Page 70 of Her Sinful Duke

On the way up the stairs, he stumbled into Grandfather, who stared at him in shock. “Where are you rushing off to, James?” he asked, his eyes wide as he endeavored to figure out what was going on. “Is the house on fire?” he added in a playful tone as he always did, not realizing the gravity of the situation.

“Not quite, Grandfather,” James said without stopping. “I have to go and get Penelope. Her own sister sent her back to that horrible nunnery.”

His grandfather’s eyes widened in surprise. James knew that he probably had a million questions, but this was neither the time nor the place to ask them. The wise man that he had always been, he didn’t ask a question, but rather merely stated an opinion.

“I will come with you, James,” his grandfather said in a tone that did not allow for any backtalk. “I know I am of little help, but I can’t let you go on your own.”

James smiled at his offer. Having such support was priceless, especially at a time like this. However, he felt that this was something he needed to do on his own.

“No, grandfather. I told Adeline the same when she offered,” James explained, hoping that his grandfather would understand. “I have to do this on my own.”

“No,” his grandfather replied sternly. “Penelope is like a granddaughter to me, like my own blood. Even if I am only to wait in the carriage, I will come. And this is where our discussion ends.”

James locked eyes with his grandfather, and he knew it was the truth. He could also see how much the man cared about Penelope, how much they all cared about her and wanted her back, safe and sound, where she belonged.

James sighed, nodding. “All right. The carriage will be ready in five minutes.”

“In that case, I will be ready in four,” Grandfather nodded, heading down the stairs without another word.

Exactly five minutes later, the carriage rumbled through the gates of James’ estate, the horses’ hooves clapping against the cobbled streets, passing by houses and people until the city was nothing but a memory left behind. The green countryside opened its arms wide to welcome them. James knew that it would take them hours to reach their destination. Impatience and anger gnawed at him, but every time he glanced in the direction of his grandfather, the man would smile reassuringly, offering a silent nod.

That was enough to remind him that he was exactly where he needed to be. Fate wouldn’t allow him to fail.

CHAPTER34

“We’re here, Grandfather,” James announced the moment the carriage came to a halt at the edge of the gravel path leading to the nunnery entrance. He felt as if they had been traveling for ages, and finally, they had arrived.

James glanced over at his grandfather, who had insisted on accompanying him. Now, he was grateful for having someone by his side.

“Are you certain you don’t want me to come with you?” the man asked, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.

“No, Grandfather,” James shook his head, his eyes meeting his grandfather’s with a steady gaze. “This is something I must do alone.”

The truth was he was ready to do anything to bring Penelope back. He would not refrain from using any means to obtain that goal. However, he was hoping that this was a place of holiness and that they would realize that Penelope had been brought there by accident, and they would allow him to bring her back.

“That is wise,” Grandfather nodded. “But remember, I am here for you if you need me.”

James nodded, appreciating his grandfather’s understanding. “Thank you… for everything.”

His grandfather reached out and took James’ hand firmly into his own. “Go and find her, James. When you do, you’ll bring her home. Just trust your instincts, as you’ve done so far, and stay calm. You might come across obstacles, and only a calm and collected head will overcome them.”

With a final nod, James stepped out of the carriage and made his way towards the convent’s entrance. Each step felt heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to find Penelope, to bring her back, to make things right. As he approached the massive wooden doors, he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead.

He knocked on the heavy door, and a young novice greeted him with a curious yet wary expression. “May I help you, sir?”

James cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady and prevent himself from barging in, demanding that they give him back his wife. Instead, he spoke calmly, just as his grandfather instructed him.

“I need to speak with the Mother Superior,” he said. “It is a matter of the utmost urgency.”

The novice thought about it for a moment, as if she wasn’t certain what she should do. Finally, she opened the door, allowing him in. She led him through the dimly lit hallways of the nunnery, the echoes of their footsteps bouncing off the stone walls. They were adorned with religious paintings and tapestries. His mind raced with thoughts of Penelope, imagining what she must be going through and hoping he wasn’t too late.

They stopped in front of a door where the novice turned to him. “Please, wait out here. I shall tell Mother Superior you are here.”

He nodded silently, watching the girl knock on the door then be called in. She disappeared inside like a little mouse, almost invisible and obedient. He neared the door in an effort to try and overhear some bits of the conversation from inside, but he dared not stand by the door. A minute later, the door opened, and the novice stepped to the side.

“Mother Superior will see you now,” she told him, allowing him entrance.

“Thank you,” he replied, walking in then listening to the sound of closing doors behind him.

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