Page 15 of Master of Games (The Duke Fraternity #4)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Tabbie pushed out of her room, her heart thundering in her ears. She’s seen Whitehouse fire, the smoke so thick she had no idea…
She squeezed her eyes shut. Caden couldn’t die now. They’d only just…
She pushed her thoughts aside, stepping out of her room. Two footmen stood at either side of her door. She ignored them and started down the hall.
Until one of them, she thought his name was Evan, stepped in front of her. “My lady, His Grace has requested—”
She gave Evan a hard glare. She was going downstairs and no footman in her own house was going to stop her. The love of her life was in danger. “Last I checked, I was still the mistress of this house.”
Evan winced and slowly stepped aside, but both men fell in behind her as she made her way down the hall, stopping at the top of her stairs, the fear making her heart race in her chest.
Just then, the front door opened and Caden stepped through.
For a moment, she just stared, her eyes scanning him from head to toe, searching for injury. “Are you wounded?”
“No, love. I’m unharmed.”
Relief made her wilt, and she reached for the banister, leaning her weight against it. But it only lasted for a moment and then anger began to beat in her chest like a drum.
“You stupid fool of a man!” she cried pushing off the railing and starting down the stairs. “What were you thinking putting yourself in danger like that?”
He quirked a brow but she didn’t allow him to say a word as she raged on. “You’re a duke, and the man I’ve fallen in love with. What would have happened if you’d gotten yourself killed?” She reached the bottom of the stairs, crossing the entry. “If you died, I would have never forgiven you.”
He opened his arms and with a cry, she launched herself into them. He held her tightly to his chest. “I’m very sorry to have worried you so.”
“You should be,” she choked, but her voice had lost all its edge, replaced with her absolute overwhelm. “I’m not sure that I could have gone on without you.”
“Oh Tabbie,” he whispered against her temple. “If at any time something happens to me, you can and will go on. You are the pillar that will hold up both our lives. Have no doubt about that. Now if something happens to you, I shall simply bury myself alive next to you.”
“Stop,” she leaned out, thumping his chest. “I shan’t hear it.”
But he only gave her a soft smile. “You have a dinner to finish.”
“You cannot possible expect me to eat now. What happened out there?”
“I shall tell you all about it while we eat and then curl into bed. And after that, you’ll have to tell me when and where we shall marry. Though, I’d like to put a bid in for soon. Patience is a virtue I’m still acquiring.”
She looked up at him then, her heart so full, it took her a moment to speak. “The tea house is supposed to be ready within the month. I shall like to marry there, I think.”
His mouth opened, his eyes growing wide. “Oh. My love. That is…” And then he leaned down to kiss her. It was long and deep and full of all the words they both felt but didn’t need to say.
When he finally raised his head, he cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to immediately shift from my act of bravery to—”
“Dueling was not bravery, it was folly.”
“As you like,” he answered. “But before we retire, do you think you might help me dictate a letter?”
“Of course,” she pushed up on tiptoe, kissing his mouth again. She knew he still felt insecure about his struggles, but she didn’t care about them a whit. Had she thought Caden vapid or morally bankrupt?
He was the strongest, most amazing man.
“Thank you.” They started up the stairs, leaving the staff behind. Making their way into the bedroom once again, Tabbie crossed to the small secretary, pulling out the necessary supplies.
“To whom shall I address your letter and what shall I say?”
“The task can wait…”
“I’m too nervous still to eat. Tell me what you wish to say.”
Caden drew in a breath. And then he began to speak the short and direct note.
Dear members of the Duke Fraternity,
I’m happy to share that Lord Whitehouse will never plague you again. It has been my honor to stand by your side these last few years. Never forget that our mission is not just one of merriment, but a preparation for life’s next great adventure.
All my best to future club endeavors. This is my official retirement notice.
Best,
Master of Games