Page 49 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

“Of course, it is,” he bellowed.

“I cannot see how it is.” She matched his tone.

“I was the last person you truly had any contact with. Don’t you think if you go missing and an investigation is launched, it will lead back to me?” he asked.

Nora stared at him dumbfounded. Despite the shouting match they were currently engaged in, a certain part of her had managed to delude herself into thinking that the only reason he was here was because he cared for her and wanted to see that she was safe. But it seemed that was not the case.

“Then I apologize for not thinking about how this would affect you. Should that ever happen, I will ensure to send word to make sure that you are not blamed for my disappearance,” she said quietly.

Samuel regarded her in the small carriage. “And my reputation? How are you to remedy that? After all, I haven’t fulfilled your request yet, and you could actually ruin my reputation, which I highly value.”

Nora scoffed in an unladylike manner, crossing her hands over her chest as she stared fixedly at him. “I believe you said, on the night when I tried to blackmail you, that there was no way for me to ruin your reputation.”

He coughed awkwardly. “Be that as it may, I simply cannot let you go without fulfilling my own end of the bargain.”

Nora shook her head. “You need not worry yourself with that, Your Grace. Our deal was for seven nights, and I did not keep to that either. Perhaps we could consider it even.”

Samuel sighed, running his hand down his face. “Lady Nora, seeing as how I am the only one aware of your plan, I do believe it is my duty as a gentleman to ensure that you are safe. I simply cannot let you go on your way as such, knowing that at any point, you could come to harm and there would be no one there to ensure that you are safe.”

Nora gasped in shock as she stared at him. “H-how did you know I intended to carry out my plan this night? I never told you about that.”

He remained silent, a look of hesitation on his face and discomfort in his eyes. He stared out the window for a moment.

“Your Grace?” she called when the silence stretched on. “How did you know? Are you spying on me?”

He shook his head and sighed before speaking up. “After the dance, I came back to speak with you. That’s when I overheard your conversation with your friends. I overheard you saying you would be leaving soon.”

“Oh, I see.” She grimaced.

Nora hadn’t realized that they had been speaking loud enough for anyone to overhear them. The thought left an unsettling feeling in her chest. If he knew about it, then that could mean that someone else had overheard and could tell her stepfather.

She heaved a sigh. If anything, that made her decision to leave all the more warranted.

“I will escort you back home. Perhaps we could plan better and find a way for you to get what you want,” he said, holding his hand out to her as he opened the door, ready to step out into the cold night air.

Nora looked at the hand held out to her. She shook her head. This was the only chance she had to leave before she could no longer do so. If she returned home, her stepfather would only have her sent off to her step-aunt. She was ready to risk the chance of danger and getting caught if it meant she did not have to go to Lady Mathilda’s.

“I’m afraid I cannot do that. I have already made arrangements, and they are expecting me any moment now. I will not be returning home,” she said boldly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“I see you have no intention of changing your mind on this. I suppose that is to be expected, considering the trouble you have gone through to make sure that you are able to do this.”

Nora’s heart ached as she prepared for him to leave. It would be the last time she ever saw him. She looked at his face, memorizing every single detail of it. Her thoughts would be the only place he would exist. At least until she was strong enough to keep him out of there.

“I suppose if you will not be going home, then there is only one thing that can be done,” he said, shutting the door behind him once again. “I will have to escort you there to make sure that you arrive safely.”

Nora’s eyes widened in surprise. “You do not have to do that, Your Grace. I cannot trouble you so. I am prepared to go alone, and I am certain that I will be fine on my own.”

“I’m sure you can take care of yourself, Lady Nora, but I will be going with you,” he said, rapping on the roof of the carriage, his face set with determination.

Nora stepped out of the carriage and stretched her aching limbs. They had traveled a far distance, making sure to stop only when they were certain that neither of them would be recognized. While she had been a wallflower ever since she ruined her reputation, the Duke was a well-known man, and it would raise eyebrows if he was seen with a woman when they knew he was not married.

She wrapped the cloak tighter around herself and kept her head down as he had advised her to do when they walked into the inn. She looked around the space, grateful to see that it was almost empty, save for two men who were far too drunk to be aware of their surroundings and a couple enjoying dinner.

Her stomach rumbled at the sight of food. She hadn’t eaten all day as her mind raced and worried about how she would carry out her plans without risking Lord Worlington finding out about any of it.

“My Lord, My Lady, what can I do for you?” the innkeeper asked, a smile on his face as he stared at them.

“Yes, my wife and I require a room for the night,” Samuel said.

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