Page 79 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

To hide her shame from every eye,

To give repentance to her lover.

And wring his bosom -- is to die.’”

“I believethat’s a song by Oliver Goldsmith,” Rhys said, gripping the arm of his chair.

Heath exhaled a plume of smoke. “I believe that is a threat. At base it is a petty and personal attack. We need to fetch the ladies without delay and if possible without panic. I’d like to compare the script on the outside to the anonymous note you received the night of the ball.”

Simon was on his feet, in his jacket, papers flying to the carpet. “Do me a favor, Rhys. Ring for Timpkins before you leave. Ask him and Isolde to gather up any letters that I have not seen.”

Heath picked up the ominous letter from the carpet. “I was under the impression that Isolde was no longer speaking to your steward.”

Simon strode to the door. “They shall forgive and forget, or else.”

Ravenna smiled in resignation. No sooner had she emerged from the milliner’s shop than she sighted her husband advancing across the pavement in her direction. “I suppose he can’t help himself,” she said to the bonneted woman beside her. “If only he understood I do have a backbone.”

Aunt Glynnis nodded in approval. “I have never known a man to be so enamored of his wife. He does care for you, Ravenna. It is quite touching.”

“Or he is touched,” Ravenna said. “In the head. I begin to wonder.” In truth she was pleased to see the handsome devil until he came close enough that she could read the anxiety in his eyes. His careworn smile seemed more designed for her aunt’s benefit than for hers.

“Ladies,” he said, relieving Ravenna of her boxes. “I am traveling home with you.”

He led them to the carriage in a silence so profound that as Aunt Glynnis thumped upon the seat, she whispered, “Perhaps the shopkeepers alerted him to the cost of your purchases. He appears to be in a mood.”

“He gave me carte blanche,” Ravenna murmured.

“He must have set a limit.”

“Not as of yet.”

Simon looked anything but his indulgent self as the carriage set off, the interior crammed with parcels that the footmen could not stow above. Ravenna knew Simon well enough to perceive that his appearance did not mean he had missed her or was concerned that she’d broken the bank purchasing accessories.

He waited a moment before satisfying her curiosity. “I wouldn’t have ruined your day without good reason.” He removed a letter from his waistcoat pocket. “Ravenna, read this as best you can in the light.”

“Not another scandal sheet?” Aunt Glynnis said with a sigh. “Our reputation falls by the day. I shall be disgusted if this is another poke at your voluptuous passions.”

Ravenna unfolded the letter with a prickle of foreboding. She scanned it twice, her aunt peering down her shoulder. “This is disturbing,” she said, looking up at Simon.

Aunt Glynnis was less reserved. “You must cut to the heart of this, Simon. One cannot ignore a death threat.”

“You don’t recognize the handwriting on the outside?” he asked Ravenna.

“No,” she said tightly.

“Until this person is found,” he said, his face flushed with anger, “you shall not leave the house without me. Call me a tyrant. I do not care.”

“I shall have to move from Griffin’s house into the room down the hall in yours,” Aunt Glynnis stated. “Never mind that I detest the color of the wallpaper. All I need is a reliable pistol. It is clear that you need me as you did when you were younger. I am frightened to the teeth for you both.”

Simon snorted. “What do you think you can do to protect us, Glynnis?”

Ravenna shook her head in warning, but he continued.

“I do not need to worry about you shooting someone in the dark should you be overcome with nerves,” he said, clearly too agitated to realize he had offended an ally.

Aunt Glynnis glowered at him. “I’ll have you know that Primrose and I held the castle against brigands more than once when our men were absent or lying sick. I fought a duel on the stairwell against the suitor who would have forced his attentions on me.”

He swallowed.

“And she won,” Ravenna added, not certain whether Simon or Aunt Glynnis needed her comfort the most. They were afraid for her.

“Neither of you are fighting this battle,” he said, the birthmark on his cheek dark and prominent. “I have no intention of leaving you defenseless. Aunt Glynnis, you are welcome to stay with us. I apologize for my outburst.”