Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(79)

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Thomas walked around the estate looking for Rose, his heart pounding. If only he had kept a better eye on Lily, kept her out of Lybrook’s bed. But he had failed her. How in the world had Lily managed to fall down the stairs? He spied Rose at the stables, walking with Lord Evan. He ran toward them.

“Rose!” he shouted. “Rose, you need to come quickly!” Thomas caught his breath. “It’s Lily. She’s had an accident.”

Rose gasped. “What happened?”

“She fell down a flight of stairs. She’s…she’s bleeding from her womb. Lybrook’s physician is with her now.”

Rose nearly lost her balance.

Evan steadied her. “Easy, Rose,” he said. “It’s all right.”

“I must go to her at once,” Rose said. “I’m sorry, my lord.”

“Don’t be,” Evan said. “I’ll come as well. Jameson, what is the prognosis?”

“The doctor says he has to stop the bleeding. If he cannot, he’ll remove her womb.”

“No!” Rose cried. “What about the duke’s heir?”

“There won’t be one,” Thomas said. “At least not by Lily.”

Tears formed in Rose’s eyes. “No, no. That’s too horrible to contemplate. Oh, Thomas. What are we going to do?”

“Pray,” Thomas said. “Come on. We’ll go to the manor and wait for word.”

They walked quickly toward the mansion. A constable’s carriage stood out front. Two constables from Bath escorted Lady Gregory out of the house.

“What is going on here?” Thomas demanded.

“We have a warrant for this woman’s arrest,” one of the constables said. “We have reason to believe that she pushed the duke’s betrothed down a flight of stairs.”

“You!” Thomas bellowed at Amelia. “I should have known you were behind this, you conniving little bitch.”

“Thomas!” Rose admonished.

“She pushed Lily, Rose,” Thomas said. Then, to Amelia, “My sister could be dead because of you. She may never be able to bear children!”

“Good riddance, my lord,” Amelia said. “The little fool isn’t fit to be a duchess, much less to bear the next duke.”

“You take that back,” Rose said.

Evan tried to calm her. “It’s all right, Rose.”

“No, it’s not all right.” Rose cocked her head. “Why, that’s Lily’s ring!”

“It’s mine,” Amelia said.

“Thomas, it’s Lily’s,” Rose said. “She showed it to me earlier. The duke gave it to her for their betrothal.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I swear it. I’d recognize it anywhere. It’s a sapphire, not an emerald. It’s a very unique shade of green.”

“Constable,” Thomas said, “you can add theft to your charges. It appears Lady Gregory has stolen my sister’s ring.”

“Give it to me. Now.” Rose held out her hand.

“I’ll do no such thing.” Amelia seethed. “It belongs to me.”

Rage surged through Thomas. “Give that ring to my sister right now, or I swear to you by all I hold dear, I’ll break my cardinal rule of never striking a woman!” He moved toward Amelia, the constables doing little to stop him.

“Are you going to stand there and let him threaten me?”

“You’d best give the ring back, my lady,” one of the men said.

“Now, Amelia,” Rose said. “Lily’s ring, please.”

Amelia took the ring from her finger and dropped it in Rose’s hand. “Take the damn thing. It’s a silly bauble.”

Rose stepped forward and punched Amelia square in the nose.

“You little bitch!” Amelia screamed, tears streaking her face as blood gushed from her nostrils. “You broke my nose!”

“I don’t share your sentiment about never striking a woman, Thomas,” Rose said. “This one had it coming.”

“I don’t disagree,” Thomas said.

“Nice right hook,” Evan added. “When did you learn that?”

“Today,” Rose replied.



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Daniel sat on a bench in the chapel, his head buried in his hands. Please, God, save her. Please, I’ll do anything.

“Your Grace?”

Daniel looked up. “Lady Rose,” he said hoarsely. “Is there any news?”

“No, Your Grace. Not yet. I’m sorry.”

“Oh.” He stood. “Is there something you need?”

“No, Your Grace. I came to…give you this.” She held out the green engagement ring.

“Lily’s ring.” He took it and fingered the green stone. “Where did you find it?”

“It was on Lady Gregory’s finger. Thomas and I saw her as the constables were escorting her out of the house.”

“The ring I found especially for Lily?” He clutched at his hair. “Dear God, what must she have said to her?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought…that you’d like to have the ring.”