Page 144 of Ironvine

“Lord Ryvves?” Amanda called out sharply. “Do remember what I promised you, won’t you?”

Charles bowed his head stiffly and stalked off, pulling tight on his surging emotions as if they were a school of wild fish he struggled to hold in his net.

She had gone to Hugh after the duel.

She had seen him.

It was Amanda.

He struggled for a breath.

He clenched his jaw.You and I shall play a final game, Amanda. A grand finale, to be sure, and you shall get everything you deserve.

ChapterSixty-Two

Charles

The harpists’notes filled the air with their delicate music as he rejoined the throng of picnic guests. Rage shuddered through him, a tide of venom, dark and bitter.

Grabbing two cups of punch, he found his wife and the Duchess about to enter one of the mazes together.Perfect.“My dear ladies, I took the liberty of bringing you both refreshment.”

“Exactly what we needed. I thank you, Ryvves.” The Duchess took the cup.

Georgina sipped on the cool drink. “Hmm…perfect.” She glanced at him, her unaffected amiable smile filling his vision.

You are perfect, my love, and I will do whatever it takes to protect you. To protect our life together.

“I am here to offer you something else other than punch, Your Grace. Something you have been longing for,” said Charles.

“I am all fascination, Ryvves. Do tell.” The Duchess sipped her punch.

“How intriguing,” said Georgina.

“I shall tell you everything once you bring us to the depths of this intricate maze.”

“Is it a secret?” Georgina giggled.

Holding his gaze, the Duchess’s features sobered. She understood the need for privacy. “This way.”

They followed the Duchess, left then right, straight on, around a half circle. Left again, down a long narrow corridor of green, and, finally, the three of them were enclosed by a high wall of green hedge with no other route before them.

“I know who my brother saw at his final hours,” said Charles. In a low voice, he told them what Amanda had let slip.

“Oh no, no.” murmured Georgina.

The Duchess’s breathing deepened. She lifted her glass to her lips, a slight tremble in her hand. Swallowing, she steadied herself.

“She wants me to obtain an audience with the Duke for her.”

“Whatever for?” The Duchess’s brow furrowed.

He explained about a letter she claimed to have. “When I found Hugh that morning, his desk was a mess, ink was spilt, papers were strewn about, and there was ink on his fingers when I found him.”

“Yet you’d not found a letter?”

“No. She must have taken it. And whatever’s in it she wants to use against you, Your Grace. She is of the mind that showing your husband this letter would disgrace you in his eyes. and he would not want it made public.”

“And what reward is she hoping for?” asked the Duchess, unruffled by the information.

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