Page 31 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
Truly, the duke of Morland had done everything in his power to ensure that his life was as pristine as possible to onlookers. He kept himself dedicated to his work and tried to avoid scandals, using public events as a way of fostering businesses. His marriage to Anna had been a strategic decision that bordered on the fact that they had been seen together by so many people and shunning the natural order of responsibility that should follow would only be to both their detriment.
His brother had no such qualms, used to shifting his responsibility and the blame of them to others. And when Julian finds him, he would ensure that his brother is appropriately reprimanded for the foolishness that has cost him valuable time, strength and peace of mind.
They began asking people around the hall for information about Seth’s whereabouts, more often than not dismissed for interrupting an ongoing game.
“This is a hopeless waste of our time. We should retire for the day and –”
“You,” Lysander called, beckoning a man closer with a shiny coin in his hand. “What do you know about Seth Harrow? Have you seen him tonight?”
The man stared at the coin in Lysander ’s hand for a moment, then he shook his head, slowly shifting his gaze to the duke of Windermoor.
“I haven’t seen that gent here in months. Was starting to believe he croaked in some ditch somewhere. Would’ve gotten what was comin’ to him if you ask me.” the man stated, before pointing at a man at the other side of the room. “Jefferson over there has been waiting to settle a few scores with Munro. Says he’ll happily die after he's had his revenge, but not before. Mental, if you ask me.”
Lysander and Julian exchanged glances and Lysander cleared his throat.
“Right. You go,” Lysander said, handing him the coin. “For your troubles.”
The man went on his way merrily and Julian asked,
“What do we do now?”
Lysander paused thoughtfully for a moment, then he said,
“I have an idea, but I’ll need to conduct a few investigations first. I think I might know somewhere he might have gotten to, but beware. That place is far worse than this filthy hole.”
“There we go,” Anna muttered softly as she lowered Nicholas down into his cot.
He looked utterly exhausted, which she understood was as a result of how playful he had been earlier in the day. He had been given a warm bath afterwards and fed, during which he had fallen asleep so soundly, he didn’t even stir when Regina accidentally dropped a dish on her way out of his nursery.
Although it had been quite an exhausting thing at first, caring for Nicholas had begun to provide Anna with a sense of fulfillment she felt was priceless. Each time he snuggled against her or clung to her hand, his bright blue eyes staring at her, she could swear it made her heart swell.
She felt reassured each time she was able to watch over him and care for him, and every moment spent with Nicholas brought her closer to a notion she couldn’t put a name on because she had never felt anything like it before.
Anna wanted to protect him from every single form of harm, every potential danger that could pose a threat to him. As long as he was healthy, she was content.
“Sweet dream, darling boy,” she whispered, gently stroking his head before she quietly slipped out of the nursery.
The door had barely been shut when Ellen ran up to her side, breathing heavily as her wide eyes filled with alarm.
“Your Gra–”
“Shh! Nicholas is asleep!” Anna scolded quietly, shushing her swiftly.
Ellen glanced at the nursery door and slapped a hand over her mouth, her gaze apologetic.
“My apologies, Your Grace. It’s just – your mother. She has just arrived and is looking for you.”
Anna’s heart sank heavily and panic steadily flooded her senses.
Quickly, she pulled Ellen away from the nursery, both of them trying to leave the hallway before Anna’s mother could get a sense of what they had to hide.
“Why was she allowed in? I have expressly asked that she be turned away upon arrival.” Anna hissed, letting go of Ellen’s arm as they began to descend down the stairs.
“She said it was important, Your Grace. Lady Hayward had apparently claimed she needed to speak with you right away. The other maids were reluctant to turn her away because –”
“There you are! Do you not know how rude it is to keep your guest waiting?”
Anna went still, the panic swirling within her slowly turning into rage.
