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The duchess smiled. “Perhaps. Why do you ask?”

Grace shook her head. “No reason. Just wondering if there is anyone else mourning his loss.”

Ford leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Tell her.” You might gain a sister, his eyes communicated.

But Grace shook her head. She didn’t want to confuse the woman’s grief. She had nothing to do with the duke’s conduct. It was better to leave it be, buried with the duke.

“Thank you for—” Grace was about to get up when the door opened and a tall, confident man walked inside.

“Pardon me.” He stopped at the threshold. “I didn’t know you had guests.”

That voice. The way he held himself was painfully familiar.

The duchess stood. “That’s not a problem. Would you like some tea?”

He turned toward them… His eyes, his nose—she’d seen him before.

“No, I would just like to have a word.”

The duchess nodded and excused herself.

Grace immediately turned to Ford. “It’s him,” she whispered, her pulse drumming in her throat.

“Who?” Ford frowned and leaned forward, to hear her better.

“That man!” Grace’s eyes flickered to the cracked opened door. “The man who used the name Erebus to get into our brothel.”

“Are you certain?” His eyes widened in surprise.

“Absolutely. He was wearing a disguise, but I am absolutely certain it is him. I recognized his voice and even some features of his face.”

The duchess rushed back in then and settled back apologetically.

“Apologies for asking,” Ford said. “Who was the man who just walked into the room?”

“Oh, I am sorry, I should have introduced you, I tend to lose my manners when I get emotional.” She smiled. “That’s the new Duke of Wolverstone.”

The End.

Continue reading for more…

After the End

Grace sat in her office looking through her papers when a commotion sounded outside.

Ford busted in holding Harmony by her arm.

Grace shot up from her seat. The last she’d heard of Harmony was when Ford had figured out that Jamison had bought his passage to the Indies. There was no record of Harmony leaving with him. She’d asked him to keep looking for her, and it seemed like he’d finally found her.

Her eyes were wild, her hair in disarray; Harmony held a bundle in her arms. She looked good. Her dress was new. She was disheveled but didn’t look like she was suffering.

“I found her,” Ford said and pushed Harmony inside. The poor young woman stumbled but managed to catch herself. “I knew you wouldn’t want me to send her to the gaol without speaking to you first.”

“The gaol?” Harmony pleaded. “No, please!”

“Sit,” Grace commanded coldly, and Harmony did.

With a silent nod, Ford exited the room. He knew Grace needed a moment with her former friend.