Page 23 of One Wicked Secret
A mocking laugh echoed in the hall. “Are you giving me my congé, Bentley? Will you present a diamond parure as a parting gift and wish me well?”
“I wouldn’t insult your intelligence.”
“Does Miss Woodall know I’m here? Is her father waiting in the study? Perhaps that’s the reason for this little charade.”
“Goodnight, Maria. Hockton has alerted your coachman. I’ll wait with you until he arrives.”
The frank conversation continued in the hall while they waited in the study. Elsa couldn’t help but wonder if Daniel had found himself in the same position because it was clear he’d been pressured to marry, too.
Was there a woman in the world who loved him?
Had he given away his heart before they’d wed?
Such questions were a poison in her mind, driving her to despair. It was too late to care. Yes, she had the utmost respect for the sacrifices Daniel had made but there would be no happy ending for them.
“I’m sorry you’ve had to listen to this,” Daniel whispered.
“You mean a rake dismissing his mistress?” Clara spoke like she had acid on her tongue. “Lord Rutland falls into the category of entitled men who use people for their own entertainment.”
“That’s not true, Clara. Rutland is a prisoner of his noble heritage, trapped in a cage of expectations. He doesn’t lie about who he is or what he must do. He’s always been transparent.”
“Stop making excuses for him.Mariaclearly feels she was deceived.”
“Lady Mersham is fully aware of the situation. When the time comes for Rutland to marry, he will be a faithful husband.”
Clara sighed but said nothing.
A minute or two passed before they heard the clop of horses’ hooves and the rattle of carriage wheels outside. Lord Rutland entered the study a short time later, looking presentable in an impeccable blue coat and starched white cravat.
“Forgive the delay,” he said, a slight colour touching his cheeks when he looked at Clara. “Now, while my valet packs, you’ll explain what in blazes is going on.”
A maid arrived with refreshments, placing the silver tray on the tea stand. She poured four cups and cut slices of seed cake.
The moment the servant left, they all sat on the leather chairs opposite the lord’s imposing desk while Daniel explained what had occurred since he’d received Magnus’ summons.
The viscount listened intently, shock marring his handsome features, the expression fading to an unreadable emotion when he glanced at Clara’s feathered eye patch.
“So we’re returning to Chippenham to hunt for the journal,” the viscount clarified, “which you believe may be hidden somewhere on the Edenberry estate.”
Daniel took a bite of cake and licked crumbs off his lips. “Yes, but we will stay at Thorncroft. It’s only a short walk through the woods or across fields. We must be vigilant. I have reason to believe hired thugs are watching the house.”
The viscount relaxed in the wingback chair and steepled his fingers. “This may sound like an absurd question, but why didn’t we have this conversation six months ago?”
“Keeping my wife safe was the only thing that mattered. I needed time to investigate her father’s friends and associates.”
“And no one from Carver’s family has come to question his whereabouts? Aren’t they wondering where on earth he is?”
“He has no family. His only brother died at Waterloo.” Daniel returned his china plate to the tray. “From myresearch, he owned no property and lived modestly at the cottage on the Edenberry estate.”
“He must have had money if he asked your wife to elope.”
“None that I’m aware of. The murderer stole every piece of evidence from the cottage. We found no papers, ledgers or books when we discovered his lifeless body.”
They all stilled.
The gravity of the situation rendered them all mute.
No one could predict the future or their fate. But despite their differences, she would rather know Daniel was alive somewhere in the world than lose him altogether.
