My Lord Protector by Bolen Cheryl
Author:Bolen, Cheryl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2021-10-12T00:00:00+00:00
Chapter Ten
Someone had destroyed her room. The silken bed coverings had been stripped away and thrown on the floor. The Sevres vases upon the mantel now laid on their sides. The drawers on her French writing desk had been flung to the floor, their contents sprayed across the carpet. Even the portrait that hung above the mantel now stood against a wall. The doors of her linen press gaped open, and her clothing heaped on the floor.
Nothing in her chamber remained untouched from the onslaught.
In one agonizing second, she was transported back to that night at Heathergate, the night Mrs. Wyndham had been murdered. Mrs. Wyndhamâs rooms had been searched in just such a manner.
This could not be a coincidence. Could it? Her heartbeat roared in her chest. Her hands trembled uncontrollably.
Her first fear was that the culpritâpossibly the murdererâwas still there. Nothing could have persuaded her to set one foot into that room.
She allowed herself to hope hers was not the only room that had been searched. Perhaps it was merely a jewel thief.
But the fact Lady Harriett had not screamed upon entering her chamber revealed that Carolineâs room most likely was the only one so scrutinized. Which meant the murderer somehow had tracked her here. He must have been looking for Mrs. Wyndhamâs journal.
Sheâd never been more terrified.
Lady Harriett raced from her chamber, and one quick look into Carolineâs bedchamber made any questions unnecessary.
Heavy footsteps pounded up the stairs.
And then Lord Devere was there.
Even though she still was not ready to go into her chamber, she no longer felt such imminent peril.
He looked from her through the open door into her room. âWhat the bloody hell has happened?â
Caroline knew very well what the bloody hell had happened, but she was not at liberty to say. She shrugged and looked at Lady Harriett. âYour room was untouched?â
âYes.â Lady Harriettâs brows lowered. âPerhaps the thief mistook your chamber for mine.â
Caroline attempted to gather her composure, though it was impossible to keep the quiver from her voice. âThat must explain it. I have nothing of value.â
âAre you sure?â he asked. âYou ought to try to determine if anythingâs missing.â
She shook her head.
âYouâre afraid to go into the chamber?â he asked.
A nod was her only response. It was difficult to keep her tears from gushing.
His lordship stormed into the room, cursing under his breath. âWeâll have the parlor maid put things back to rights for you.â
âYes, and you can get ready for dinner in my chamber.â Lady Harriettâs gaze went to the crumpled clothing on her companionâs floor. âItâs best if you wear one of my dresses tonight.â
Devere looked under her bed, and when he straightened up, his gaze went to her. âRest assured, Miss Rutherford, no one is in your chamber. Have no fears about coming in here.â
He met them in the corridor. âAnd Iâm going to speak with the servants.â Anger sharpened his voice. âHow could this happen in daylight with a house full of servants?â
She had a very good idea.
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