Yet could she believe anything that came out of the mouth of a psychopath? And even if Lady Anne wasn’t innocent then, her mind was undoubtedly shattered now.
The Duke continued, “And the servants at Tinley Park do not deserve to have their characters spoiled by the scandal. Right or wrong, they would have a difficult time finding other employment if it became known that they had served such a villain.”
Kendra wondered about that as well. Were they really ignorant of what had been going on at Tinley Park? Or had they turned a blind eye?
Aldridge’s blue eyes were grave as he regarded her. “It has to be enough for us to know that the madness ends with Morland’s death.”
There was an irony here, Kendra reflected. The cover-up involving Sir Jeremy had brought her to England, to Aldridge Castle on that specific night, at that particular moment in time. That had been the beginning of her journey. Was it chance? Or fate?
Gabriel had chosen the correct moment to come into the cave; the interruption had saved her life and cost him his. And Molly had unwittingly saved her life by insisting on pinning up her hair that morning. Without those hairpins, she’d never have been able to free herself.
Little twists and turns, she thought again.
Kendra became aware that everyone was waiting for her to say something. “I suppose there’s no point in forcing the issue,” she said slowly. “Morland’s dead. That’s what matters.”
Aldridge’s smile was tinged with relief. “Thank you, my dear. Now, we shall leave. You must rest.”
“A moment, Duke,” Alec said. “I need to speak with Miss Donovan.”
Sam was already out the door, but Rebecca and Aldridge hesitated, their gazes speculative. Kendra could feel her cheeks heat, but doubted anyone would notice with the bruising.
“Do not tire the girl, Alec,” the Duke admonished lightly, before taking Rebecca’s arm. “Come, my dear.”
Kendra put the poultice down and looked at Alec.
“Bloody hell,” he breathed. “Are you certain you are all right?”
“Sure. Let’s go dancing.”
He shook his head. “I think I died a thousand times when I saw you in that room.”
She didn’t know what to say. The last time they’d been alone, she’d told him that she was a time traveler. She wasn’t sure if that had worked out for her.
Alec let out a sigh, and looked away. After a moment, he brought a piece of paper out of his pocket. “I received this letter today. ’Tis a reply to the note I’d dispatched to Mr. John Murray. He is a bookseller in London. Specifically, he is the publisher of Pride and Prejudice.”
“Oh.” She knew where this was going now.
“He asks me how you came into possession of the identity of the authoress, as he’d taken great pains to keep Miss Austen’s identity a secret. An even greater concern to him is how you could possibly be privy to Miss Austen’s upcoming work. While Miss Austen has yet to complete the book, they’ve discussed titles. Emma is one they have considered. He has no knowledge of the other book you mentioned, Persuasion.”
Little twists and turns.
“You are either a soothsayer, Miss Donovan, or you are indeed, as incredible as it sounds, from the future.”
Kendra held her breath.
“I have never set great store in soothsaying,” Alec said at last.
“How do you feel about time travel?”
“The same. But there is this.” He lifted the letter in his hand. “And you. I am inclined to believe you. Although I do not understand it.”
Kendra let out her breath. “That makes two of us.”
“The Duke may give us some insight.”
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”
Alec eyed her carefully. “You cannot simply sail off to America.”
“I’m stranded until the wormhole or vortex opens up again.” If it opens up again. She refused to contemplate that. Not yet.
“First you must heal, Miss Donovan. You need to regain your strength.” He touched the back of her hand. “You may be stranded, Kendra, but you are not alone. You are among friends.”
Kendra said nothing. After he left, she sank back against the pillows and wondered how that statement could be both sweet, and still so terrifying.
72
Alec left to accompany Gabriel’s body back to his family estate. He’d be gone a week. Kendra didn’t like the odd pang that gave her. It made her realize how much she’d miss him—miss everyone, really, if she accomplished her goal and returned to the twenty-first century.
The emotions churning inside her left her confused. Morland’s burial only added to her disquiet. She was still bitter over the cover-up, but the fact that no one attended his funeral except for the Duke and the vicar and his wife made her wonder. Morland’s horrors may have been hidden, but whispers had a way of spreading.
Slowly she healed. The swelling subsided. The black and blue bruises would take longer to disappear. The scars—visible or not—would never disappear.