The Duke of Ravens_Regency Hearts Book 3 by Jennifer Monroe

Author:Jennifer Monroe [Monroe, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Caroline was struggling to keep her attention focused on the discussion of business she was having at the moment with Philip; her thoughts kept returning to the kiss they had shared the previous week. Her imagination was persistent in sending her mind to that day when she would be able to share how much she cared for him and to hear the same returned by him. Although a small lingering doubt played at the back of her mind that Miss Mullens would cause problems, Caroline could not help but allow her heart to guide her steps. And her heart told her that he had indeed told the truth.

“Now, with your holdings in London,” he was saying, bringing her back to the present, “you could divert a portion of the rents to a new property.”

The scent of the man alone—a mixture of musk and orange added to that scent that was all his own—made it difficult for her to concentrate.

“I see,” she replied in an attempt to hide that she had not been listening. “What do you believe I should do?”

Philip smiled. “It does not matter what I believe,” he said with a touch of amusement. “What matters is whether you would like more holdings in London or if you would rather divert the funds to another city.”

“Well,” Caroline said, hoping to put her thoughts back to the meeting at hand, “London is the most beautiful city in the world, at least from what I have heard. Therefore, yes, I will advise Mr. Baxter to acquire more property as you suggested.”

“Very good,” Philip said, and Caroline hid her sigh of relief. Then he paused. “Perhaps you may want to go to London and see what is available for yourself. There is no reason you cannot do so, is there?”

Caroline had never considered going to London before—Reginald had gone on many occasions but always made excuses as to why she should not go—though she understood that most women in her position spent a vast amount of the year there. “As a matter of fact, there is not,” she replied with a grin. “I must admit that, at times, I forget I am free to leave when I wish.”

Philip gave her a smile. “You are, Duchess,” he said as he placed his hand on hers.

Fire erupted in her stomach at his touch, and she slowed her breath to keep control. Would he kiss her again?

A scream resounded from outside, and the blood in her veins ran cold. She followed Philip outside where they came upon Miss Lindston, blood pouring from her nose and a bruise already forming on her cheek.

“What happened?” Philip demanded.

It took a moment for Miss Lindston to speak. “The…the boy…”

Fear coursed through Caroline unlike any she had ever known. “What of my son?” she shouted. “Where is he?”

The governess sobbed and her entire body trembled.

Philip placed a hand on her shoulder. “Where is Oliver?” he asked quietly.

“The river,” she managed to say. “The men…they took him!”

Caroline heard screaming, and it took her a moment before she realized that those screams came from her.

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