Her finger lingered on the diary. “Monster’s Mound might be a child’s tale, but in this context, it could mean something more.”
Juliet’s half-smile was touched with a fleeting memory of simpler times. “As children, we dared each other to approach the mound at dusk, claiming it was haunted.” The smile vanished as quickly as it appeared. “What does he say about it?”
Duncan scanned the entry. He speaks about the area “The tall yew tree is in danger along with the others in the grove.”He’s also exposed your childhood myth. And there’s a mention of Aurington Pond, but nothing more.” Duncan turned the page, then shook his head. “No, there’s nothing else about Monster Mound or Aurington Pond.”
“That’s not the pond’s name.” Juliet read the section again and then snapped the diary shut. “We were on Fairmont land. The Aurington estate was on the other side of the fence and had its own pond. Ours was Mirror Pond.”
“There isn’t anything else in here.” Duncan mused. “Perhaps we overlooked something…”
Juliet’s eyes suddenly widened, a spark of understanding flickering to life. “Blast!” She flipped back to the entry, his eyes scanning the text until his face broke into a wide smile.
“What is it?” Duncan asked, taking the diary from him.
“Bradley always confused juniper trees with yew trees. There are no yew trees on the property.” She stared at Duncan, a chillof disaster stealing her breath away. “Could Bradley be telling us that Ewan and his family are in danger?”
“Or that something is going to happen to the juniper trees,” Duncan smirked.
Juliet’s intuition flared. “Sebastian’s ambitions extend beyond wealth. Sebastian is next in line to the title. He is after Ewan’s legacy. Now, it’s more important that we go to the Gilded Lily tonight.”
They set the diary aside, their focus shifting to the evening’s challenge at The Gilded Lily.
Duncan’s jaw set, his eyes blazing like a Norse berserker. “I agree with you. We need to attend that card game tonight and witness the truth of his cheating with our own eyes. But it’s dangerous. Sebastian is a threat, and he won’t hesitate if he senses we’re aware of his scheme.”
Juliet rose, her decision unwavering. “We’ll arrive early. I want to inspect that table to uncover the deceit Bradley suspected and understand how Sebastian is manipulating the game.”
Duncan nodded, his eyes blazing with determination yet clouded with worry. “We will. But we must be cautious. If things go awry, we retreat immediately. We can’t afford to lose anyone else to Sebastian’s schemes.”
Juliet’s mind was a whirlwind as she sat in the dim light with the diary’s revelations before her like a treasure map. “How can we outmaneuver Sebastian?”
“You won’t be alone. I will be right there with you,” he assured her, his expression grave. “We cannot slip in unnoticed. Sebastian knows us both. Disguises won’t help. We’ll go as we are. He’s unaware of your marriage to Glenraven.”
Juliet nodded, her mind working, seeking a way to obtain her goal. “Once there, I’ll take Viper’s—Sebastian’s—seat. I’ll assess the dealer and the players for any signs of cheating.”
Duncan drummed his fingers on the table. “If you’re challenged, if Sebastian confronts you, remain calm. Question his wins, subtly, enough to unsettle him, but not enough to cause an uproar.”
“And if he becomes suspicious?” Juliet’s voice was steady despite the underlying concern.
“He may question you, but he won’t harm you. Should the situation escalate, I’ll intervene,” Duncan promised. “Remember, our goal is not merely to expose his cheating. It’s to unveil his true intentions towards Ewan.”
Juliet took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Duncan’s. “When the moment arrives, when Sebastian’s arrogance betrays him, we’ll confront him with the evidence from Bradley’s diary and whatever else we uncover.”
Duncan’s nod was a silent pact. “We’ll protect Ewan and vindicate Bradley. Tonight, Sebastian’s reign ends.”
The plan was bold, even dangerous, but Juliet felt a surge of excitement at the thought. She was no longer Bradley’s grieving sister. She was a woman on a mission against a formidable adversary.
“I agree.” Duncan rose. “I must leave before I am missed. You’ve done well. Bradley would be proud. Rest now. I’ll return this evening, and we’ll head to St. James.” He moved toward the door.
“Thank you again, Duncan. Remember, Ewan mustn’t know.”
“My word is my pledge.” He stepped out and gently closed the door behind him.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Duncan’s steps wereheavy as he made his way back to Aurington Hall, the secret of Juliet’s whereabouts trapping him like a suit of armor. He had given his word to keep her safe, to honor her request for silence, but the thought of Ewan, his friend and brother in arms, unaware and searching for her, festered like an open wound.
He found Ewan in the same position as Juliet, in the midst of planning, with maps and papers strewn across the table, all to find her. The sight of his friend so consumed with worry struck a chord in Duncan’s heart.
Duncan stood by Ewan, his friend’s distress etched in the lines of his face and the urgency of his movements. The sight stirred something within Duncan—a sense of duty that transcended his promise to Juliet.
