Page 43 of A Virgin for the Beastly Duke

Bridget had also caught one of her errors; his wound had affected every part of his life. She hoped he would eventually be able to see himself as she saw him. A man with a good heart and the appeal of a god.

His gaze was intense when their eyes met, and he walked straight to where she was as soon as he watered the greenhouse, taking her hand and kissing it. From the corner of her eye, she caught Sarah and Gerard turning away, and when she looked back at Harry, she found the reason they averted their eyes.

He was caressing her with only his eye and her skin flushed with its every movement. Her body reacted of its own accord, and if they were alone in the greenhouse, she would have taken this chance to be close to him.

“I believe I should find Belinda,” Gerard said, walking out of the greenhouse.

Harry stroked her cheek. “I was looking for you.”

“What do you have for me?” she asked, taking a step closer until their bodies brushed and a thrill rushed down her back, settling in her solar plexus.

“This,” he whispered, lowering his head to lightly brush his lips against hers. Bridget had hoped he would kiss her the night before but she was exhilarated now.

Her arms ran up his shoulders to circle his neck, pressing her body into his and drawing a groan from his throat. She parted her lips to receive his kiss but he stiffened as Gerard called his name from the doorway.

“The brewery,” Gerard said, his countenance grave.

Chapter 21

“Open the other barrels,” Harry ordered, his gut clenching with anger.

Gerard and Meyer had interrupted him in the greenhouse to inform him that the ale that was aging in the new barrels had been contaminated. Upon his arrival at the scene, he saw the contents of one barrel in a pool on the ground. The liquid that was supposed to appear yellow was now black and foaming.

Gage opened another barrel and the same dark liquid poured out, the stench of rot filling the cellar. Gerard opened another barrel, jumping back with a curse when the contents sprayed out, staining his well-polished Hessian boots.

“What the devil is this?”

“I cannot say, sir,” Gage replied.

“Gage, what happened here?” Harry asked. His voice was low but the anger that resonated from it made Gage take a step back.

“Your Grace, the cellar was locked when I arrived but I met this when I unlocked the door. I swear I did not know how this occurred.” The man’s voice shook as he spoke, the fear in his eyes convincing Harry that he was telling the truth.

Harry had been present when the barrels were filled. He had tasted the ale. This should not have happened, at least, not without influence. He clenched and unclenched his fists for a moment before speaking.

“Someone was here,” he said, struggling to appear calm. “Have the place cleaned and halt production until we know who is behind this.” He turned on his heel and walked out.

Gerard followed him. “I will send word about this to the private eye I hired.”

Harry stopped abruptly and turned to face him. “You should withdraw your investment before the loss is too great for you to bear,” he suggested.

Gerard’s brows drew over his eyes. “No, I most certainly will not. I have stood by you through your darkest days and I will not abandon you now. We will find the perpetrator, and bring him to justice. I swear on this.”

Harry allowed his breath to hiss out through his clenched teeth. “I must have done something good in my life to earn your kindness.”

“You have done more good than any man I know, Harry. Do not deprive yourself of your merits.” Gerard placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

“Norman—“

“No, Harry!” Gerard took both of his shoulders. “We will not talk about Norman. Think of Bridget and the happiness she is bringing to your life.”

Closing his eyes, he allowed the tension to leave his body. The darkness still hovered around him and his conscience cried but he pushed everything he was feeling away and thought of her.

If someone was out, targeting him and attempting to destroy his fortune, then his wife was not safe. He looked at Gerard and nodded his appreciation before hurrying back to the castle.

“Send word to Lord Drew to come to Grayfield,” Harry said to Lander in the front hall before enquiring of his wife’s whereabouts.

Bridget was in another drawing room that was to be redecorated, the servants moving about her as they divested the room of its curtains and rugs. As if she perceived his presence, she turned toward the door, the worry in her eyes apparent. He quietly took her hand and led her to his study. He had made her a promise last night, and he was intent on fulfilling it.

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