Page 57 of In Service to the Duke

Who knows how much time I have left before she comes back. If I want to learn anything about this governess, I need to do so now when I still have time to leave. My fingers tremble as I open various boxes, finding each of them empty.

However, in the back, almost if tucked away to be hidden, is a smaller, plain, unassuming little chest. My heart pounds in my chest as I open it up, watching in detached fascination as papers spill from the confines.

CHAPTER 25

ROBERT

On a few of them, the scrawl is messy, hurried, and with splotches on the paper which look like droplets. None of them make any sense, however. They all start similarly—some varied endearment or greeting to her mother.

This must be from Miss Gillet’s own hand. I bring the papers up to my face, wishing to drink her in, but any scent is quite faded and overshadowed by the ink and parchment. If she did indeed write these, it wasn’t within the last day or so.

Shuffling through the piles, my curiosity piques as I detect a different handwriting altogether. This one is neat and precise, crisp as it flows across the paper. Initially, I think it to be from her hidden lover, but this is most certainly the hand of a woman.

There seem to be only two from this mysterious writer, and based on the dates emblazoned at the top, I put them in order. Perhaps it’s from a friend of hers, someone who can help give me insight into the woman who refused me. However, my heart stops cold as I read the letter.

My Daughter,

By now, you should be settled in at Whitmore Manor. It is my hope you find the fortitude within yourself to do as we’ve planned and entice the duke. Our future rests on your shoulders. What point is it to have daughters if they cannot help provide for their parents in their older ages?

Though you are too young to fully understand the ways of the world, I trust you’ll figure out what needs to be done. As someone partway into their eighteenth year, you’ve seen enough interactions between those in The Ton to know what to do. It is obvious from your lack of being snatched up from the marriage mart that you do not possess what it is an Alpha craves to make you his wife.

It is my hope that you will push past your failings and capture the duke’s heart and make it bend to your wishes. Remember, out of all the available dukes I mentioned, it was Blackport you showed an interest in. Do not make me regret giving in to you and indulging such a choice.

Though others may be far comelier than you, you must help him see past your deficiencies. If you’re unable to, then simply put yourself in a compromising situation. If the duke is an honorable as purported, he will marry you without a second thought.

Once you are settled down with babies of your own, you will understand the need to guide and steer your children in the way which is best for them. If left up to you and your fanciful notions, you would have no doubt found yourself in trouble with that stable boy who mooned over you.

Write back to me with your plan so I may better guide you in your execution. You were called away so suddenly that we were unable to finalize the details. Be sure to burn this letter once you are done reading it.

I know you’re daft about such things and I feel the need to urge you to discretion. Your father and I implore you to make haste. The longer you drag things out, the harder it will be to extricate your feelings. Since this is merely a transaction, you cannot allow your heart to interfere.

Emmeline Gillet.

My jaw drops as I scan the missive again, unsure if I read it correctly. Unfortunately, the words do not change. They’re still damning, showing her guilt in black and cream. Anger and hurt war in my mind as the betrayal sinks deep into my heart.

She meant to trap me. All along, that was her plan. Why then did she refuse me? Were her earlier interactions with me some clumsy way of garnering my attention? None of this makes any sense. In some way, however, there is a small kernel of satisfaction which blooms in my heart as I read the letter once more.

She chose me. Of all the dukes to trap, I was the one she wanted. Part of me feels like that should count for something. Though it does lessen the feeling of betrayal just a touch, all it does is make my thoughts far more confused.

Hoping to put some order to what I’ve read, I pull out the second letter. My vision blurs as the paper trembles in my hands. Based on the date, this was written well before I left to rid my mind and soul of Miss Gillet’s influence.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to ascertain when Miss Gillet received it. All along I was worried she'd try to trap me, and I was right. The first letter is definitive proof she was sent here as a snake in the grass. I cannot fathom the next being any less damning.

My Daughter,

I have written to you numerous times, but still have not heard word back. I assumed you had been successful in trapping the duke, and yet, when no word of your nuptials reached me, I could only assume you chose not to go through with our plan.

Never you mind. If you’re concerned with how strong-willed Blackport is, I have another prospect who will be far more easily influenced by your whiles. In fact, I’m not sure what I was even thinking to begin with by allowing you to set your sights at Blackport instead.

The longer you’ve been away, the more I’ve been able to ponder the intelligence of this plan. I should have known from the onset you couldn’t pull of such a coup. It’s not as if you’ve shown any abilities to follow through while still living under my roof.

As such, I will come collect you in the next month if I’ve not heard back urging me to stay my hand. Though, with such incompetence, I’m of a mind to visit anyway, to make sure you manage to come out of this unscathed so you can set your cap at our newest acquisition.

In truth, the duke of Portswell should have been your aim from the onset. Not only is he worth a bit more than Blackport, but he also seems of an easy-going and gullible nature. I’m sure you’ll succeed with him where you must have failed with Blackport.

Please write back with haste if this is incorrect, and there is indeed to be wedding bells soon. Prayerfully, you’re already with child, so the duke cannot refuse you. As an omega, you have a duty to this family to make an advantageous match.

Remember to use what little whiles you possess. It doesn’t take much. A kiss in the garden with witnesses is all that’s required. Though this is far more important than anything I wish to ever entrust you with, I find I have no choice.