The Heiress by Laura Beers

Author:Laura Beers
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-04-22T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Penelope’s eyes roamed over the shelves in the duke’s library as she looked for any book that piqued her interest. There were so many books available for her to read. Normally the duchess would adjourn to the library with her after dinner, but she said she didn’t feel well this evening and retired early.

As she stood on her tip-toes to reach for a book, she heard someone walk in, but she didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. She already knew. Nicholas. Every time he walked into a room now, she could feel his presence.

The steps came closer. “Allow me to help you, Penelope.” He easily reached up and pulled out the book that she’d been reaching for.

“Thank you,” she murmured as he handed it to her.

Rather than stepping back, he remained close, and she smelled the familiar scent of leather and musk, which was quickly becoming her favorite smell.

“I’ve been hoping to speak to you alone,” he said, his voice sounding less confident than before.

“About?”

He brought his brows together as he shifted his gaze over her shoulder. “What Lord Mountgarret whispered to you last night.”

She gave him a quizzical look. “Did you overhear what he said?”

“No,” he replied, bringing his gaze back to hers. “I just saw the way your face paled, and I assumed it was about me killing my brother.”

Penelope heard the anguish in his words, confirming what she already knew in her heart. Nicholas was not a murderer.

“Do you expect me to believe you killed your own brother?”

He stepped back and nodded. “My actions did.”

Reaching out, Penelope took his hand. “I know you didn’t kill your brother, regardless of what you are saying.”

Nicholas looked down at their entwined hands before bringing his sad gaze back up to her. “You are wrong. My brother is dead because of me.”

“Come,” she said, leading him towards the sofa. “Will you tell me what happened?”

Once they were seated, Nicholas dropped her hand and balled his into tight fists. “Eight years ago, Alfred and I came home to Lawrence Abbey for a holiday from Cambridge. We decided to go riding to the medieval ruins on our property.” He hesitated, clenching his jaw. “Growing up, my parents had strictly forbidden us from going to the ruins, but we were older now, more mature. We didn’t heed their advice.”

Nicholas leaned forward and placed his elbows on his legs. “It had drizzled that morning and the stone was slick, but we still went exploring. As we walked up the dilapidated staircase towards the second level, the wood gave way, and we crashed down to the floor below us.” He jumped up from his seat and strode over to the fireplace.

After a long drawn out silence, Penelope rose and walked over to him. “Is that how your brother died?”

He cleared his throat, and the shakiness in his voice was unmistakable. “When my brother and I fell, I landed on top of him. He broke my fall, allowing me to survive.” He placed his hands onto the mantle and leaned in.

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