The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride

Penelope led the way back inside.

"Shouldn't we leave the estate?" Ally asked, afraid she would be caught up in a fight. She didn't have any part in the conflict between Quinn and the Collinses.

"That would be dangerous. This estate is the safest place you could be in Lockwood. Did you not see how many guards were rushing? Our father would not leave us with too few guards to protect us," Lily assured Ally.

"Still," Ally said, uncertain about staying.

"If you wish to leave, then go, but I will not join you," said Julie.

Julie held Rue's hand as she walked. At the moment, Rue wasn't afraid, so Julie didn't think she should be afraid.

"No one will be leaving. Now is not the time to act without sense. The estate is safe, and until my mother says otherwise, we will not be going anywhere. I will chain you somewhere if I must to keep you safe," said Penelope.

Penelope kept looking back to ensure all the ladies were accounted for. She hoped that at a time like this, no one would be foolish enough to run off, but she didn't trust them.

Damien was soon back at Penelope's side and relayed the message, "A group tried to get on the estate."

"Is it a large group?" Penelope asked right away, thinking it was Quinn's doing.

"Not larger than the men the duke has employed here. I do not think the estate will face grave danger where you would need to hide, but it is best you stay inside until it is completely dealt with," Damien advised Penelope.

"We will not be going back outside. Keep an eye on our surroundings. We must be careful in case someone has managed to slip inside," Penelope ordered Damien.

"Girls!" Alessandra called, running to the girls with Eleanor at her side. "I heard there is trouble outside. Are you well?"

"We are all fine. We were not near the danger to be injured or to see who was trying to get onto the estate. Damien says the group doesn't outnumber father's guards. We should be safe as long as we do not go outside," said Penelope.

Eleanor left Penelope's side to be with Julie. They were safe, but it was too soon for Julie to face this again.

"We should all be together in one room. Your father's study will provide us with a view of the estate. Gerald," Alessandra said, getting the attention of the butler as he came toward them. "Gather the servants. Do not let anyone go outside until I say it is safe. We will be in my husband's study."

"Yes, duchess," Gerald replied.

Gerald was quick on his feet to search for the servants to have them stop their work for a moment.

Meanwhile, the ladies, along with Damien, walked together toward Edgar's study.

"I hope it will only be once. We cannot have an attack on the estate when neither father nor Elijah is here to help us," Penelope said, worried.

Alessandra patted Penelope's hand. "Do not worry. Your father has long instructed me on what to do if the estate is attacked and he is away. He has also instructed the guards on their duties. As long as we stay together and do not panic, we will be safe."

Alessandra knew someone would be sent to inform Edgar of what was happening now. They only needed to stay put and wait.

Alessandra opened the door to Edgar's study and held it for everyone to enter. She made a count, making sure that everyone was present.

Before the door closed, Alessandra noticed Rue's guards as well as Collins' guards coming forward to protect them.

"Are my guards there?" Rue asked just as Alessandra closed the door.

"They are. They will stay by the door to protect you. Our guards will get rid of the intruders. If you need, I can have your guards come inside with us," Alessandra offered.

"No. They won't like it if I baby them. I can hear the sounds of gunshots. Do you not worry your guards will be harmed?" Rue asked.

"I always worry when there is conflict. I have become quite acquainted with all of the guards and servants here. What we can do now is pray over them so they are well. I know you would like to help, but I promised your father to keep you safe here," Alessandra said, taking hold of Rue's hand.

"There is an urge to go out there, but I will not leave you alone. I would regret leaving everyone, and something happens here. You are good at making others feel better. You should help with Julie since she struggles to handle this well," Rue said, glancing at her friend.

"I could, but seeing how she looks at you, I think she wants a friend to bring her some comfort. I must look to see where the trouble is. Will you help me keep everyone calm?" Alessandra asked, confident that Rue could do it.

"I would be more than happy to aid you," Rue replied.

Alessandra smiled and said, "Thank you."

Rue looked down at where Alessandra held her hand. Before Alessandra got away from her, Rue grabbed her dress.

Alessandra turned to look at Rue. "Is there something else?"

Rue quickly realised her mistake and released Alessandra's dress. "I don't know why I did that. I'm sorry," she apologised.

"I don't mind it, Rue. Forgive me for my mistake," Alessandra apologised, surprising Rue. "Your mother is quite far away, so in these moments, you need someone at your side. I could never compare to your mother, but in her absence, I hope you can lean on me."

"You are so calm in these moments that I forget your age. I will be back soon, so we can all sit together and take our minds off of this. We will be well," Alessandra assured Rue.

Rue was uncertain what to say in response to the duchess. A warmth pooled in her cheeks, which Rue didn't understand.

Besides her father, it had been a while since Rue arrived that she received such affection. Affection that only a parent could give.

Rue tapped her cheeks and walked to join the others to sit down.

"Are you in love with my mother now?" Lily teased Rue.

"I know that is something a lady shouldn't speak of; therefore, you should know it too," Rue said, playfully pushing Lily away. "The duchess has made me realise how much I miss my mother."

"I can offer my mother to you for an hour or so. I cannot imagine being so far away. I am not taking any sides, but I am proud of you," Lily spoke softly, referring to the earlier conversation.

"Thank you. I thank the disruption for happening before it got out of hand," Rue said, sneaking a glance at Ally.