Chapter SevenThe Duke lit the candle beside his bed and opened the piece of paper.
As he did so, he felt that to read it gave him a physical pain.
“There is nothing else I can do. Please make everybody think it was an accident. I told my maid while I was dressing that I often go for a walk at night if I cannot sleep. You have been so kind and I must not hurt you, which I would do if you tried to hide me any longer.
Thank you, thank you for everything.
Helga.”
The Duke stared at the piece of paper as if he just could not believe what was written there.
Then with the swiftness of a man who has been in danger, he pulled open his wardrobe door, put on a shirt and the first pair of trousers he came to.
Then, tying a silk scarf around his neck, he ran down a long passage and next down a s
