission about the baby nearly spilled from her lips, but she altered her words at the last second. “I’m…I promise you, Garrett, I do not need a doctor.” She moved away from the tree. “Now let us be on our way.”

  “Sil—” Molly’s scream interrupted him.

  “Stay here!” He spun around.

  Silver took a step, frightened for her maid—her friend. “Garrett, I—”

  He swiveled back to her, his eyes ablaze with fear and fury. “I said to stay here.” Another scream followed his words.

  She nodded, her heart thudding wildly in her chest.

  He started again in the direction of the coach. “Don’t venture near the road unless I come for you. And if I’m not back in five minutes, run,” he said over his shoulder and left.

  Silver leaned back against the tree and clamped her gloved hands together. The wind picked up, sending down several dozen red, orange, and gold leaves from the trees. Please let Molly be all right. She closed her eyes, trying to fill her mind with counting seconds instead of those ghastly images from her dream when a low rumble sounded. The fine hairs on the back of her neck rose.

  Perhaps it was just her imagination. Or maybe the dream, again. It had to be the dream. With a deep breath, she continued to count. Twenty-one. Twenty-two. Twenty-three. Twenty-fo—

  The rumble sounded again. Low. Ominous.

  Silver lifted her head. With growing dread, she watched black clouds build above the tree tops. A frosty wind blew, gaining intensity with each gust, and caused more leaves to rain down on her. A flash shot through the darkening sky, and she gasped. The roar that followed magnified her fear.

  She took a step in the direction of the coach but halted, placing a hand over her stomach as Garrett’s words came back to her. Could she turn and run with her friends in trouble? What about the baby? She shivered, thinking of Victor waiting for her with his large knife in hand. Was that why Molly had screamed? Had Victor found them?

  A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by an ear-splitting crack. Thunder shook the ground. With a yelp, Silver picked up her skirts, spun around, and ran deeper into the woods.

  ****

  Daniel swiped the cold rain from his eyes, adjusted his wide-brimmed hat, and cursed the foul weather once again. And knowing how storms affected Silver, he gritted his teeth. He had to find her.

  Suddenly, through the frigid sheeting rain, he spied the outline of something large halted on the road ahead. Could this be the coach Silver had hired? Even though he knew she should be several miles north by now, he stopped beside the vehicle anyway, just to be certain. When he found it empty, he nudged his horse to continue on but paused when something emerged from the trees to his right.

  “I told you to stay in the coach. I will find her.”

  “Garrett,” Daniel shouted over the pelting rain and turned his horse toward the two soaked figures sitting on Fiona. His heart plummeted. Garrett held Molly, not Silver.

  “Daniel?”

  He halted Eros, a fresh horse from his estate, ignoring the surprise on Garrett’s wet face. “Where is Silver?” His throat knotted with fear.

  “It w-was all m-my fault, Your Grace.”

  Garrett shook his head. “No it wasn’t, Molly.”

  He tightened his grip on the leather straps in his hands. “Where is my wife?”

  “I’m not certain.” His friend glanced over his shoulder. “She’s in the forest somewhere.”

  Fear for his wife’s safety shot through him. He glanced at the dark trees beyond the grey sheet of rain. The urgency to find her grew intense. “How long has she been in there?”

  Garrett sighed, his arms going around the sobbing maid, and lifted his somber eyes. “Nearly four hours.”

  Silver cracked open her eyes. Bitter cold had settled into her bones. She shivered, curling into a tight ball, her body drenched. She tried to move, to stand. Molly and Garrett needed her to find help, but she couldn’t rise. Rain bombarded her arms and face like icy darts, soaking through her clothes, sucking the warmth from her skin. It stung her eyes, forcing her to close them. Her teeth chattered, and she wondered how long she’d been lying there. Minutes? Hours? Days?

  Her mother’s face came to mind. Silver moaned. How she missed her mother. Perhaps she would be reunited with her. And then she thought of the child she carried. The sweet babe would never know th
e wonders of the world. Books, music, art. Her child would be deprived of those marvelous gifts just as Silver would be deprived of knowing her child. She wouldn’t see his first step, hear his first word, or watch his first smile.

  A sob escaped, surprising her. She never cried. Hadn’t cried since before her mother died and decided she would not start now. Though she doubted she had the strength to shed a single teardrop.

  The minutes ticked by, the grim light through the trees spilled into darkness. Silver grew colder and her muscles cramped from shivering so long and hard. She took a deep breath and tried to relax, but that didn’t last long. She couldn’t stop the bitter cold from sinking deeper into her body. Her mind went fuzzy, numb. She had a terrible time staying awake. But she had to.

  She focused on the rain pelting the leaves on the ground around her. It roared in her ears. An ache in her hip made her shift, and she groaned when queasiness invaded her stomach. After swallowing several times to force back the nausea, she took some deep breaths, the frigid air burning her lungs.

  Exhaustion made it hard to think. Silver gritted her teeth, trying so hard to fight the oblivion trying to overtake her. But after a few more minutes, she wasn’t cold anymore. And then she couldn’t recall why it had been so important she remain awake.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  If the rain hadn’t chosen that moment to let up, Daniel would have missed her. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a dark lump in the center of a pile of leaves, and turned his horse in that direction. His heart nearly quit when he recognized her chalk-white face. Silver.

  She lay on her side, her knees drawn up to her chin. Twigs and leaves stuck to her drenched coat and hair. He scrambled off his horse and ran to her, his heart pounding in his ears. She didn’t move. He could not swallow the lump that kept rising up to his throat, more terrified than he had ever been in his life.

  Daniel fell onto his knees. Using his teeth, he removed his gloves. He had to find a pulse. God, let him find a pulse! His trembling fingers connected with her cold skin, and he jerked his hand back while releasing a sob. Tears blurred his vision then poured from his eyes, mingling with the rain that fell softly onto his cheeks and dripped from his chin. With a shuddering breath, he pressed his fingers against her neck, just to be certain.