Chapter 10: Caught in the Act
The Whitmore Ball – Hallway
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(leans in, voice low) You shouldn’t leave just yet.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Why?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(watching her closely) I still have questions for you.
Lucia’s grip tightened on her apron. She couldn’t stay here any longer—she had already drawn too much attention.
Lord Harrington
(approaching with a smile) Ah, Duke Ravenswood! A word, if you please.
Alexander’s jaw tightened, irritation flickering in his gaze.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(quietly) Wait here. I won’t be long.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
But the moment he turned away, she took a slow step back.
Until she slipped unnoticed out of the hallway.
The Whitmore Ball – Side Courtyard
Lucia hurried through the dark passage, the cold night air rushing over her.
Her hands clenched around the fabric of her stolen maid’s uniform.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) He knows…
Duke Alexander Ravenswood was no fool. He had seen through her disguise.
If she stayed any longer, he would dig deeper.
She needed to leave. Now.
She hurried toward the back gates—
Lady Whitmore
Stop right there.
Slowly, she turned to face the noblewoman.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
Lady Whitmore’s piercing eyes raked over her, suspicion evident in her gaze.
Lady Whitmore
(crossing her arms) I saw you speaking with the Duke just now. Explain yourself.
Lucia forced a demure bow.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I was only delivering wine, my lady.
Lady Whitmore
(arching a brow) How strange. I don’t recall my maids being so bold as to converse with noblemen.
Lucia clenched her fists.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(softly) It was unintentional.
Lady Whitmore took a step closer, her gaze scrutinizing.
Lady Whitmore
(haughtily) Your face… have I seen you before?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(quickly) No, my lady. I should return to my duties—
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Leaving so soon?
Duke Alexander stood just beyond Lady Whitmore, his sharp gaze fixed on her.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(calmly) I believe I asked you to wait.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
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