Page 70 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
“I hardly mind,” he said, chuckling at her embarrassment. “In fact, I find you rather charming this way.”
Aurelia pulled back slightly, her expression a mix of playfulness and shock. “You cannot be serious!”
“I can and I am,” he replied, his tone light again. “But I came down for a reason beyond mere jest.”
“What is it?” she asked, her interest piqued, her hands pressed against his chest.
Eilidh, who had been quietly observing them from a distance, dropped the basket she had been holding, sensing the couple’sneed for privacy. With a slight nod of understanding she retreated, allowing them their moment.
Philip’s mirth faded as he met Aurelia’s eyes. “I wanted to let you know that John will no longer be following you.”
“Really?” Aurelia’s eyes widened with surprise. “You have called him off?”
“Yes,” he confirmed, feeling relief wash over him. “I realized that having him follow you was not a sign of trust. I trust you, Aurelia. I do not wish to imply otherwise.”
Aurelia’s face lit up with a smile, a mix of relief and joy washing over her. “What prompted this change?”
Philip took a moment to collect his thoughts. “I reconsidered the arrangement and it no longer seemed appropriate. It was unfair of me to do that to you,” he admitted.
Aurelia smiled at him. “I trust you just the same,” she said in evident sincerity.
She leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss that lingered, igniting a glow within him.
As they parted, Philip felt a rush of joy at her declaration. “It pleases me greatly to hear that. I believe that I made the right decision.”
Aurelia gazed up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Is there something else do you desire?”
“Just you,” he replied, his voice softening.
“You already have me,” came Aurelia’s reply.
Philip’s heart swelled with hope. “Then let us return to my study.”
“I would like that very much,” Aurelia said, her smile radiant as they walked hand-in-hand to the manor.
Philip took his leave nearly two hours after their encounter as he had pressing matters to address. Once he had left, Aurelia felt it was the right moment to slip out of Oakdale Manor.
Her heart raced as she considered her plan.
On the night of the dinner party, after Beatrice had excused herself to the retiring room, Aurelia had confided in Catherine, expressing her desire to meet with her father.
“I need closure,” she had said earnestly. “To achieve that I must see him.”
Catherine had been supportive and had agreed to arrange a horse for Aurelia just outside the estate to avoid raising suspicion. She had also promised to send a discreet message to Lord Keldbrooke, instructing him to wait at a nearby inn. Aurelia could not have been more grateful to her friend.
The prospect of finally confronting her father filled her with a mix of apprehension and resolve.
I must do it no matter what.
Gathering her skirts, she made her way through the halls of Oakdale Manor and slipped out into the fresh air. The sun shone brightly, invigorating her spirit as she mounted the horse Catherine had arranged for her.
Aurelia had only ridden horseback a handful of times, and each time Philip had been right behind her. Now she had to do it herself.
“Hold steady now,” she whispered to the horse before she kicked it slightly and they started moving.
Aurelia’s heart pounded with anticipation as the familiar sight of the duchy whizzed by in a blur. She was determined to learn the truth about her father and this time no one could stop her.
Upon arriving at the inn, Aurelia dismounted and approached the door with clammy hands. She didn’t know what to expect, but she reminded herself that she had come too far to give up.
