Page 66 of A Dilemma for the Duke

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Rockford rode upthe drive of Rockford Manor. He dismounted and tossed his reins to the groom. He took the front steps two at a time. As he came to the door, it opened. Mr. Turner was standing beside it.

“Welcome back, Your Grace.” Turner took Rockford’s gloves. “Mr. Greene has been waiting for you for several hours. I’ve put him in the drawing room with some refreshment.”

Rockford’s brow furrowed. “Greene, you say?” He looked toward the drawing room.

“Yes, Your Grace. He seemed quite insistent and… anxious.”

“What could be so urgent?” he murmured. Rockford nodded, handing his coat to Turner. “Thank you. I’ll see to him at once.”

He turned and headed for the drawing room, his mind racing with possibilities. What could have brought Greene here with such urgency? As he entered, he found Greene standing by the fireplace, his posture relaxed but his eyes focused with intent.

“Greene.” One look and Rockford was more curious and concerned. “What brings you here?”

Greene turned to face him, his expression serious, but his fingers twitched against his coat, betraying his unease. “Your Grace, we need to talk. It’s about a rumor.”

Rockford’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What about a rumor? There appear to be many. I cannot keep up with all of them.”

Greene took a steadying breath. “Someone has planned an accident. You are their intended victim.”

Rockford’s heart pounded, a cold chill running down his spine. “What do you mean?”

Greene’s gaze was unwavering, his tone firm. “There’s no time to explain everything. Trust me, you need to avoid Mill Road. The plan is already in motion. It could happen today, tomorrow—there’s no telling exactly when, but soon. Too soon.”

Rockford hesitated, his mind racing. The determination in Greene’s eyes, however, was undeniable. Despite his usual wariness, something about Greene’s demeanor was different today, more urgent, more focused. “Alright. Let’s discuss this further in my study.” He was ready to hear what Green had to say despite the dread creeping into his thoughts.

As they moved to the study, Rockford’s thoughts churned. Hastings’ ambition knew no bounds, and now, more than ever, he realized the extent of the danger they all faced.

Once inside the study, Rockford closed the door behind them. “Now, tell me everything you know.”

Greene leaned in, his expression resolute. “There isn’t more I can tell you. I spent a few hours trying to substantiate it. The answers I’m not getting lead me to believe the rumor is accurate. Even Hastings knows about it. I don’t know when or exactly where, but it will be on one of the carriage routes you frequently use. He’s hired men to ensure it looks like a tragic mishap.”

Rockford’s jaw tightened. “And you’re certain of this?”

Greene nodded. “As certain as I can be without knowing the precise details. With time running out, I didn’t want to waste time trying to get more details. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t warn you. Hastings and his accomplices have created an atmosphere that welcomes this action. They know nothing of the details but sit back and wait for it to happen.”

Rockford studied Greene for a moment, evaluating the gravity of his words. There was determination in Greene’s eyes, along with a flicker of something else, perhaps guilt or a desire for redemption. That was a feeling he knew well.

“I see.” Rockford took his time, his mind working through the implications. “Hastings and his friends have gone too far.”

Greene looked away briefly before returning his gaze to Rockford. “I thought I could handle this—just gather information. But Hastings’ obsession with Lora has driven him past the point of reason.”

Rockford’s head flew up. Once again, his closeness with Lora has drawn her into this mess. “Very well. I’ll avoid the carriage routes, for now. Hastings and his allies think they’ve won. It’s time they learn what happens when they overplay their hand.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

18 October 1822

Lora sat ather vanity in her bedchamber, absentmindedly brushing her hair as her thoughts drifted to the events of the past weeks. Her heart warmed at the memory of Rockford’s smile, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Come in,” she called softly.

“Good morning, Lora.” Harriet stepped inside, a folded letter in her hand and a furrow in her brow.

Lora stared at her friend’s reflection in the mirror. Harriet’s face was the same as her tone. Lora swung around. “I’d ask if everything was all right, but clearly, it isn’t. It’s Asheton or Colin.”

“No. Asheton is still visiting all our farmers, and Colin is with Mama.” Harriet glanced at the letter. “I received a letter this morning. It’s…” She held her breath. “Concerning.”

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