Page 124 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
She felt guilty about leaving him to deal with Charles and her father, but last night she had simply been too emotionally drained to do anything else.
Truthfully, she had been afraid of what she might do or say should Xavier say one kind thing to her. She had felt like bursting into tears.
Today she was ready to face whatever might come and be strong and resolute.
He smiled at her and her heart tumbled over. She hoped that he did not notice how her hand shook as she put down her cup.
‘Would you like more tea?’ she asked, proud of how calm she sounded.
He leaned back in his chair. ‘No, thank you.’ His face softened.
She knew that expression. It was the way he looked at her after they made love.
She had half expected him to come to her last night, and she’d lain awake and listen to the carriages departing. But he hadn’t come. And she hadn’t blamed him. It was better that they make a clean break of it.
‘Barbara—’
She couldn’t bear to hear him explain why they must part. She knew all the reasons why she could never be his duchess.
She put up a hand to stop himsaying more. ‘Please. I will leave right after breakfast. As soon as a carriage may be hired.’
‘My love,’ he started.
No. No. She shook her head. She could not, would not be his love. How could she bear to share him with a wife?
She started to rise.
He got up and came around to her side the table, moving her chair for her as she stood and then capturing her hand.
‘Dearest, I will speak. And you will listen,’ he said with a touch of laughter in his voice.
She braced herself. ‘Very well, say what you must.’
‘First, I must thank you for coming to my rescue last night. It seemed you had already made your escape and did not need my help after all.’
He had come to her aid. Something twisted in her heart, such a sweet pain. She forced herself not to feel it. ‘I could not leave you sitting there with a pistol pointed at your head. Who knows what Charles might have done once he discovered I had gone?’
‘Indeed, the man is an absolute bounder. Come with me.’
He escorted her out of the breakfast room and into the drawing room where last night’s drama had played out. Someone had cleared up the plaster, though a hole remained in the ceiling.
Xavier seated her on the sofa and sat at her side. Her heart picked up speed. He must be expecting her to say something.
‘Did—did my father leave willingly?’
‘“Willingly” is a bit strong, but he promised to return to Lisbon. I will see to it that he receives a posting to some far-flung outpost where he and Lady Wells will never trouble you again.’
It was what she had always wanted. To be free of Father and his machinations. In spite of that, the future seemed somehow very lonely. ‘Thank you.’
‘I am afraid that the money you were supposed to receive from your first marriage is all but gone.’
Her stomach sank. But she had known as much already. Still, she had the jewels.
‘And Charles?’
‘Charles is another matter. He believes the jewels are his and, no matter what he says, I do not think he will rest until he has them back.’
A cold sensation ran down her back. ‘I believe he had someone try to steal them when I first came to London. They entered my aunt’s room instead of mine.’ She shivered. ‘Who knows what he will attempt next? Perhaps I should sell them.’
