Page 56 of If Not for the Duke

Her brow puckered as she considered the question. “I’ve been trying to think of whether I heard any sounds before I was hit, but I didn’t. Thank goodness Lena came when she did.”

“Indeed.” Perhaps he should have a word with Lena’s driver. He might have witnessed something while waiting outside. There was always the chance Lena remembered additional details, as well. “I’m surprised she called so late.”

“As am I. I didn’t have the chance to ask if there was something she needed.”

Another maid arrived with tea and toast, and Sterling was relieved to see Bernie partake of both. He was also pleased she didn’t seem in a rush to rise. Rest would do her good.

They visited for a while longer, then Sterling rose. “I’m going to call on Lena to review the evening’s events.” He hoped she or her servants might have remembered something that would help catch whoever had hurt Bernie.

“Please give her my thanks again,” Bernie said.

“Of course.” Sterling kissed her cheek then departed.

Lena’s presence still struck him as curious. Why had she come to see Bernie at such a late hour? Was it truly a coincidence that she’d arrived within minutes of Bernie being hurt? Yet he had no doubt her concern for Bernie was genuine. The time had come to gain some answers.

*

Lena glanced upto see Davies standing in the doorway of the music room, where she’d been idly playing the piano with the hope of settling her thoughts without success. Not when she continued to worry how Bernie fared.

“The Duke of Renwick is calling, miss.” Davies’s surprised expression surely matched her own. “Are you receiving?”

She jerked to her feet, her stomach tightening with worry. “Of course. Please show him to the drawing room.” Had Bernie taken a turn for the worse? Or had he come to question her about the true purpose of her visit last night?

There was no point in wishing it was neither. That he’d only come to advise her that Bernie was recovering and see how she fared.

Lena gave herself a mental shake. Her attraction to him was making her long for what could never be. This was no more than a passing fancy, she told herself with the sternest of thoughts. Despite that, she pressed a hand to her racing heart, hoping to slow its rapid beat.

As Davies departed, she glanced down at her morning gown, wishing she’d worn a prettier one than the serviceable blue muslin. But she wouldn’t delay the visit by taking the time to change. Chances were he wouldn’t notice her attire when his thoughts were centered on his sister and discovering who had broken into their home.

She’d told her grandfather about the unsettling events this morning when they’d had breakfast and knew Davies had heard as well.

Her grandfather had been alarmed, but to her surprise, he’d been equally concerned for her welfare. His regard touched her, a pleasant reminder of how much he cared. Luckily, he hadn’t questioned why she’d chosen to call on Bernie at that hour.

Now, Lena hurried down the stairs to the drawing room, unable to slow her pace despite her uncertainty as to Sterling’s purpose. The few minutes she waited before Davies announced Sterling felt like a lifetime with her worry getting the better of her.

“Good morning, Your Grace.” She curtsied which Sterling acknowledged with a nod. “How is Lady Bernice this morning?”

“Resting at the moment.” He shook his head. “Still refusing to see the doctor.” Shadows marked his eyes, a testament that he’d had a sleepless night, as well.

Her heart melted at his obvious concern for Bernie. “Her condition hasn’t worsened?”

“No.” His lips twisted, his displeasure obvious. “But I would feel better if the doctor examined her injury.” His dark gaze settled on her, sending her heart thumping once again. “I hope you’re none the worse for the wear after what occurred.”

“Not at all,” Lena said, noting Nancy’s arrival in the doorway. Davies must’ve requested her presence as a chaperone. The butler was a stickler for such things.

“You’re certain?” Sterling asked as he drew closer, the intensity of his regard making her sure he saw more than she wanted him to.

“Yes.” Lena hoped she didn’t look as tired as she felt. “I am pleased to hear news of Bernie. I’ve been wondering how she’s faring.”

“She asked after you, too. The police came by but didn’t find any clues.”

“How frustrating.”

“I wanted to ask if you remembered anything that could be helpful.”

She searched her memory, wishing she could be of help. That she might remember a detail that would keep him from asking why she’d chosen to visit Bernie at such an odd hour.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t.” She’d been so focused on Bernie that she hadn’t paid attention to her surroundings.

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