Reborn: The Duke's Obsession-Chapter 267 - Two Hundred And Sixty Seven

The early morning sun streamed through the large bedroom window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Eric, already awake, leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Delia’s nose. She stirred, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly blinked herself awake.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice a low, gentle rumble.

"There’s an emergency at the port," he said, his tone apologetic. He was already half-dressed, pulling on his waistcoat. "One of our misplaced shipments from the spring line collection has finally been found. My presence is greatly needed there to sort out the paperwork."

Delia sat up in the large, comfortable bed, the silk sheets pooling around her waist. A contented, sleepy smile was on her face. "It’s fine," she said as she watched him finish dressing, tying his cravat with practiced ease. "I have my own business to attend to. I’ll just go into town for a bit and come back on time for the doctor’s visit this afternoon."

Eric nodded, walking back to the bed. "Okay then. I’ll be back as soon as I can." He leaned down, cupping her face in his hands. "Goodbye, my love." He kissed her on the lips, a deep, lingering kiss. Then, with a final, loving glance, he left the room.

The morning sun and the cheerful chirping of the birds outside filled Delia with a profound sense of joy. She felt perfectly, blissfully happy. She pulled the bell cord by the bed, and within minutes, her maids entered.

"Good morning, Your Grace," they chorused with respectful curtsies.

"Good morning, everyone," Delia replied brightly. "Please get me ready. I’ll be going into town."

The maids moved with a sense of responsibility that was still a small marvel to Delia. They drew a warm bath for her, scented with lavender oils. They helped her wash and then wrapped her in a thick, soft towel. Back in the dressing room, they assisted her into her underpinnings, lacing the corset snugly but not as tightly as before, mindful of her delicate condition. They helped her into a beautiful day dress of soft, periwinkle blue, its simple elegance perfect for a morning outing.

As the head maid was pinning a matching hat to her hair, Delia gave her final instructions. "Please take good care of Owen while I’m away. He has his lessons this morning, and I expect him to be on his best behavior."

"Of course, Your Grace," the head maid replied with a warm smile. "The young master is in good hands."

Ready at last, Delia made her way downstairs. As she reached the courtyard, a footman rushed to open the door of the waiting carriage. "Your Grace," he bowed, stretching out a white-gloved hand to help her.

She took his hand and was about to step inside when she noticed a new, unfamiliar figure in the driver’s box. "Who’s that?" she asked, pausing.

The footman replied smoothly, "That is Mr. Warner, Your Grace. He’s the new driver."

"Oh," Delia said, "that’s why I haven’t seen him before."

"Yes, Your Grace," the footman explained. "Mr. Rye recommended him personally about a week ago. Said he was the best man he knew for the job. He just arrived from the countryside yesterday."

Delia smiled. That was just like the kind Mr. Rye, making sure they were well taken care of even in his retirement. "That’s great." She looked up at the broad-shouldered figure whose back was to her. "To town, Mr. Warner."

The new driver bowed his head and tipped his hat without turning around. The footman helped Delia inside, and with a soft lurch, the carriage started moving towards town.

~ ••••• ~

At the bustling harbor, Eric stood with one of the senior port officials, a warm smile on his face.

"I can’t thank you enough, Mr. Murry," Eric was saying. "Finding this shipment saves us a considerable loss. The Carson family is in your debt."

The port official beamed. "Not at all, Your Grace. We are just happy to see things running so smoothly again under your leadership."

Just then, Aiden came running towards them, his face pale and his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Your Grace," he gasped.

Seeing the obvious urgency, the port official gave a polite bow. "I will leave you to your business, Your Grace. My men will see to the unloading." He quickly excused himself.

"What is going on, Aiden?" Eric asked, his good mood instantly evaporating at the sight of his aide’s panicked expression.

"It is about His Grace... Duke Philip," Aiden managed to say between breaths.

A cold knot of fear tightened in Eric’s stomach. "What? What happened to him?"

"Your brother... he has escaped from Newcastle Prison," Aiden replied, the words tumbling out in a rush. "The constables are everywhere looking for him. But Your Grace, it’s worse than that. He has been leaving the prison for two months now."

Eric stared at him, uncomprehending. "What are you talking about?"

"He bribed a constable," Aiden explained, his voice trembling slightly. "He’s been leaving the prison twice a month. He paid the man with valuable jewelry, sapphires and diamonds. The constable said Philip told him it was from one of his treasures he hid underground. He used the lie of going to see his child and the mother as his reason for leaving." Aiden paused, his expression turning to one of pure dread. "The constable has been caught and... he confessed everything." He paused and looked at Eric, thinking of how to arrange his words.

"Spit it out, Aiden," Eric commanded, his voice sharp with anxiety.

Aiden looked as if he was about to be sick. "His legs, Your Grace," he whispered. "The constable said... his legs are fine. He never had an injury. The limp, the cane... it was all an act."

"What?" Eric breathed, the world seeming to tilt on its axis. "How is that possible?"

And then, in a sickening, horrifying rush, it all clicked into place. A single, terrifying thought screamed through his mind.

"Delia!" he said, his voice a raw sound of pure fear.

He didn’t wait for Aiden. He didn’t think. He turned and ran to his own carriage, which was waiting nearby.

"Your Grace, wait!" Aiden shouted, running after him. "Please let me get the driver!"

But Eric wasn’t listening. There wasn’t any time. He vaulted into the driver’s box himself, grabbing the reins. Aiden could only watch in horror as Eric brought the whip down with a sharp crack. With a powerful flick of the reins, he sent the horses into a frantic, desperate gallop.