The Duchess's Secret Heir

tood by the large window of his study, gazing out at the dew-kissed gardens. His reflection in the glass mirrored his stormy expression, his jaw ta

iled failed attempts to locate her-a fleeting sighting in one town, a name that didn't match her alia

the silence. "Enter," he c

s trusted steward. He held a thin, leather-bound led

from one of our informants near Staffordshire. They believe t

s sharp gray eyes narrowing. "Go

rs. Turner, arrived in a small village some months ago with an infant boy. Sh

quiet anonymity of rural life. It was exactly the sort of calculated move he would have ex

Adrian asked, his vo

" Marcus replied. "A d

t little to him, just another dot on the map of places she might have vanished to. B

t the land surveyed discreetly," Adrian ordered. "If s

xpression unreadable

, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He had loved Isabella, still did in some corne

low and resolute, "she will return to Bla

d. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and fading autumn leaves. As the co

Adrian had said, his voice brim

e hadn't seen before. "He is not a pawn in your endless game, Adr

her then, and a part of him didn't understand her now. To him, Edward was the lega

ys puffing thin streams of smoke into the twilight sky. Modest cottages lined the cobblestone streets, their windows glowing wa

oom, the quiet hum of conversation paused briefly, villagers casting curious glances at the imposing figure in

g his hands on a stained apron. "Ev

r the night," Adrian

tured to one of the serving

surrounding area. He had memorized the layout of the village and its nearby hamlets

ing casual interest. A butcher mentioned seeing a young widow with a boy at the baker's stall. A seamstress described a woman fitting

village. Inside, the scent of dried herbs and lavender filled the air. A middle

ng for a friend who may have passed through this village. A widow, t

es, Mrs. Turner. She comes by now and then for tinctu

t was her. It had to be. "D

wary. "I'm afraid I can't say,

he forced a smile. "Of cours

knew now that Isabella was close, but he would need to tread carefully. If she caught wind of his presen

hought she could escape him, but Adrian Blackthorn was not a man to be outmaneuvered. He would