Page 81 of Rules for Heiresses
Stinson’s bedchamber was dark and the bed was empty, thank goodness. It would have been a nightmare, and a shock, to discover that he had returned at some point. Ravenna crossed the room with swift steps, pulling back the drapes to let in some light. There was nothing on the table beside the bed, so she made her way over to a settee and a low table in front of a cold hearth. Nothing.
Her stomach sank.
She wasn’t even sure what she was looking for.
Bronwyn must have wondered the same because she tapped her shoulder. “What is it you hope to find?” she whispered. In a few short words, Ravenna explained what had happened with the late duke’s solicitor, letting the girl come to her own smart conclusions. “You think he stole the documents?”
“I don’t know. I suppose I was hoping to find proof that Courtland was the true heir.” She gnashed her teeth in frustration. “This was an absurd scheme. I’m sorry to have involved you.”
Bronwyn frowned, eyes glinting in the gloom. “I think I can help, but I need time.”
“How?”
“You’re going to have to trust me a tiny bit more, Your Grace.”
* * *
Courtland stared at the missive that Rawley handed him. The news from his cousins could not have come at a worse time. Three of the estates given over to the locals to farm had caught on fire, and while his men had done their best to contain the fires, they had caused significant property damage. Courtland wasn’t too concerned with the loss of money—he’d make sure the families were compensated—but more about those who had been hurt. One fire might have been chance, but three at the same time suggested a plot.
“Arson?” he asked his man of business.
“I suspect so, Your Grace.”
“I should go back and assess the damage myself,” he said. “See to it that the workers and their families are cared for. Ready theGloryfor travel now.”
“And Sommers?”
Courtland frowned. “He will have to wait until I return. A delay won’t hurt him. Alert Embry and Waterstone to the change in plans. Alternatively, we can arrange for another ship. But right now, the lives of those who depend on me matter more.”
“What about the duchess?”
He sighed, the thought of her a hot lance to his chest. Since Embry and Waterstone had left, he’d been hard-pressed to get her urgent confession out of his head and the blatant defiance in her teary eyes. Shelovedhim. “She should stay here in case there’s danger. Inform her as well.” He paused. “After I leave.”
“Is that wise?” Rawley asked.
Courtland smiled wryly. “Probably not, but she’s prone to disguise and stowing away when the situation requires it. I’d rather she not have the chance. You’ll stay behind and keep an eye on her here.”
“Very well, Your Grace.”
After Rawley left to take care of everything, Courtland pressed his hands to his desk. Ravenna would not be happy, he knew. Nor would Embry and Waterstone. But he had a duty to those people who had gotten hurt because someone wanted to attack him. Showing up was the least of what he had to do.
He had a full wardrobe on theGlory, so it was only a matter of collecting some documents before leaving. Morgan had informed him that the duchess had gone out for a walk, which was a relief in itself. Facing her meant facing his own feelings, and he wasn’t ready to do either. Thanks to Rawley’s efficiency with the arrangements, he was quickly on theGloryand ready to depart in less than a handful of hours.
“How bad was the damage, Rawley?” Courtland asked his old friend, who had joined him on deck where he was waiting while the crew prepared the liner to leave the Docklands. He ignored the feeling resting like a boulder in the pit of his stomach. Something didn’t feel right. Perhaps it was leaving Ravenna behind. At least Rawley would be staying with her.
“Extensive.”
“Any deaths?” he asked.
“No, Your Grace. Minor injuries from smoke inhalation and burns.”
He blew out a breath. “Thank God. They have care?”
“Yes, as you instructed.” Rawley handed him a packet. “Here are all the names and the arrangements made as discussed.”
“Good. Excellent work. Thank you.” He cleared his tight throat. “Cousin, please take care of her. Tell her I said I’m sorry.”
His man nodded. “Of course, you have my word.”
