Page 114 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

She appeared at the top of the staircase, her face pale with concern. “Rowan? What’s wrong?”

“Where’s Selina? I need to speak with her immediately.”

Georgiana descended the stairs slowly, her expression guarded. “She’s not here.”

“Don’t lie to me. I know she’s been staying with you.”

“She was, but—” Georgiana stopped at the bottom of the stairs and crossed her arms. “Why should I tell you anything? You sent her away, broke her heart. She’s been miserable for days because of you.”

“Because her life is in danger.” The words came out harsh, desperate. “Someone tried to poison her in our home. Someone who wants to hurt me by destroying everything I love.”

Georgiana’s face went white. “Poisoned? When?”

“Four days ago. The water in our chamber was tainted. If she hadn’t collapsed before drinking more of it, she’d be dead.” Rowan dragged a hand through his hair. “I thought pushing her away would keep her safe… but I was wrong. They found another way to get to her.”

“Dear God.” Georgiana sank onto the bottom step. “I left her in the park with Mary just a few hours ago. She wanted to walk alone, to think.”

Ice filled Rowan’s veins. “Which park? Where exactly?”

“Green Park. Near the southeast corner, by the grove of trees. She promised to be back within the hour, but—” Georgiana looked up at him with dawning horror. “She never returned. I sent James to look for her, but he found nothing.”

Rowan was already moving toward the door. “How long ago?”

“Three hours. Maybe four. Rowan, what if?—”

But he was gone, the front door slamming behind him as he ran for his horse.

The ride to Green Park took forever and no time at all. Rowan’s mind raced through possibilities, each more terrible than the last. Annette had taken her, he was certain of it. But where? And what did she plan to do?

He reached the park as the sun was setting. It cast long shadows across the grass. Other visitors were departing, leaving the paths increasingly empty. Rowan searched frantically, calling Selina’s name, checking every bench and grove.

He found her in the southeast corner, near a cluster of trees that blocked the view from the main path.

Not Selina.

Georgiana’s maid was crumpled on the ground beside an overturned bench. She was awake, but trembling, her face streaked with tears.

“Mary!” Rowan jumped down from his horse and ran to her. “Are you hurt?”

“Your Grace…” she choked out, sobbing. “I’m so sorry. I failed her. I failed my lady.”

“Just tell me what happened. Start from the beginning.”

“She asked me to wait by the trees. Said she needed a minute to think. I stayed close, I was watching her, I swear. But then I heard something behind me. I turned, and someone hit me. When I came to… she was gone.”

“Did you see who it was? Hear anything?”

She shook her head, wiping her face on her sleeve. “Nothing. I’m sorry, I didn’t see?—”

“It’s not your fault.” Rowan helped her up, his thoughts already racing. “Can you get back to Lady Emberford’s? Tell her what happened.”

“Yes, Your Grace. But where’s Your Grace? Where would they take her?”

Rowan’s voice was low. “Annette’s got her.” He wasn’t really talking to Mary anymore. He was already moving, already calculating how much time he’d lost.

“Your Grace?” Mary called after him as he swung back into the saddle. “Who’s Annette?”

But he was already riding, hard, toward Mayfair.

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