Chapter 3

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Kent Estate

"What do you mean, he's run off? And why are you wearing those clothes?"

Will's heart was beating like crazy as he stood in front of the Duchess of Kent. After he helped his best friend flee, he rode around in the Duke's carriage for hours. Now, he was hear delivering Elijah's message.

"Your Grace, my apologies. He insisted we switch clothes earlier today. He said he needed a few days to think things over."

The Duchess rose to her feet. "To think things over? That is preposterous. We need to get him back here. Immediately."

As The Duchess went to get the footmen to search for him, Will got to his feet and tried to cut her off. "Please, Your Grace, give him some time. He seemed very out of sorts earlier today. He's given me his word that he will return before the wedding."

The Duchess frowned at William. "Out of sorts? In what regard?"

William looked at the few maids, servants, and footmen that were in their presence. "May we speak privately, Your Grace?"

The Duchess that out attired breath as she nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course. Follow me."

She led Will to the library which was currently unoccupied. Even though there was no one in the room with them, they still wanted to make sure no one overheard them, and kept their voices low.

"Please, William, tell me what troubles my son."

"I believe it is the upcoming marriage, Your Grace. He confided in me that it sits ill with him; the idea of marrying a stranger. He had requested to have some space for a few days, to accept the reality of his situation."

The Duchess grasped Will's hand and had a worried expression on her face. "What If something happens to him, William? He's out there alone, unprotected."

"Trust me, Elijah is smart and resourceful. He will not do something reckless."

Elijah groaned in pain as he regained consciousness

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Elijah groaned in pain as he regained consciousness. What the hell happened? He thought as he looked around the unknown surroundings.

"Please, don't get up."

He jumped at the female voice and cried out when a pain seared through his left side. "Christ, that hurts."

"I told you not to get up," came that same female voice.

Elijah looked to the left and saw the source sitting by a roaring fireplace. She had a blue evening gown on underneath a black cloak and a matching bonnet covering her hair.

After he looked at her for a few moments, recognition dawned on him. "You're the woman who got attacked." He noted the blood stains on the front of her dress and met her gaze. "Are you alright?"

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