Page 91 of If Not for the Duke

Bernie glanced back and forth between them as if confused.

Sterling didn’t give her a chance to ask what was happening but took her arm and guided her toward the door. “You’ll want to change clothes. I’ll have tea and toast sent to your room,” he said, his voice fading as they walked down the corridor.

Lena blew out a breath, the urge to leave nearly overwhelming. But no. She would answer his questions as best she could, then leave. How unfortunate that she hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye to Bernie. She didn’t expect to see her friend again any time soon.

Lena didn’t have to wait long, although her nerves were stretched taut by the time Sterling returned, his expression unreadable.

“Thank goodness she was unharmed,” Lena said. Anything to break the uncomfortable silence.

“Thanks to you.”

Lena’s breath caught, but one look at his expression suggested he was not feeling any form of gratitude. In fact, his eyes were positively chilly.

The realization caused her to brace herself. “I’m so relieved. I’m sure you have questions.” As much as she dreaded the conversation, she also wanted it over.

“I do.” He held her gaze. “Are you working with Ludham and Winslow?”

Her heart pinched to think he believed that of her. How could she blame him when it was the logical explanation for her knowing Bernie was in trouble?

“No, I am not.” She answered without hesitation, though she doubted that would help.

His brow furrowed. “Then how? How did you know Bernie was in danger?”

It had been a long time since she had told anyone about her gift. But never had it mattered more. “At times, I have what you might call a feeling. A premonition of sorts.” Her entire body tensed as she tried to explain the inexplicable. “It doesn’t come often. But when it does, I often sense trouble.”

“Are you referring to some sort of second sight?” Doubt colored his tone, his dark eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. As if he didn’t believe her. As if he didn’t know her.

She held tight to her courage. While relieved he was familiar with the term, that didn’t ease her hurt.

“Yes. I don’t have a vision that comes to mind. I only know something is amiss. Not always who or where or what.” His eyes hadn’t warmed in the least.

Still, she forced herself to continue. “I felt that Bernie was in trouble. Thank goodness you knew where she was and how to find her.”

Sterling turned away, causing a lump to form in her throat. “I’m sure you’ll forgive me if I have difficulty believing all this.”

Lena bit back a retort. If he truly cared for her and trusted her, then his response would have been different. Her heart ached for what might have been, stealing her breath.

She had to leave before she told him how much she cared for him. After all, what mattered was that Bernie was safe.

She turned to go, only to turn back. “I know this is difficult to understand or believe, but it’s the truth.” When he didn’t respond, she clenched her fist, hoping to hold onto her composure. “I had your and Bernie’s best interests at heart. I hope you can find a way to believe that at least.”

Once he had time to think about what she’d said, he wouldn’t want anything to do with her. He obviously didn’t care for her in the same manner she cared for him.

“Bernie is strong and will recover from her fright,” she managed. Then she strode toward the door, relieved to see Nancy waiting, her eyes wide with sympathy.

Lena took a sip of a breath to keep sobs from coming. She needed to stay strong, even though she knew that when she stepped out of the house, she would leave her heart behind. With Sterling.

“Lena, wait!”

She ignored his request and ran down the stairs as fast as her feet could carry her. Before she did something ill-advised like turn around and tell Sterling she loved him.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sterling sat withBernie while waiting for the police to arrive, pleased she didn’t seem overly distraught by the ordeal. He asked her exactly what Winslow had said, so he could share it with the police and hopefully spare her the interview.

Bernie’s focus was on the favorable outcome rather than what could have happened. He hoped that didn’t change. She hadn’t asked why he’d come after her, but she eventually would. He wasn’t certain how to respond when she did.

All he could think of was that pistol pointed at Bernie. The image knotted his stomach with anger. It would take seeing Winslow caught to help ease the knot. Until that happened, he couldn’t think about talking to Lena though she was ever in his thoughts.

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