Page 37 of Lily and the Duke

Not that many in thetonwere aware of that. To all in Society and the government Shefford appeared to be upstanding and law-abiding, and a gentleman devoted to his family. The earl was not often at Society events, but then many older gentlemen were not, but when he did deign to appear at any Society event, he was always the epitome of the perfect husband and father.

Indeed, Lily had not known the extent of the earl’s hurtful behavior until Georgiana had visited Lily at her home one day in a flood of tears because her father had been particularly cruel to her mother.

It was now a shock to Lily that such a self-absorbed gentleman, one who was always so strict about what was right and wrong, in public at least, and had vehemently adhered to that code of behavior, should have ended his life in a way that would bring such scandal to his name.

The more Lily thought about it, the less she was inclined to believe the earl could possibly have carried out such an act, no matter the provocation.

But a much more immediate question, Lily realized, was why the Duke of Hellsmere believed the earl’s death to be of such importance to Gabriel that the other man had sought him out at a musical soiree, of all things.

Lily’s thoughts stilled, her gaze sharpening when she saw how the dukes of St. Albans’s and Hellsmere’s gazes were locked and seemed to be engaged in a silent conversation.

Because they did not wish her to know what else they had to say to each other.

Gabriel had mentioned earlier that he had recently been occupied with an investigation on behalf of the Prince Regent. For just these past two days? Or had he been involved in this mysterious investigation before that time? Possibly during the week Gabriel had supposedly spent in the country at one of his estates?

She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin before addressing both men. “What crime was the earl suspected of having committed that you were investigating him on the Prince Regent’s behalf?”

“I told you she was intelligent as well as beautiful,” Hellsmere admired.

“I believe I had already told you that same thing previous to your own comment,” Gabriel reminded his friend irritably.

Inwardly, he was still reeling at Lily having told him she was ending their relationship.

It was the last thing he had expected to hear this evening.

Although why it should be, he had no idea, when Lily had explained how their intimacy was now hurting her more than fulfilling her.

His own opinion on the matter was his to deal with. Lily’s health and happiness were of paramount importance, not his own feelings.

To say Gabriel was now stunned at her perception in regard to this current situation—despite already having recognized her intelligence—would be an understatement. For her to have assessed the events of the past few weeks and the news of Shefford’s suicide this evening, and then drawn such a conclusion—the correct one—was formidable.

“Was that before or after you had told me she was too good for you and that, for her sake, you should walk away?” Hellsmere retaliated.

Lily turned to look at Gabriel. “You told your friend that?”

“No—”

“Yes.”

Gabriel scowled. “You are becoming beyond irritating, Hellsmere.”

“I am aware of that,” the other man acknowledged without concern. “But that really was a magnificent piece of deduction on your behalf just now, Lady Tremayne.”

“Call me Lily,” she instructed impatiently. “You will also cease flattering me and tell me if that deduction was correct.”

“You will not address her so informally,” Gabriel warned his friend before answering her. “And yes, your assessment of the situation is perfectly correct.”

“Are you allowed to tell me more on the subject? My friend Georgiana… Do you remember her as being one of the other young ladies from the meeting in your library that day?” she prompted, her cheeks reddening when she received a nod of acknowledgment from Gabriel. “She is the Earl of Shefford’s eldest daughter.”

Ah.

The two men looked at each other before Gabriel nodded. “I do not see why we should not tell you more of the situation when Shefford’s suicide will most likely bring the whole scandal to light in any case.”

“Allow me to send word to my mother of my further delay before you do so,” Lily pleaded. “I shall tell her I am feeling unwell and prefer to remain in the garden a little longer.” She turned to walk the length of the terrace before stepping into the music room to talk softly to the footman standing just inside.

“Admirable woman, that,” Hellsmere murmured.

“Iwillcall you out if you continue in this vein, Lucien,” Gabriel bit out from between gritted teeth.

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