Page 54 of If Not for the Duke

“Thank you.” Bernie offered a weak smile then moved toward the door, the fact that she didn’t say more a sign she truly wasn’t feeling well.

He escorted his sister to her room, doing his best to offer comfort, hoping she could rest rather than dwell on the events.

“I will return to check on you shortly,” he said. He smiled at the maid. “Please send for me if she needs anything.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

After kissing Bernie’s cheek, he departed and hurried down the stairs.

To his relief, Lena had remained in his study, though she was standing, making it clear she didn’t intend to remain long. Her footman and maid stood just outside the door.

“Will you tell me what you know?” he asked her.

“I asked to see Lady Bernice and that was when Foster realized something was amiss.” She gestured around the study. “He and the other servants searched for her, and we found her in here.”

“Did you and Bernie have plans for this evening?”

“No.” Her gaze held on something just past his arm. “I wanted to speak to her about the letters and thought she might be home.”

“Thank goodness you did.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It might’ve been much longer before she was discovered.” He shook his head. “I can’t imagine who did this or what they intended.”

“Nor can I. I’m so sorry she was hurt.”

His stomach dropped at the idea of something worse happening. This wasn’t a simple theft since nothing had been disturbed. “I have to think whoever it was hoped to find something specific.”

“Something to do with the treasure hunt,” she suggested.

“It has to be.” He walked to his desk, relieved to see the drawers still shut. He tried the top right one, a sinking sensation flooding him as he pulled it open. A glance inside showed his notes that had been locked inside were missing. The treasure hunt was proving to be more dangerous than he could’ve guessed.

Chapter Fourteen

Upon returning home,Lena flung herself onto her bed, exhausted from the evening’s events. Relief that Bernie hadn’t been hurt worse added to the feeling, as did the fact that neither Bernie nor Sterling had questioned her presence despite the late hour.

She thought for certain Sterling would want to know why she happened to be at his home the very night Bernie had been hurt. Instead, he’d acted grateful she was there.

Surely, once he had time to consider the matter further, he would wonder why she’d called so late. Or worse, he might think she had something to do with Bernie’s injury.

She dearly hoped he didn’t.

Nancy knocked on the door and then entered, casting a sympathetic look at the sight of Lena lying on the bed. “This has been quite the evening, hasn’t it, miss?”

“Indeed, it has.”

“To think someone broke into the duke’s home is terrible, but to harm his sister is another matter entirely.” The maid pulled out Lena’s nightgown and laid it on the bed as Lena slowly stood. “I can hardly believe it. Thank goodness you called on Lady Bernice when you did.”

Nancy’s quiet chatter as she helped Lena prepare for bed helped to soothe Lena’s frayed nerves. Lena also liked that the maid seemed to have gained an appreciation for Lena’s gift.

Soon, Lena was settled beneath the covers for the night with a single candle on her bedside table, sifting through her thoughts. What had been taken from Sterling’s desk drawer? He hadn’t shared any details, nor had she felt she could ask. Perhaps he didn’t want her to worry, but she also wondered if he didn’t want her to know.

She didn’t need any special intuition to understand that the thief had been after details about the treasure hunt. She pulled the covers tighter as she shivered at what could have happened to Bernie. If whoever had been searching Sterling’s desk had struck her harder…

The thought didn’t bear consideration.

Lena hoped she hadn’t played a role in what had happened this evening. She had told several people who’d asked over the last few days that Clarke was digging in the wrong place. The timing of the incident this evening made her wonder if her comments had struck a chord with someone. The dig had been underway for a few weeks now and nothing like this had occurred before.

She should be prepared to explain why she thought Clarke was digging in the wrong place—a challenge since she had no proof. Only a feeling. Eventually, Sterling would hear of it and ask how she knew. The thought had her releasing a frustrated breath as she rolled to her side.

The whole situation was complicated and far from over. For tonight, she needed to put it from her mind and rest. Tomorrow, she would continue to search for proof that Clarke was lying. It seemed the least she could do to honor her father and his decades of work. No one should be able to erase that in a few short weeks.

---