Page 80 of Three Scandals for the Wild Duke

Hoofbeats followed the gunshot. Emma's heart pounded as she turned to see the source of the commotion. Like a mirage—no, a dream—George rode toward her, pointing a pistol up into the air. He had fired the shot, she realized, her breath catching in her throat. Behind him was Alexander, closely galloping on another mount.

What is going on? Why is George here?

CHAPTER 33

"Release my Duchess at once, Dewsbury, or I will make you regret your entire existence!"

Emma could hardly believe her eyes when George suddenly dismounted before them, his movements swift and purposeful.

Shock and disbelief flickered across her father’s countenance as he reluctantly loosened his grip on her arm and took a step back. Emma instinctively massaged the mortified flesh, still reeling from the intensity of the confrontation.

"You cannot succumb to their threats so easily, Dewsbury," cried an indignant Neads, who also dismounted earlier, his voice trembling with outrage.

Alexander took a menacing step toward the old Marquess, his presence imposing and unyielding. Neads instantly shrank back, his confidence dissipating in the face of such a figure.Coward!Emma thought, her disdain for the Marquess only deepening.

The hate in Neads’ gaze was apparent as he glared at them all, a hatred that mirrored the one in her father’s eyes as he met George’s equally intense ire. George looked as though he wanted to punch something to a pulp. Emma couldn’t help but feel a slight apprehension for her father, despite everything.

George, with more self-control than she had credited him for in that moment, simply said to the Baron, "Take several steps away from her.” Tristan obeyed, and George nodded. “Wise choice."

He immediately turned to her and made to draw her into his arms. Emma took a step back, shaking her head. "I don’t understand," she said, her hurt and indignation warring with her shock. "Your letter made it clear you no longer wanted me. What is the meaning of this now?" she demanded, her voice trembling.

"Emma," George stepped closer, his eyes filled with sorrow. But she stepped away again, maintaining the distance between them.

"Explain yourself, George," she insisted, her voice rising as desperate tears pricked at her eyes.

At that moment, the rain fell heavier, as if the heavens were telling her to listen to him. The droplets mingled with her tears, masking the true depth of her confusion.

"Let us return home, Emma, and I will explain everything," George implored. "But I need to get you home first."

"I am not going with a man who does not want me anymore," she replied obstinately, her heart breaking anew. “You write to me with a thorough rejection, and you come to pretend to rescue me? What is the matter with you?”

"I never wrote a letter, Emma. Your father and Neads forged it," he declared, his tone firm and sincere. “It was a near perfect forgery, too, for your mother showed it to me when I went to the house.”

Shock gripped her once again. She looked to Alexander, who was now helping an unhurt Antoinetta to her feet. He nodded in confirmation, his expression solemn.

Her relief was so overwhelming that Emma’s legs nearly gave way beneath her. She immediately felt George’s arms around her, steadying her, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Emma, please," he whispered, his voice filled with anguish. "I would never abandon you. You must believe me." She nodded, while he led her to his waiting horse.

Once she was atop and he had mounted behind her, George turned to Alex. “Take care of her lady’s maid, then bring the Baron and Marquess to me.”

Now Emma noticed that George and Alex were not the only gentlemen around them. There were others on mounts circling her father and Neads, preventing their escape.

Upon hearing George’s words, Neads ran forward, attempting to flee. One of the gentlemen reared his horse as if to trample the Marquess. He fell back, landing in a puddle.

Emma would have laughed were she in a different state of mind. She felt George lean close to her, his warmth enveloping her. “You are safe, my love.”

Releasing a shuddering breath, Emma allowed herself to lean back against him, deciding to trust him.

They arrived at the Seymore House before Alexander’s party, and George carried her into the house in his arms. The moment they entered the front hall, Jane and Olivia rushed to them.

"Oh, thank goodness you are all right," the women echoed in unison, their relief so palpable that Emma felt a fresh surge of emotion tighten her throat. She realized then just how glad and relieved she was to see them.

"She needs warmth," George said urgently.

"Quickly, let us get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold," Jane ushered him toward the stairs, with Olivia close behind. He carried her to a guest bedchamber, but as soon as he set her down on her feet, Jane pushed him out and closed the door.

"When we received news of what was going on, George asked us to wait for him here, and to bring anything you might need,"Olivia explained as she laid a frock out on the bed. "Because of the storm, Aunt Jane suggested we bring a change of clothing for you too.”

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