Again, a battle began inside him. He should be in France. He must personally ensure that any and all of his acquaintances escaped. And his first priority would be Potier. But how could he leave Scarlet? Particularly now, when misunderstandings threatened, he felt a duty to heal the problems and to build a happy relationship with his new wife. But surely that could all wait. People’s lives were in danger. As soon as he could be sure no one else would die because of him, he would spend the rest of his days winning back Scarlet’s heart—if he had indeed lost it, which he hoped he had not.

Stepping back into his bedchamber, he nearly ran into Edwards, who had entered at that moment from the dressing area.

“How may I be of assistance, my lord?”

“Edwards. Impeccable timing. I need to be up and dressed and about my day. Could you inform me also where I might find Lady Cav—Durand?” On any other day, he would have stopped for a moment to relish that name on his lips.

Edwards paused just long enough for Matteo to glance up at him. “She left you a note, Your Highness.”

“Please, Edwards. No need to address me as Your Highness.”

“She expressly required it of me but not at every encounter. It seems I am to surprise you with its use.”

Matteo grinned. Perhaps her sense of humor had returned. He held his hand out, taking the note Edwards offered.

A sense of foreboding began in his chest. She had sealed it and everything. He had never understood her seal, a small flower. Knowing how much she adored the floral parts of her grounds, he had only assumed it to be a flower of some historical or familial meaning. Breaking it, he opened the page.

Edwards turned from him and reentered the dressing room.

Dear Mattteo,

You will likely not be surprised that I have chosen this morning to go on some visits that are long overdue. It might be well if we have a week or two to grow accustomed to our new relationship. You can familiarize yourself with the running of the estate. And I can pay attention to my much-neglected aunt and other friends who have been awaiting my arrival these many months. I hope you are well. Do not overly distress yourself. Until next we meet,

Scarlet

He crumpled the note in his fist. What could she mean by this? The niggling worry he had felt since awakening began to deepen into a much greater anxiety. She would run to avoid him, escape to her aunt. How could she think he would not be surprised? It was the day after their wedding. The day after they should have consummated their relationship. The day they should still be abed, commanding servants to leave them be. “Edwards!”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Edwards, if you call me that again, you will be immediately dismissed from my service.”