Page 79 of The Pleasures of Passion
“Everything, I think. But it took weeks, even after we were married.” His voice hardened. “That man nearly destroyed her. And I refuse to let him take one more thing from us. Which is why I’m not telling her any of this until after the babe is born.”
“That’s fair,” Niall said. “I had hoped to gain her permission to reveal the truth about the duel to Bree, who still believes that I fought over some mistress, but if you think Clarissa shouldn’t be bothered with it—”
“I do. If she learns that you lost your only love because of what happened to her that night, it will eat at her, and she doesn’t need that burden right now.”
The finality of the words struck a chill through Niall. “I understand. And you’re probably right.” He stared his brother-in-law down. “But I hope I at least haveyourpermission to tell Bree the truth.”
When Edwin said nothing, merely turning aside to gulp a generous portion of brandy, Niall’s blood pounded in his ears.
“Edwin,” Niall said firmly, “Bree believes I betrayed her with another woman. She’s balking at marrying me precisely because she knows I’m keeping secrets from her. I have to tell her.”
“Of course you do. Just not yet.”
“Damn it, man—”
“This is mywifewe’re talking about!” Edwin faced Niall, a hint of desperation in his features. “And my child, possibly my heir. If any of this got out, if people knew that Clarissa was raped all those years ago—”
“Bree would never jeopardize Clarissa’s health or reputation. They’re friends, for God’s sake.”
Edwin glowered at him. “Not close ones. Not the way Clarissa and my sister are friends. All it would take is one word from Mrs. Trevor to the wrong person, and Clarissa could be embroiled in an enormous scandal. Youknowthat.”
“She would never speak of it to anyone. She cares about your sister—aboutme—too much to do such a thing.”
“Really? The woman married another man instead of waiting for you.”
“To save her family from debtors’ prison.”
“Exactly—and she’s bound to resent you because you left her to endure that. For all you know, she may eventually resent you for helping to get her father prosecuted as a criminal.”
“After what that bastard did to her by gambling her future away, she’ll probably cheer when he’s arrested.”
“And what about after her name is dragged through the mud and her reputation permanently besmirched? After her son is forced to live with the ensuing scandal? No matter what Fulkham promised, if her father proves guilty, there will be a trial and, no doubt, a conviction. She’ll have to endure gossip and rumor—”
“She doesn’t care about that.”
“She should. And so should you, for that matter, if you mean to marry her.”
That shook him a little. “I would brave any scandal to have her.”
“You say that now. You may not be so easy about it when it dogs you—and your family—for years.” He looked grim. “Trust me, I know.”
It dawned on Niall then that Edwin’s brother Samuel had put the family through quite a number of scandals. No wonder Edwin was being so wary.
“My point is,” Edwin went on, “if she grows to resent you for it, she may grow to resent Clarissa, too. All of this—the duel, your exile, her being forced to marry another man—began with Clarissa’s rape. You may not resent your sister for it, but you don’t know that Mrs. Trevor will feel as you do.”
Niall frowned. “Don’t be absurd.”
“When you tell her the truth, you’re taking a chance. You can’t be absolutely sure of her.”
“But I can.” At least he was fairly sure he could. Granted, Edwin had a point about her resentment, but Bree would never hurt Clarissa to strike back at him. Would she?
We’re different people now.
He scowled. Yes, they were. But surely notthatdifferent.
Edwin crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m sorry, I can’t be quite as sure of Mrs. Trevor as you. I simply don’t know her character well enough for that, and since you’re thinking with your cock, I daresay neither do you.” Even as Niall bristled, Edwin added, “Promise me you won’t tell her yet. You’re putting not only your own life and future at stake, but Clarissa’s and mine. After the babe is born, I don’t care what you do, though it will be on your head if Mrs. Trevor lets one word of it slip to anyone. But until then . . . I can’t risk it.”
Though Niall understood Edwin’s caution, it made him angry that the man couldn’t trusthimto know what was best. “And if I lose Bree?”
