Page 4 of Her Runaway Duke
“What is this ‘thought’ of yours?” Levi asked, wanting to be done with this. He both loved and hated Fitz’s visits. As much as he enjoyed seeing his oldest friend, he also hated that they always brought him a spark of hope that life could go back to the way it used to be.
That, however, was impossible.
“It has been long enough. If you return to London and society and show your face, then all the rumors will be put to rest, and no one will talk any longer. It will also be much better for you than sitting here in this awful mausoleum. Did you know it is freezing in here? And I am not talking about just the temperature, although that is also an issue. When was this place built? Surely there was another in your possession you could have chosen, although I do appreciate how close to London you are, for I enjoy the ride.”
Levi stared at him, blinking as he tried to sift through all of the nonsense that had come out of Fitz’s mouth.
“You think I should show my face in London?Myface?” His mouth dropped open. “Surely you are jesting.”
“I would never jest,” Fitz said, pausing a moment before bursting into laughter, although Levi remained straight-faced. “Very well. I would jest. But not about this. What are you going to do, Levi, sit here alone staring at the wall for the rest of your days?”
“There are servants here.”
“Besides Thornbury, Mrs. Porter, and your creepy valet, they are all terrified of you.”
“They have reason to be. And McGregor is as misunderstood as I am.”
“I find this place morbidly depressing.”
“It fits, doesn’t it?”
“You need heirs.”
“No, I don’t,” Levi shrugged. “I do not much care about my family line, and someone will take over what is left of the mess that remains.”
“Is that any way to honor your family?”
“They are not here to care,” he said, pausing a moment before adding, “nor will I be when an heir becomes an issue.”
His words were true, but there was more to it. To have children, he would need a wife. While he was sure that some poor woman could be forced to marry him for his title alone, he was not about to saddle anyone with the horror of staring at him for the rest of her life.
He had no choice.
He would remain here in hiding. Alone. As it should be.
CHAPTER 2
As Siena, her mother, and Eliza walked up the stairs to St. George’s, the first notes from the organ wafted outside, although Siena’s senses were so heightened that she couldn’t concentrate on what song they were playing.
Eliza caught her gaze, giving her a nod that Siena was sure to instill confidence.
“Don’t worry,” she mouthed, and Siena’s eyes widened as she tried not to allow her hands to shake.
Not worry. Eliza had no idea what it was like to be inside Siena’s mind, for it was now a whirlwind of worry.
What if this plan didn’t work? What if her mother suspected what she was going to do? What if she was caught? What if?—
“It is time. Your father is waiting for you within. We have already caused a delay and we must be sure the baron doesn’t have to wait for his bride any longer than he already has,” her mother said. “Come along.”
“I know, Mother, truly I do, but I have a slight problem,” Siena said, her eyes meeting Eliza’s for a moment before quickly flicking away. Eliza had whispered to her what to say in the few moments they’d had alone after her mother had first descended from the carriage, but it had seemed so much easier at that time.
“A problem?” the viscountess said. “Now is most certainly not the time for problems.”
“I must…” she swallowed hard before forcing herself to say the words. “Relieve myself.”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed, veins in her neck straining as she leaned toward her. “You cannot be serious.”
“I am,” Siena said, her words breathy, but she was proud of herself for continuing. “I believe it is the nerves. I would wait, truly I would, but I cannot any longer for fear of ruining my dress.”
