GypsyDukeEpub by Unknown

been my brother, John. I will stand in your stead."
    They sat, and John related everything that had occurred since his uncle's arrival, ignoring his mother's frequent, affronted gasps. She had been unaware of his uncle's bolder moves, including the sabotaged saddle.
    "Do not forget, Michel. Never leave Kitty riding alone with that man...And watch your back."
    Michel reached for the hilt of his knife, visible over the band of his trousers. "He would find my reaction extremely uncomfortable, my friend."
    John rolled his eyes. "Whatever you do, do not kill him. Without me to protect you, you would surely hang."
    "There are things more painful than death. Worry not," he added. "I will be your eyes and ears and your strong hand."
    John would have to be satisfied with that. He stood and pulled his mother up.
    "It is time. I do not want anyone to find you absent from the house, Mother. Michel and Grayson will escort you back."
    A single tear glided down her face. "Take care. I will pray for you, John."
    He almost laughed. Since when had God been concerned with his life? Kitty and his mother had prayed for years. "Pray for those who need your prayers, madam. I can take care of myself."

    Michel left the duchess at the manor, making his way across the estates until he reached the large oak tree John had described.
    He reined in his horse and reached for the knotted hollow in the tree. It was exactly as John had described, an ideal hiding place for a letter. He dropped the missive entrusted to his care and marked with John's seal into the opening and rode back to the Somerset stables.
    Few hours remained for sleep before he would have to ride back and watch for the Lady Katherine. John said she would arrive not long after dawn, seeking a riding partner. This time she would find nothing but a farewell letter. John was concerned for her reaction, and Michel had promised to stand by. If she rode to Somerset Park, he would have to guard her from John's uncle.
    He passed his hand over his eyes in weary contemplation. This whole business seemed fraught with opportunities for disaster.

    Kitty awoke even earlier than usual and dressed without the aid of her maid. Since the death of John's father, concern for John had made her restless. She shook back her long tresses before placing her riding hat on the crown of her head.
    Everyone thought her such a baby and tried to protect her, but she knew things were not quite right. She was afraid for John. His house no longer seemed a place of refuge. An ominous anxiety had fallen on all those inside, and she was determined to be that one constant in his life, a faithful friend…one who prayed.
    When she reached the stables, her groom had already risen and readied her horse. She looked at him in wonder, and the old man laughed.
    "I know your ways, Missy. Did ye not think I would expect ye to be sneaking out early this morn? Master John will be seeking yer comp'ny, I daresay, though s'pose now 'e's 'is Grace, ain't 'e?"
    Kitty nodded. "That will take some getting used to, even for John, I imagine. Are you coming, Chester? I would not want Father to be angry with John if I ride out alone."
    "Aye, Miss. I'll be tagging alon' wi' ye."
    After she left the stables, she almost forgot that Chester rode somewhere behind her. She reached the massive oak, anxiously searching out the immediate terrain, but there was no one in attendance, nor did she hear the approach of another rider.
    She pealed off a glove, urging her mount forward then reached for the hiding place. Her fingers stretched out over the rough surface until she felt the smooth length of a note. She smiled, her excitement climbing. She was so glad John never tired of this game.
    She fingered the duke's seal, wondering how he'd felt the first time he used it. Was he sad today? Did he miss his father?
    After the seal was broken, she smoothed out the single sheet of paper and moved away from the dark shadows of the tree. The sun was just peaking over