Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season 1)

“Constable,” Thomas said, “you can add theft to your charges. It appears Lady Gregory has stolen my sister’s ring.”

“Give it to me. Now.” Rose held out her hand.

“I’ll do no such thing.” Amelia seethed. “It belongs to me.”

Rage surged through Thomas. “Give that ring to my sister right now, or I swear to you by all I hold dear, I’ll break my cardinal rule of never striking a woman!” He moved toward Amelia, the constables doing little to stop him.

“Are you going to stand there and let him threaten me?”

“You’d best give the ring back, my lady,” one of the men said.

“Now, Amelia,” Rose said. “Lily’s ring, please.”

Amelia took the ring from her finger and dropped it in Rose’s hand. “Take the damn thing. It’s a silly bauble.”

Rose stepped forward and punched Amelia square in the nose.

“You little bitch!” Amelia screamed, tears streaking her face as blood gushed from her nostrils. “You broke my nose!”

“I don’t share your sentiment about never striking a woman, Thomas,” Rose said. “This one had it coming.”

“I don’t disagree,” Thomas said.

“Nice right hook,” Evan added. “When did you learn that?”

“Today,” Rose replied.

* * *

Daniel sat on a bench in the chapel, his head buried in his hands. Please, God, save her. Please, I’ll do anything.

“Your Grace?”

Daniel looked up. “Lady Rose,” he said hoarsely. “Is there any news?”

“No, Your Grace. Not yet. I’m sorry.”

“Oh.” He stood. “Is there something you need?”

“No, Your Grace. I came to…give you this.” She held out the green engagement ring.

“Lily’s ring.” He took it and fingered the green stone. “Where did you find it?”

“It was on Lady Gregory’s finger. Thomas and I saw her as the constables were escorting her out of the house.”

“The ring I found especially for Lily?” He clutched at his hair. “Dear God, what must she have said to her?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought…that you’d like to have the ring.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Daniel sat back down, his anger at Amelia giving away to fear and grief. “How did you get it back?”

“I made her give it to me,” Rose said. She gave a light smile. “I punched her in the nose.”

“You did?”

“Yes, I did. She had it coming.” Rose sat down beside him. “Your Grace, Lily cares for you very much. I want you to know that.”

Daniel closed his eyes, trembling. How he hoped Lily’s sister was right. “Thank you.”