Page 111 of Bound By the Duke
Hyacinth leaned back with a sympathetic smile. “Enough of these tears,” she said gently. “When we return from escorting Nora to her suitor, let’s visit the park. A musical event is being held there—I swear it will lift your spirits.”
Aurelia nodded faintly.
Although she was grateful for the distraction, her heart was still heavy.
“It will be fine, sister.” Nora kissed her forehead softly. “I promise.”
Together, they resumed walking to the carriage sent by Nora’s suitor.
When they finally reached their destination, the housekeeper greeted them warmly and guided them to the drawing room where tea was served.
They sat down, and for a moment, Nora fidgeted in her seat.
“I cannot wait to see him,” she whispered, her cheeks pink.
Aurelia tried to sip her tea, but her curiosity won out.
Who is this man who has stolen Nora’s heart?
It wasn’t long before footsteps announced his arrival. The gentleman entered and executed a low bow.
“Ladies,” he greeted with a smile that seemed to have been rehearsed so many times. “Sir Edmund Hawthorne, at your service.”
Nora nearly melted at the sight of him.
“That’s him,” she whispered quickly to Aurelia and Hyacinth, her hands trembling with excitement.
Sir Edmund straightened. His gaze darted between them before landing on Nora. He spoke politely, but Aurelia caught the faintest hint of something unsettling in his eyes.
“I must say,” he continued, “it is an honor to host such refined ladies. Might I…?” His gaze returned to Nora. “Might I have a few moments with Lady Nora in private?”
Nora blushed deeper. “Of course,” she whispered. She rose quickly and smoothed her skirt, before turning to her sister with a breathless smile. “I won’t be long.”
She followed him out, leaving Aurelia and Hyacinth alone.
Silence fell over the drawing room.
Hyacinth’s brow creased. “Something about him…” she murmured. “It feels off. Too… polished. Too eager.”
Aurelia let out a slow breath. “I felt it, too. As though every smile and every word were rehearsed.”
Hyacinth nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t like it.”
Still, neither of them wanted to ruin Nora’s happiness.
They sipped their tea, waiting. However, too many minutes ticked by.
Hyacinth couldn’t take it anymore; she set her cup down with a clink. “This is taking far too long.”
Aurelia rose as well, alarm bells ringing in her head. “Let’s find her.”
They moved swiftly through the corridors, passing maids and footmen who bowed to them. The longer they searched for Nora, the more Aurelia’s dread grew.
Something was terribly wrong.
When they rounded another corner, a muffled sound reached them, followed by a sharp thud and a gasp.
Hyacinth’s eyes widened, and Aurelia’s blood ran cold.
