Page 102 of The Texan Duke
She wrapped her arms around her waist in an effort to warm herself. It wasn’t the weather that chilled her, but the thought that someone wanted one of them dead.
“Why? I don’t own anything. I don’t have any power. I can’t change anyone’s life.”
“Don’t you have a legacy?”
She nodded. “From my parents,” she said. “And the bequest from Gavin.”
“What happens to it in the case of your death?”
“I don’t know.” She hadn’t made arrangements. She didn’t have a will. She’d never even discussed the matter with Mr. Glassey.
Neither one of them said anything, but all too soon the moment to speak was gone, swept away by the sudden appearance of Addy and two footmen.
“Oh, by the robes of Saint Brigid, what happened, Miss Elsbeth?” Addy did a quick curtsy. “Your Grace.”
“One of the statues fell,” Elsbeth said, hoping that the cook wouldn’t inquire any further.
She stepped away, directing the footmen to remove the remnants of the statue.
Gavin had been so careful in keeping everything that belonged to Bealadair and documenting every repair and replacement that there was one whole building dedicated to preserving historical remains. They would take the remnants of the statue there and it would be placed in a carefully labeled crate.
Suddenly, there were more people, maids and footmen, stableboys, even Douglas and Mr. Barton, every single one of them offering his opinion on how such a near tragedy could have happened.
“It’s the snow, of course. And the cold. Perhaps it’s cracked the stone.”
“We should inspect all the statues,” someone offered, not knowing that Elsbeth had done that exact thing herself.
“Perhaps they should be removed completely.” This comment was from Addy, who kept looking at the shattered statue and then the two of them.
She really should move away, but she had a feeling of safety around Connor.
Yet what if he was right? What if, instead of him being the target, she was? No, she couldn’t accept that, especially since he’d already been warned.
“You saw the White Lady,” she said, looking up at him.
Within seconds, she heard the buzz of conversation around her and realized that someone had overheard.
“His Grace saw the White Lady.”
“White Lady. The duke saw the White Lady.”
“It’s a warning, Your Grace,” Addy said. “She always appears to warn one of the McCraights,” Addy continued. “It’s been that way ever since the house was first built.”
Connor surprised Elsbeth by nodding, smiling faintly at Addy, and grabbing Elsbeth’s valise with one hand and her elbow with the other.
“Let’s not dawdle,” he said, guiding her through the throng of people to the back door of the house, making his way through the corridors with her at his side.
He didn’t say another word, and from his fixed look and thinned lips, Elsbeth decided it would be wiser if she didn’t speak, either.
Chapter 31
Soon enough they were at the library’s double doors. He opened one and stepped aside. She went through, and then watched him close the door and lock both of them.
He held out his hands and she removed her cloak, watching as he placed it on one of the low bookcases. He did the same with his coat and hat, smoothing his hair with one palm.
She removed her hat, taking some time with one of the pins before placing it atop her cloak.
He still hadn’t said anything. Nor did she break the silence.
