Simon released her, smiling. "Dane, I didn't know you were…""In the days of our childhood you may have been at liberty to address me by my name, but those days are long since past, Denham," Dane replied."Dane, this isn't what it seems," Amelia whispered trying to explain, but saw unforgiveness in the bleak grey of Dane's eyes."No, of course it isn't, you're merely talking." He replied contemptuously."Please believe me!" She cried, taking a halting step toward him. For just that moment, Amelia felt great hatred for Simon."I am not going to believe any word that comes out of your mouth, Katherine." He said and his attention darted to Simon. "And you? How dare you touch my wife, you coward?"Simon clenched his jaw. "Take that foul insult back, Barnard." He lunged forward, but Dane stepped aside. One thing Simon hates is being referred to as a coward."You are a craven, just as your uncle was. He could not dare stand before my father, yet he dared to plan to elope with his wife. Pray

Amelia suddenly woke up, her breathing was ragged and she was covered in a thin layer of sweat. She was disorientated from being woken so suddenly, but she remembered the nightmare she had so clearly. She had a dream of that night Katherine was murdered.So, it was William and Caroline. They killed her. She must inform Dane of this.How is she going to tell Dane without any evidence?She looked around the drawing room, standing up from the sofa, Dane was still asleep. Looking over shoulder, she saw Dane starting to shift, his hand going out towards where she had been on the sofa. His hand was reaching out, seeking her warmth. She detected the shift of muscles in his rounded buttocks. She watched, fascinated at how every movement, how every line of that big body exudes power. And his shaft.His shaft?Dane was hardening once more. She was quite sore, of that she could be certain, but Amelia didn't care, just the thought of the pleasure he could give her made her want him again.Going

Dane held her eyes. "Are you certain that you don't remember who did this to you?" Amelia remained quiet for a while. "I remember. It was Caroline. She pushed me." She said it gently. His face darkened. "Are you certain she is the one, or do you just want to accuse her because she is my mistress?" Amelia gasped, staring at Dane in disbelief. She couldn't believe that Dane could even think of her that way. "Are you insinuating that I'm lying?" She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "Why would I lie for such a thing?" Dane studied her. "Can you prove it was her?" "Yes. I just need to talk to her." Amelia nodded. Dane didn't say anything else. *** Caroline was standing in her bedchamber in a dainty yellow-striped muslin gown; her hands were visibly shaking. Her face went pale as she saw Amelia at the doorstep. "You!" "Yes, me." Amelia closed the door and confronted her. "How could you push me down the stairs?" "I didn't push you, your grace. You must

Amelia awoke to the soft, early-morning light that filtered through the curtains of her chambers. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her gaze fell upon a familiar figure at her bedside.There, standing watchful and vigilant, was Abigail, her ever-loyal maid. Amelia's heart warmed at the sight of the devoted servant who had become more than just an attendant; she had become a trusted confidante in this labyrinthine journey.Amelia's voice, tinged with sleep and concern, broke the silence that enveloped the room. "Abigail, what time is it?" she inquired, her eyes searching Abigail's face for any signs of urgency.Abigail, her expression a mixture of reassurance and trepidation, responded softly, "It is dawn, your grace. I've been here, watching over you as you slept soundly."Amelia's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but wonder about the reason for Abigail's unwavering vigil. With a gentle smile, she probed further, "Where is Dane?"Her question hung in the air, laden

As Dane and Amelia enjoyed a moment of intimacy in the oak grove, their worries seemed to melt away. However, their peaceful interlude was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Henry. He stumbled upon them, shock registering on his face as he witnessed Amelia in the grove.His heart ached as he watched them share a kiss, knowing that he had developed feelings for Katherine that he couldn't act upon, and she was married to his halfbrother. It was an abomination for him to have any feelings for her. Although it still hurts seeing them together, happy.Clearing his throat, Henry approached them. Amelia's panic was palpable; she knew that Henry had seen her on the duelling ground, a place forbidden to women. Dane, on the other hand, remained composed."Thank you for today, brother. I appreciate it," Dane said, acknowledging Henry's presence with a nod of gratitude.Henry smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I'm surprised to see you here, your grace," he sai