Delaney landed on her hands and knees on the Persian rug, right at the Duke's feet. Her leather bag skidded across the floor. Her notebook slid out. Her dignity evaporated instantly.
The room went deadly silent.
Rowan froze. His hand was still on the doorknob. He looked down.
He saw a mess of gray skirts. He saw a severe bun that was slightly askew. He saw a familiar pair of boots.
Delaney squeezed her eyes shut. "Please let the floor open up and swallow me. Please let a sudden earthquake destroy London right now."
She slowly opened one eye. Then the other.
She looked up.
Rowan was towering over her. He was wearing his white shirt, sleeves rolled up, and a dark waistcoat. He looked shocked. His mouth was slightly open. His eyes were wide with disbelief.
Behind him, Mr. Simmons stood by the desk, holding the letter. For the first time in history, the butler looked surprised.
Rowan stared at the woman on his floor.
