Page 3 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

As the cart came to a stop she watched as the driver climbed down from his seat. She knew she only had a few moments to get out of the cart without being spotted.

Gemma’s heart pounded in her ears as she gathered up her skirts and readied herself to move stealthily. With one quick breath she slipped from her hiding place, dropped down from the cart’s edge and landed lightly on the gravel pathway. She winced as her bruised knees protested, but there was no time to falter.

Darting toward a tree, she moved as silently as she could manage, and hid behind the thick trunk.

Her gaze scanned the grand building for a point of entry.

“There!” she whispered as she spotted a narrow door at the side of the house that was partly concealed by a large hedge.

That is no doubt the servant’s entrance.

She peeked from the side of the trunk, seeing that the supplier had his back to her, still unloading the goods he’d delivered to the estate.

This is my chance, she thought.

Wasting no more time, she ducked and scurried on quivering legs towards the servant’s entrance, constantly checking behind her for the supplier. Thankfully, he was still unloading.

As she neared the door, it appeared that her luck would hold. A footman dressed in simple livery was slouched against the wall, fast asleep. He remained completely oblivious to her presence as his soft snores rose and fell in the quiet of the evening.

Perfect.

She glanced behind her one last time. The driver was returning to the front of the cart for some reason. She breathed a sigh of relief.

At last, she moved past the sleeping footman carefully, holding her breath as she grasped the handle and slipped inside.

The estate’s interior was just as grand as its exterior. Gemma found herself in a narrow corridor, the scent of roasting meats and bread wafting towards her from somewhere nearby.

Her stomach rumbled in response. How long had it been since she had eaten properly? She could not remember, but knew she had no time at the moment to satisfy her hunger.

Stay focused, Gemma.

Voices echoed from further down the corridor. A quick glance revealed that several servants were busy scuttling about, carrying trays of food and drink, their movements hurried and purposeful.

Judging from their hushed conversations, there was some kind of event taking place; a dinner party, perhaps. Gemma’s eyes widened. If the entire household was currently so preoccupied, it might give her the chance she needed to hide.

She crept along the shadowy edge of the corridor, keeping her footsteps as quiet as possible. Her breath came in shallow bursts as she prayed no one would notice her. She glanced around frantically for somewhere to hide and spotted a set of double doors that were standing slightly ajar at the end of the hall.

Without thinking, she slipped through them and gently pushed the doors closed behind her.

It’s a library.

Gemma exhaled a soft sigh of relief, her eyes darting around the large room. Book-lined shelves covered nearly every inch of the library’s walls and heavy velvet drapes blocked out most of theremaining light from the setting sun. A large fireplace sat cold and unlit at the far end of the room, and plush armchairs were scattered about, which added a sense of comfort to the otherwise formal space.

It was quiet, serene, and—most importantly—empty.

She crossed the room cautiously, her shoes sinking into the thick rug beneath her feet. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything.

What have I done? What must I do next?

She did not know where she was or to whom the estate belonged, but none of that mattered for the moment. She had escaped St. Catherine’s. She was finallyfree.

Free… and utterly terrified.

Gemma’s heart sank as reality set in. She had no plan. No destination. No idea what she would do next. What if the people in this grand estate discovered her? What would they do with her? What if they sent her back to the convent? She could not go back. Shewould notgo back.

She walked over to one of the armchairs and sat down gingerly, trying to think through her situation. She had not planned this far ahead; she hadn’t imagined what she would happen after she had escaped.

I will just hide for a little while.I know that I will come up with a plan.

---