Page 23 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
He looked up briefly before continuing to read. “You mean to say you did not read it?”
“I did read the first two sentences, but then I realized that they were meant for you, so I stopped.”
He nodded, still looking down at the paper. “That is very… considerate of you.”
She lifted her chin. “Iamconsiderate.”
He looked at her from beneath his lashes, an indulgent smile on his face. “Of course. Is that not what I said?”
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she wondered if he was mocking her. Before she could say anything, however, he pointed at the letter. “Do you mind if I finish reading before I get a certain lecture?”
She humphed, absolutely convinced that he was laughing at her. Nevertheless, her curiosity got the better of her, and she gestured for him to finish so that he could tell her what was afoot. He finished reading, the frown on his forehead deepening with every word he read. By the time he had finished, she was shifting from foot to foot on pins and needles to hear what he had to say.
He put the letter aside with a sigh and looked up at her. He cocked his head slightly to the side as he saw her expectant look. “What?” he asked.
“Well?What does it say?”
He turned away. “I assure you that whatever it says has nothing to do with you.”
“But it has something to do withyou.”
“Indeed, it does.”
“And so? What is it? Was it your brother?”
He whirled around a glare on his face. “My brother isdead,” he bit out.
“I know that. And my sincerest condolences for your loss. Does the letter tell you how he died?”
He ground his teeth, looking angry, and let out an infuriated huff of breath. He shook his head, turning away from her.
“Edward?” she persisted, albeit tentatively.
“Yes. It is about my brother. He seems to have written it at some point during his last days. I don’t… there is no indication of how…” he turned to face her. “Where did you find it?”
“In the basement,” she said at once.
He took a step toward the door, and she reached out to stop him. “Wait. What does your brother say?”
Impatiently, he thrust the letter at her, folding his arms, waiting. She unfolded it and began to read.
Dear Edward,
If you are reading this, then I am most likely dead. I am sorry for that. I know it will come as a shock to you. As you may or may not know by now, I am/was an agent of the crown. Whileit sounds quite lofty, the truth is that there is a mountain of murk beneath the gold leaf decorations and tiny teacups.
Ava snorted inadvertently then glanced at Edward in embarrassment before composing herself quickly and continuing to read.
I regret to inform you that I may have come across documentation that is incriminating against some very powerful people. Unfortunately, they managed to find out that I knew before I could act. I am currently trapped in a situation I fear I might not escape alive. I will try my best to smuggle this missive out so it can get to you. I pray that I at least succeed in that.
I trust you, brother mine. I know that if I fail, you will complete my work for me. Don’t go off half-cocked mind. This is a very delicate situation, and you will be surrounded by wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I can only wish you the very best of luck, and whatever you do, do not end up like me. Be careful.
Your most loving and regretful brother,
Jonathan.
She put the letter aside and put a hand on her heaving bosom as she gave her husband a bleak look. “What does this mean?”
