Page 107 of His Duchess' Mischief

Nicole nodded once, wringing her hands.

He felt eighteen all over again. It was as if nothing had changed.

“Do you know why I have come here?”

Nicole did not reply, her eyes widening further as she looked at him, her lip trembling.

“Thirteen years ago, you came to Godolphin House to find my friend, Lord Gordon Fernside. A few hours later, he was found dead.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek, the sounds of the park fading around them as Seth watched her fight her emotions.

“All I ask, My Lady, after all these years, is that you tell me the truth. Do you know what happened to him? Were you involved in any way?”

“I cannot speak to you, Your Grace. My husband is a jealous man.” Her French accent was thicker than before, her voice trembling.

“One moment, that is all it will take,” he implored. “A nod or shake of the head is all I need. I do not wish to have you punished; I just want to know the truth.”

She took a small step forward. “I do not know what happened to him. I swear it on everything I love in this world. He was only ever kind to me. I believed that he might save me. But…” Her shoulders slumped.

“But he could not?”

“It was a fool’s hope. My father would never have allowed me to go against him. And in the end, it did not matter. I was taken to France, and after six months, I was married to Frederick.”

“And did your father find out about your tryst with Fernside?” Seth asked.

Her breath hitched again. “No, he never knew. But he almost discovered them both?—”

She clutched at her chest, her fingers trembling in fear.

Seth took a step forward. “Both of them? Was there someone else who also wished to marry you? To help you?”

Her fingers trembled as she glanced back at her maid helplessly, before wringing her hands in despair. “The only man I have ever loved was Gordon Fernside. He was kind and loved me for who I am, despite my flaws.”

“And the other man? You did not want him?”

She shook her head. “Never. He was cruel, forceful, even though I told him I did not want him.”

Seth’s eyes flicked to the Marquess. The nurse was turning his chair at the edge of the lake, and Seth hastily stepped back a few paces, appearing as if he were just another man strolling through the park.

He nodded to the Marchioness. “You have my thanks, My Lady. I am sorry that he was unable to save you from this fate.”

Nicole gave a faint smile. “We make the best of things.” Then, she frowned. “Do you not wish to know the other man’s name?”

Seth’s gut churned as he turned away. “It does not matter. I know of whom you speak.”

White’s was busy when he entered.

He was not certain where his friends would be, but he was relieved when he saw Isaac on the other side of the room.

His friend had his injured leg resting against the fire surround and was listening intently to Lucas, who was gesticulating with his hands.

Seth made his way toward them, marveling at how still and silent Isaac could be when he was concentrating.

In contrast, Seth felt as if his body was moving in every direction at once.

Ever since he had left Nicole, his mind would not calm down, flitting from one thought to the next until he felt he would go mad.

Have I truly found the answer after all these years? And if I have, am I brave enough to speak it aloud?

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