Page 40 of Stolen By the Rakish Duke

“Anna is settling into her chambers,” she reported. “Though I fear she remains deeply worried about Philip’s safety.”

Leo studied his wife’s composed features, struck anew by the quiet strength in her bearing.

Throughout this extraordinary day, she had demonstrated a resourcefulness and courage that defied his initial assessment of her character.

Where he had expected the timid compliance Society attributed to her, he had instead discovered resolute determination. Where he had anticipated disdain toward Anna’s circumstances, he had witnessed genuine compassion.

The realization unsettled him more profoundly than the dangers they now faced. He had entered their marriage with clear expectations and carefully delineated boundaries. Yet, in the space of a single day, those boundaries had begun to blur, revealing complexities he had neither anticipated nor desired.

Snapping himself out of those thoughts, Leo turned to his friend. “See that the Duchess returns safely to the townhouse,” he instructed. “She has done more than enough today.”

Adrian inclined his head. “As you wish, my friend.”

Beatrice looked at Leo. “I could stay here. Wait with you.”

He shook his head. “I’d rather you were safely back home, dear. And… I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge your efforts. Helping recover Philip, calming Anna… You have my gratitude.”

Her fingers tightened slightly around her gloves. “I only did what I could. Anna needed a safe place. I am thankful you provided one.”

“Then consider this a formal acknowledgment,” he said, his voice low. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer than decorum required. “You have my thanks, Beatrice.” Then, he looked at his friend. “See that you both return safely.”

“With pleasure.” Adrian bowed with a flourish before turning toward Beatrice. “Your Grace, shall we?”

With that, he extended his arm, which Beatrice accepted with a polite nod.

As they stepped into the waiting carriage, she pressed a gloved hand to the door in silent farewell.

Leo watched until the carriage turned the corner and disappeared from view.

By the time Blackwood arrived at the Chelsea property, Leo had issued comprehensive instructions for Anna’s protection: armed guards stationed discreetly around the perimeter, protocols for visitors, and strict limitations on her movements outside the house.

The former soldier had received these directives with the impassive competence that had made him invaluable in Leo’s occasional encounters with London’s more dangerous elements.

“Consider her family,” Leo had instructed before his departure, “to be protected accordingly.”

Blackwood had nodded once, understanding perfectly the level of commitment. “No one will touch her, Your Grace. You have my word on that.”

Chapter Thirteen

“You seem… pensive, Your Grace,” Adrian remarked after a pause, leaning slightly forward in his seat.

The carriage rattled softly along the uneven London streets, and Beatrice kept her gloved hands folded in her lap, watching as lamps and shadowed windows blurred past. She’d been quiet for a while, the steady rhythm of the horses a comfort against the tumult of her thoughts.

She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “I suppose I am. It is… reassuring that His Grace offered to provide Anna with a safe place. That he took measures to ensure her safety. I am grateful.”

Adrian inclined his head, the faintest smile touching his lips. “It is not often that one encounters a man of his reputation who acts with such… deliberate care. There is more to him than the world sees.”

Beatrice considered that, her gaze fixed on the dimly lit streets. She had glimpsed it herself, the deliberate planning, the calm authority, the insistence that Anna be shielded from danger. It suggested a depth of character she had not expected.

Perhaps the public persona is only the surface,she thought, tracing the outline of his intentions in her mind.

They rode on in silence for a few moments, the carriage swaying gently, until Adrian signaled to the driver. “We have arrived,” he announced.

Beatrice drew in a breath and offered him a polite nod. “Thank you for the escort. And for listening.”

“Always,” he replied, inclining his head. “And take care, Your Grace. The world has a way of surprising even the most cautious.”

Beatrice stepped down, brushing her skirts against the polished carriage steps, and watched as the horses clattered toward the street.