Page 67 of Her Duke By Accident
Garvey Manor appeared quickly.
Matthew knew the acres surrounding his home better than anyone else, and could navigate them with his eyes closed if he wished. When they came upon the estate’s entrance, Matthew eyed the local physician’s carriage waiting at the courtyard. Other than that, everything else looked the same; nothing was out of the ordinary. It almost tricked him into a calmness, as though nothing peculiar had ever taken place.
At the base of the steps, Matthew launched himself off his horse, taking off running as soon as he hit the ground.
“Her bedroom!” Mr. Livingston shouted, totally out of breath as he struggled to get off his horse.
Matthew waved over his shoulder before disappearing into the manor, dodging servants and footmen that awaited him at the front door. His heart pounded tremendously against his chest. He knew it not to be from the running or riding, but rather the fear that threatened to grip him by the heart.
What would be there when he arrived?
What horrors might be waiting for him?
As he rounded a corner to the hall where Lucy’s bedroom was, Matthew didn’t bother to slow down. Lucy’s bedroom door creaked open, and the physician exited alongside the housekeeper. Matthew tried to study the man’s aged face for worry or pleasure.
“Your Grace,” Ms. Crawford said in surprise when she looked up.
Mr. Porter, the village’s physician, extended a hand towards the duke. “You are right in time, Your Grace,” the man said. “I was about to take me leave.”
“Your leave?” Matthew replied breathlessly.
“Well, yes, Your Grace.”
“Howdareyou leave so suddenly, without me yet arriving?” Matthew shouted, feeling the heat of anger and exhaustion rise up his throat. “I will excuse you once I have seen my sister!”
Mr. Porter stepped back. “If you would let me explain.”
“Explain what,” Matthew snapped, “your incompetence?”
The physician stared in shock.
Ms. Crawford reached for the duke. “Your Grace, just wait a moment!”
“Do not patronize me,” he retorted, eyes wild and wide with adrenaline. “You will listen to me, Mr. Porter! My sister?—”
“If I may be so bold, Your Grace,” Mr. Porter interrupted, raising his voice to be heard over Matthew’s, “you need to calm down!”
“How dare you tell me to?—”
“You’ll give the lady quite a fright if you barge in like this!”
Matthew met the physician’s eyes. The old man watched him warily, his hands extended as though he were prepared to hold the duke down. Breathing in deeply, Matthew clenched his hands into tight fists, trying to concentrate his adrenaline down to his fingertips.
“You’re right,” Matthew muttered.
Mr. Porter reached out to put a reassuring hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “There is no need to worry, Your Grace,” he explainedwith a gentle tone. “The accident had been handled quite well before I had even arrived.”
“What exactly happened?” Matthew asked, trying to keep his voice leveled.
“Lady Lucy and Her Grace went horseback riding,” Ms. Crawford said.
Matthew glanced at her. “And the duchess is uninjured?”
“She is, Your Grace,” she replied. “There was a mishap with Lady Lucy’s saddle.”
“You are incredibly lucky to have such a quick-thinking duchess, Your Grace,” Mr. Porter said, an amused smile pulling on his lips.
“What?”
