They Dared the Maid to Ride the Duke’s Wildest Stallion—She Shocked Everyone by Riding It Bareback
Chapter 8
Alexander was standing in the entrance hall when Eleanor arrived.
She dismounted.
Her face was pale.
“Your Grace.”
He saw the fear in her eyes.
“What happened?”
She told him everything.
Alexander listened without interruption.
When she finished, he walked to the study and locked the door.
“Tell me exactly what you heard.”
She repeated the conversation.
“The land deeds,” she said.
Alexander’s expression hardened.
“My father kept the original charters in the west vault.”
“Are they still there?”
“I don’t know.”
They went there immediately.
The vault was hidden behind the library.
The lock had been forced.
Inside, several documents were missing.
Alexander stood motionless.
Eleanor felt cold.
“Can they sell the land?”
“Not legally.”
“But if someone has forged documents?”
“They could cause years of trouble.”
Alexander looked at her.
“Edmund wants control of the estate.”
“Why?”
“My father’s will leaves certain properties under my direct control.”
“And if you lose them?”
“My cousin gains influence over them.”
Eleanor understood.
“This is bigger than Thunder.”
“Yes.”
Alexander walked toward the door.
“We leave tonight.”
“Where?”
“To the northern estate.”
“Why?”
“Because Edmund believes I am going there tomorrow.”
He smiled faintly.
“We shall let him continue believing it.”
Eleanor stared at him.
“Your Grace, what do you want me to do?”
“Stay here.”
She frowned.
“That is dangerous.”
“For you.”
“I can help.”
“I know.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
“That is what worries me.”
Before sunrise, Alexander departed secretly with two trusted men.
Eleanor remained at Blackwood Manor.
That afternoon, Lord Edmund appeared.
“You look tired.”
“I worked this morning.”
He smiled.
“Where is my cousin?”
Eleanor kept her expression blank.
“Your Grace departed before dawn.”
“Where?”
“The northern estate.”
Edmund smiled.
Exactly as Alexander had expected.
He walked away.
Eleanor waited.
Then she went to the stable.
Thunder stood quietly.
She touched his forehead.
“I think we are going to need you again.”
