Page 104 of Trapped with the Forbidden Duke
I am writing to express my concern. Her Grace took off to Red Acre Lodge in haste. She seemed very panicked, claiming that Lord Montgomery was in danger, but she did not revealanything further. Please, Your Grace, you must follow her. I worry for my mistress.
Lucien was already on his feet as soon as he read that Edwina had left the townhouse alone to go to Red Acre Lodge.
Why?
He was already running through the hallway to the stables outside. With a sharp command, he had a horse saddled and swung himself up onto it.
Without a second thought, he took off at full speed towards Red Acre Lodge. He did not trust whatever was going on, and he could not see her in danger.
Edwina, do not be foolish, he prayed desperately as he rode hard for his wife.
“Aunt Isabel, where is Nicholas?”
Isabel blinked at the sight of Edwina in the parlor. “You—I am—Edwina? Whatever are you doing here?”
“Aunt Isabel,please.”
Edwina had ridden hard all morning, finding herself finally at the estate within a matter of hours. Sore, panicked, and exhausted, she had almost collapsed when she walked into the parlor.
“Where is he? I-I cannot explain. I just need to find him.”
“He has gone on one of his daily walks, dear,” Isabel replied, still frowning. “But why the sudden appearance? Whatever is wrong? You did not mention your visit—and where is your husband?”
“Where does he take his walks?” Edwina asked, agitated.
“The woodlands. But he is fine, Edwina. You must let him get some fresh?—”
Edwina was already running, back out of the door, and crossing the acres of land beyond. She did not stop running until she was deep in the forest, the ground muddy from recent rainfall.
“Nicholas!” she called out, shuddering at the thought of something happening to her brother. She ran in every direction, listening for any sound. “Nick!”
But all she could hear was birdsong and the rustle of the light wind in the trees—and water.
There was a stream nearby.
Edwina tore off in that direction, every inch of her screaming that it was the right place to go to. Nights and nights spent worrying about Nicholas had her in tune with him. Her gut just told her that something was not right. She had known it every night he came home high on opiates, and she knew it now.
Finally, she arrived at the stream. Her eyes swept over the empty space, until?—
“Nick!” she cried out, rushing to the prone body.
Hot tears began to stream down her face as her shaking hands reached for him. She clamped one hand over her mouth as she took in the blood pooled beneath him.
“Nick,” she sobbed, shaking her brother.
But his body was limp, and he did not stir.
Chapter Thirty
Lucien arrived at Red Acre Lodge. He pounded his fist on the front door, only to barge inside when the butler opened it, looking startled.
“Your Grace?”
Lady Isabel was already in the hallway, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What is going on?First Edwina bolts in here like there is a fire beneath her?—”
“Where is she?” Lucien growled.
“That is what I am telling you! She ran right back out that door as though hell hounds were snapping at herfeet! She went to the forest to look for Nicholas, but I tried to assure her that all was normal. He takes these walks as per his physician’s orders.”
