Page 97 of Enslaved to the Seduction of a Lady
“I understand what you’re saying,” Luke said, moving forward until he perched on the very edge of his seat. “I really do. But we love each other, and we could see no other way.”
Lord Denninson looked at him again, his lips pursed in consideration.
“All right,” he said. “Let’s say I believe what you’re saying—”
“Oh thank goodness,” Luke said, leaning back in the chair and almost laughing with the relief of it.
“I’m not finished,” Lord Denninson snapped. “Now, let’s just say I believe you. Who was bribing this Noah fellow? And, more to the point, why? It cannot be the Duke himself. He would have no need of a reason to send you away—or put his own daughter’s life at risk.”
“No, not the Duke,” Luke said. “The Earl.”
“The Earl?” Lord Denninson raised a single eyebrow, his lips in a pout of surprise and thought.
“That’s what I believe, yes, and that’s what Sam claims he heard, too.”
“It would make sense,” Lord Denninson said, tapping a finger to his lips. He leaned heavily back in his chair, one leg swung over the other.
“He has good reason to want me out of the way,” Luke said, back to his perch. “If Alison and I managed to get married—or even if there was a hint of it in society—the Earl would no longer be able to get what he wants.”
“Which is Lady Alison,” Lord Denninson said. Luke snorted.
“That or the ample dowry the Duke is offering.”
“Luke,” Lord Denninson said, reverting back to his Christian name. “That’s a rather pessimistic view, don’t you think?”
“Don’t you agree, Thomas?” he asked. Dropping Thomas’ title was a risk, but he suspected it worked in his favor. Thomas liked the idea that he had a brother, Luke knew that.
Thomas laughed.
“Actually, I do. I am not great friends with the Earl of Belmont, but I have heard enough about him to have an idea of what sort of man he is. I have no doubt that he is money-grabbing, and I would not put it past him to pull a stunt such as that. For what I understand, he is the sort of man determined to get what he wants at any cost.”
“So you believe me, then?”
Thomas’ smile filled Luke’s heart with a fraternal love such as he had never felt before. It was different with Jenny. They had been together forever. But Luke had never expected to have a brother, and he was amazed at how quickly they had connected. With that smile, Luke knew that their bond, their unspoken pact, had been sealed, and finally… finally, Luke could see a path to a rosy future.
“I do,” he said. “And—” he trailed off, shifting in his seat and licking his lips.
“And what?” Luke chuckled, feeling suddenly and quite perfectly at ease.
“And I’m sorry,” Thomas said.
“For what?” Luke asked, brow furrowed.
“For doubting you,” Thomas said, shoulders high. “I was wrong to assume you were a thief.”
“Please,” Luke said. “There’s no need to say sorry. You hardly know me. It’s normal to believe the tales of others, especially when such a rumor is rife—and coming from a source as high as the Duke. That’s why I don’t blame the Duke, either. Of course, I’d rather he had a bit more faith in me, but I understand why believing the groom over everyone else might be difficult.”
“That’s very wise,” Thomas said, nodding in agreement. “And kind of you to say. But really, I pride myself on being a man who does not pay much heed to social status—and certainly not to rumor. I should have verified the facts before I made the decision to walk away.”
“Well,” Luke said, head tilted. “Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it.”
“What of Jenny?” Thomas asked suddenly. “You promised to bring her to me to meet her, but—”
“I know, and I fully intended to, but what with all that has happened—”
“I appreciate that. But now? You can bring her now. Where is she?”
“She’s staying with Mary White, an old of our mother’s.”
