Page 20 of The Miracle of Love
“No, Miss Montford. You are in safer hands with Mr. Quinton than you would be with an army of guards at your disposal. He is all the protection you will need and all you will get.”
The duke borrowed stationery from Lady Miranda’s desk, scribbled a quick note and marked it with his seal. He handed it to Deklan and then strolled out to join the family festivities.
Grace stared at the parchment now in Deklan’s hand.
He nodded. “Yes, Grace. It is the order permitting you to see your father. I suggest we attend to this immediately. Bundle up and put on some sturdy walking boots. We’re going to slip out the back way and keep to the mews and alleyways.”
“How far are we walking?”
“Can’t tell you that. We’ll flag down a hackney once we are out of Mayfair. Taking a family carriage is out of the question. We would attract too much attention.”
“Then you think Lady Miranda’s house is already being watched?”
He gave a reluctant nod. “I know it is.”
She surprised him by taking his hand. “I thought I could be brave about this. But I am officially scared. What are our chances of ever finding this crown?”
Slim to none, but he was not about to tell her that. “We are working every angle, Grace. Chances are very good.”
“You needn’t lie to me to spare my feelings.”
“Come on. Gather your gloves, scarf, and hat.”
He was not a religious man, nor was he ever one for wishing upon a star or believing in Christmas miracles.
This girl was so innocent.
He had been working in the dregs too long and forgotten that sweet, decent girls like Grace still existed.
He watched her fuss with her hat, tipping it at just the right angle before she pinned it to her hair. His gaze remained on her while she slipped her slender fingers into her gloves and then tucked a scarf about her throat. “I’m ready,” she said and turned back to him with a fragile smile.
She devastated his senses.
“Stay close.” He tucked her cloak about her shoulders, then took her hand and led her to the kitchen door used only by Miranda’s servants.
“What now?” Grace asked when he nudged her slightly behind him.
“We wait for my cousins to create a distraction out front.”
“Deklan, I’m sorry for being surly to you last night. I do appreciate everything you are doing for me.”
Truly, he was not a praying man.
But every blackguard and potentate connected to this crown was after Grace. It would be a miracle if she came out of this nasty affair unharmed.
He glanced upward and made a silent plea.
Do you think you can spare a miracle for Grace?
Chapter Four
“How are you,Papa?” Grace’s heart tore to shreds as she sat across from her father and noticed the dull resignation in his eyes.
“How can I be anything but disheartened? They treat me like a common criminal.”
Grace wanted to point out that he was a common criminal but held her tongue. It would only anger him, and she was already worried about not gaining his cooperation. He had not greeted her warmly and had yet to ask about how she or others in the family were faring through the ordeal.
“Gracie, I have been treated abominably, and you must do something about it.”
