Page 73 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

“Among other things.” Edmund’s eyes moved to Charlotte, something complicated passing across his features. “Though perhaps...”

“Whatever you have to say can be said before my wife.” William’s voice held quiet authority that made Charlotte’s heart leap. “We will have no secrets here. Not anymore.”

The admission hung in the rain-chilled air between them. Charlotte hardly dared breathe, feeling the weight of that simple statement - the first crack in William’s long held walls that might, with time and trust, lead to their complete dismantling.

“Very well.” Edmund moved further into the room, shrugging off his dripping coat. “I’ve just come from York, where certain inquiries about Sir Geoffrey’s finances have yielded interesting results. It seems our neighbour’s situation is more desperate than anyone suspected.”

“Desperate enough for him to forge documents?” The care in William’s voice did nothing to mask the tension thrumming through him. “To attempt blackmail?”

Charlotte studied her brother’s face as she awaited his answer.

“Desperate enough for far worse, I fear.” Edmund’s expression grew grimmer still. “My sources suggest that he’s mortgaged everything he owns, and perhaps some things where he may not even actually own them, three times over. The bankers in York have called in their loans, and unless he can raise substantial funds before Christmas...”

He trailed off as another knock interrupted. Mrs Walden stood in the doorway, her usually calm features showing concern.

“Begging Your Grace’s pardon,” she said, addressing William, “but Mr Harrison has arrived. He says...” She hesitated, glancing at Charlotte. “He says he’s discovered something more about certain missing papers. Something that changes everything, that gives you evidence that you need, when combined with the papers you already have.”

Charlotte felt rather than saw William stiffen beside her. Yet when his hand found hers, their fingers twining together, she knew that whatever storms approached, they would weather them. The walls between them might not have fallen completely, but the first stones had begun to crumble. And that, perhaps, was victory enough for one rain-swept morning.

“Show him in,” William said quietly, his grip tightening fractionally on Charlotte’s hand. “Whatever news he brings, good or ill, we shall face it together.”