Page 30 of Unbound Duchess

Jacob and Sarah turned to face one another at once, a mixture of shock and relief on both their bruised faces.

“Come,” Laurence commanded, nodding toward the mansion. “Let us get you inside. We will talk, then you both will be escorted somewhere safe where you can bathe, eat, and rest.”

Laurence turned, leaving it up to the two servants as to whether or not they followed, and walked around the side of the large mansion, following the long, tall outer walls until he reached the glass double doors that led into his study. He didn’t take them through the main entrance, as he did not want to risk Ellen seeing them in such a state.

It was as he was pouring himself a drink that he heard theirs and Geoff’s footsteps, and a moment later they stepped inside. Geoff, as always, stood tall and proud with his hands clasped before him and his sharp gaze straight forward, silently awaiting his next command. Sarah and Jacob had their arms around each other, their eyes darting this way and that as if they still believed their rescue was some sort of trap.

“Where is she?” Sarah asked timidly, looking everywhere but at Laurence. “Is she...is she alright?”

Laurence thought of the faded bruises that still marred Ellen’s beautiful face.

“She is safe,” he said at last, choosing to not go into the details of Ellen’s own brutality. “She is at this moment with my sister, taking a tour of the estate. I assure you that no more harm will come to her or either of you.”

Jacob’s eyes finally settled on Laurence. Before Laurence could tell him to stop, the young man dropped to his knees and bowed his head, Sarah following suit.

“We are in debt, Your Grace,” Jacob said with his head still bowed.

Laurence cleared his throat, uncomfortable with such shows of devotion. He took to command as easily as breathing, but he never quite became accustomed to being bowed to. Especially when that person was on their knees.

“Get up,” he ordered, “and have a seat.”

The two obeyed silently, but Laurence remained standing.

“Is there a need for a physician?” he asked. “Any broken bones or open wounds?”

The two shook their heads quickly as their bruised faces remained tilted down to the floor.

“No, Your Grace,” they answered in unison.

“I do not want Her Grace to see either of you like this,” Laurence went on. “You will rest so you can heal and your bruises can fade, and only then will you be allowed to start your duties. Sarah, I assume you have no issue with resuming your position as Her Grace’s handmaid?”

Sarah’s eyes finally lifted from the floor, her gaze glimmering with hope.

“I would very much like that, Your Grace,” she answered, her voice a little breathless.

Laurence gave her a curt nod.

“And you, Jacob? I already have a valet, but I could use a dedicated messenger. Would you be willing to fill the position?”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Jacob answered quickly, gratitude shining behind his black and blue eyes.

“Good,” Laurence stated, starting to pace the floor. “Now that we have that out of the way, let us talk about what you are going to do for me. I want your honesty. Did the Earl of Highcastle do this to you?”

The two servants flinched as they heard Benedict’s title, then nodded.

“He did, Your Grace,” Jacob answered as Sarah nodded, and her lips began to tremble.

“Be specific,” Laurence warned. “Did he give you those bruises himself, or did he command someone else to do his dirty work?”

Again, a moment of silence passed.

“He did it, Your Grace,” Jacob answered again, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Why?” Laurence demanded.

“Because we helped our lady escape him, Your Grace,” Jacob answered. “We thought we would be safe, but…but he had someone watching us.”

Laurence felt his rage steadily build as Jacob and Sarah took turns explaining Benedict’s personal brand of cruelty, and by the time they had finished, he had to set down his glass for fear of crushing it in his grip. There was a special place in hell, in his opinion, for men who enjoyed doling out abuses, and the more he heard, the more he felt inclined to get Benedict and send him for punishment much deserved.