Page 61 of A Marriage for the Marquess

She removed the worn leather diary from her reticule, opened it to a specific page, and handed it to Ewan.

“Arrived early at The Gilded Lily and sat in Viper’s seat. He was furious. No one wins that often. Must be more than luck.”

When he lifted his head and stared at her, she said, “That is why I decided to go to The Gilded Lily.” There was nothing playful in her voice.

Ewan held her stare. “You were that determined.”

“Single purposed.” She nodded.

“And Duncan—”

“I didn’t ask him to come with me,” she interrupted. “If that is your question.”

“He would never let you go there alone.” His gaze was unwavering. “Neither would I.”

She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly at his unspoken promise, the deep commitment to protect her. Juliet felt a surge of determination to address the issue. It was now or never.

“When Duncan found me, he asked me to return to Glenraven Manor with him. I told him I couldn’t until I took back my brother’s honor and my family’s good name. I refused to bring you or your family shame.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” They were both quiet for several minutes. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the silence, creating a moment of reflection.

Ewan finally broke the silence, his voice gentle. “What else did you find in the diary?”

She took the diary from him, found the page she wanted to share with him, and then handed him the book. “Duncan mentioned that you play chess.”

He gazed at her, and she saw his mind working. He read the pages, and she waited as Ewan realized what Bradley had given them.

“Sebastian is Viper as well as the author of threatening letters.”

“I thought Duncan found something in that letter. I laughed when I found the spelling error.”

“He must be stopped.” His anger boiled. “I’ll walk you to the house.” He looked past the wall. “I want to go to the tree and see what Bradley left there.”

“I’m going with you.” She took the diary back from him. “You’ll never find the tree by yourself.”

He smiled that smile that made her heart thump. “Why am I not surprised?”

“There are no yew trees on the Fairmont property. As a boy, I searched everywhere for the oldest tree. I know each tree there.” Ewan led her through the small maze.

“Bradley knew there were no yew trees there. ‘Tall yew tree’ was his alias for you.” She said nothing else, her eyes searching his, waiting for the moment he understood the meaning.

Ewan stopped and studied her face, his expression turning serious. “He was warning—”

“That Viper wanted to destroy you and your family,” she finished for him. Her hand tightened around his, her heart pounding. Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away, meeting Ewan’s gaze with determination.

Ewan’s eyes darkened with anger and a flash of protectiveness. He gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. “I won’t let that happen. We’ll stop him, together.”

They walked to the garden door, where Ewan pulled on the bolt, swung the door open, and gestured for her to go before him.

They ventured into the Fairmont property, their steps taking them across the field and into the forest. Juliet led him to the mound, and they quickly climbed to the top.

“Here it is, Ewan.” Juliet’s voice was soft and reverent. “This is where we hid our treasures.”

Ewan looked from her to the tree, his eyes widening in surprise. “This is your tree?”

She nodded.

He laughed, a sound of genuine amazement. “Do you remember my quest to find the oldest oak?”

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