Page 15 of A Duchess to Reclaim

“-Had found an interest in me. For quite a while I was able to curb his chase. I’d learned his schedule, made sure to be one step ahead so that I would not be cornered. I thought I was being quite crafty by keeping away from him in his house, but I forgot about the outside. I forgot, or maybe did not even think, that he could possibly follow me while I was out.

“I was visiting a friend one night in the shopping district in London, her mistress was a modiste, and they lived in the apartment above her shop. I left one night, late, and before I took three steps into the alley, he was there, pinning me up against the wall. I fought. I screamed. But even as others could hear me from the outer street, no one came. At one point I was able to wrench my wrist free, and I dug my nails into my master’s face, no longer caring if I lost my position.

I was able to get in a solid good scratch before he pulled out his pistol and clocked me to the head right well.”

Eve pulled back her lock of black hair then, revealing a jagged, lightning-like scar that stretched from her temple to her eyelid, and Amelia winced at the horror of it.

“Oh, Eve,” Amelia whispered, “I am so sorry.”

“I did not faint, but for a long moment I could not see or move my body. But I was awake as he took me to the ground and started tearing at my skirts. I thought it was over, that I had lost and was about to lose my most precious thing. And then suddenly he was gone. Off of me. Then I heard the sound of pain-filled moans and fists against flesh, and then running footsteps.

“I was so tired, so disoriented from the fight that I could not do anything when I was lifted up again other than open my eyes. For a moment, I thought the man was going to finish what my master started, but instead he pressed a kerchief to my head, and asked me if I would like a new place of work.”

Amelia’s brows flew up.

“My husband saved you?” She asked.

Eve nodded.

“He brought me here that very night, where Ada and Mrs. Morbate took me in and nursed me back to health. I have not seen but a glimpse of His Grace once every so often ever since. He is, as Mr. Morbate explained, a very busy man.”

Amelia thought on Eve’s story for a long moment as the water in her bath grew cool.

“Do others who work in this house have similar stories, Eve?” She asked after a while.

Eve was silent for a moment before she replied, “I have not yet spoken toeveryworker in this house and those that have shared their secrets with me are even less…but yes, it does seem so, Your Grace. And like myself, they rarely catch glimpses of or deal directly with His Grace. He seems to take us in, and as long as we are apt at our duties, allows us freedoms. It is why we are all so dedicated. Why we’re all willing to complete whatever task he asks of us. Even if it is a bit strange.”

“Strange?” Amelia asked. “How so?”

“Sometimes he directs us to disguise ourselves and go to London. To listen to certain people. To bring him information. It feels dangerous sometimes, but he always pays us handsomely for it.”

“But he is kind to you?”

Eve let out a laugh that startled her.

“Oh, Your Grace, I would not go that far,” Eve replied. “He is protective, surely, and he does provide more than most employers. But his disposition is um…surly. Calm, yes, but also quite gruff and a bit-” she paused, as if trying to find the right word. “Feral? Like a trained wolf. Lovable but you never get too close for fear his primal nature will take over.”

Yes, I can certainly agree to that description of him,Amelia thought.

She was quiet for another moment before she said, “Thank you for your story, Eve, and your time. It is growing late. You may go.”

“Are you sure I cannot help you out of the tub?” Eve asked, reaching for the bath sheet.

“I shall be fine doing it myself,” she replied. “I need to think on what I have learned.”

“Are you angry with me, Your Grace?” Eve asked, a worried expression glimmering over her beautiful face.

“Not at all,” Amelia replied, her tone reassuring. “I am most grateful. It seems, actually, that our circumstances to arriving at this house are similar and I must decide how to move forward. Do try to sleep well for we have much to do tomorrow. I shall see you in the morning.”

Eve curtseyed deeply to her then, and after whispering goodnight, left Amelia to her requested privacy. As she stepped out of the tub and began lathering herself in oils, Amelia thought of her circumstances, her future, and everything Eve had told her.

Dominic had mentioned twice now that they were allowed to lead separate lives, that, as long as she could perform her duties as a Duchess, he would ask nothing else of her. Just as he had done with the servants. He’d saved her. Saved them all, it seemed, but aside from honest work, wanted nothing in return.

After slipping back into her nightdress and sliding back into her massive, empty bed, Amelia felt a burst of euphoria undulate through her spine. She could have the life she truly wanted. Not as a constant plaything for a husband or an ousted spinster that only found solace in the space of a country house. She could live a life of adventure; of exploration. All she had to do was pay her due.

As sleep began to tingle its way through her body, Amelia found herself smiling. Her husband might not be doting or in love with her, it was true. But perhaps…perhaps he’d given her something far more precious.

CHAPTERFIVE

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