“You may be her fiancé, but do you know of any other gentlemen who had an interest in Lady Helena? Any spurned suitors, or anyone of that ilk?”
“I do not, Miss McCarthy. Lady Helena had many admirers, but I cannot think of anyone who might wish to cause her harm.” Christian frowned, as he wracked his brain for any possible perpetrators.
Miss McCarthy nodded. “And she loves you?”
“What sort of question is that?” Christian could not help but feel affronted. What is she attempting to say in this?
“Lady Helena would not be the first young lady to elope with a gentleman she is not engaged to.” Miss McCarthy tucked an unruly strand of hair behind her ear. “If there were not five others in the same situation, it may have seemed the most obvious conclusion. Unless, she sought to use the kidnappings as a means of eloping without suspicion?”
Anger bristled through Christian’s chest. “She was very much looking forward to our union. We have known each other since we were children and have always supposed we would be engaged to one another, one day. Nor is she the type of fickle creature to make her family endure such torment, for the sake of an elopement. If there was another who had captured her heart, she would have told her mother and father, and they would have understood. Even if there were another, and they would not have understood, she adores her family far more than she adores me. She would not be making them suffer, I assure you.”
“I had to be sure,” Miss McCarthy replied. “I meant no offence by it. And I believe you are correct, but I had to inquire, in case.”
“Who are you?” Christian hissed.
“I am a woman of no importance to you, but of great importance to Lady Helena being found safe and well.” Her eyes leveled with Christian’s, and they held a challenge within them. “It is my duty, and my desire, to ensure she is rescued.”
Christian’s head spun with confusion. “What are you?”
“As I said, a woman with a duty to discover the villains who did this, and see Lady Helena safely back in your arms, so you may be wed.” Miss McCarthy sped up, moving to the Duchess’ side as they entered the bedchamber of Lady Helena. Naturally, Christian did not dare to follow, for his fiancée’s chamber was sacred ground where he could not step. Instead, he lingered on the threshold as they went inside, his eyes widening in bemusement as the door closed in his face.
Who the devil is she? Her gall, her subterfuge, her manipulation… he did not know whether to be appalled or impressed. But, if she truly could do something to find Lady Helena, then perhaps it was for the best that he kept his mouth firmly shut.
However, one thought remained as he stared at the closed door. Whomever this terrier was, he reasoned she would not stop until she had a culprit in chains. Which begged the sickening question…
Does she think me a suspect?
Want to know how the story ends? Tap on the link below to read the rest of the story.
https://amzn.to/37s8JTH
Thank you very much!
Also by Emma Linfield
Thank you for reading The Untold Tale of the Winter Duchess!
I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, may I ask you to please write a review HERE? It would mean very much to me. Reviews are very important and allow me to keep writing books that you love to read!
Some other stories of mine:
An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
His Duchess in Disguise
The Art of Catching a Marquess
The Remarkable Myth of a Nameless Lady
The Rise of a Forsaken Lady
A Duke Under Her Spell
Also, if you liked this book, you can also check out my full Amazon Book Catalogue HERE.
Thank you for allowing me to keep doing what I love!
Emma Linfield
About the Author
Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!
The Untold Tale of the Winter Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 29