Page 32 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Adelaide’s eyes widened. “He has not replied?”
“Not a word.”
“He told me you had not sent a single letter.”
“My love, you have been lied to.”
She shook her head defiantly. “No, that cannot be.”
“Ask him, sweeting. You will see for yourself.” He held her hand tightly, planting a kiss on her glove. “Even in the midst of my games, I was thinking of you—of our marriage. I continued to make my intentions clear to your father. It appears that he would have you think otherwise.”
“No…”
“Yes, my love. Ask him. Ask him, and you will see that I am more honest than you have been led to believe.”
“I must take my leave of you for now,” she said sadly, giving his hand a returned squeeze. “Please, forgive me for my abrupt departure. There is much for me to think about.”
“Of course, Lady Adelaide. Might I await a letter from your fair hand?”
She nodded uncertainly. “You may.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Goodnight, Your Grace,” she murmured, hurrying back towards the waiting carriage. Jasper hurried after her. He paused only to fire a sharp hiss back at Reuben.
“What have you done?” he spat.
“Revealed the truth,” Reuben replied.
There were lies being told within the Colborne house. Reuben did not know what they were, but he figured Adelaide ought to understand the deceit that surrounded her. There was evidently a plan in place to dissuade Adelaide from marrying him. Why Ephraim had suddenly had a change of heart, he was not sure. Nor did he care to find out. He would not be beaten.
No, two can play that game.
Dawn would rise the following morning, and he had a feeling that he would not emerge the worst villain. Indeed, he had just set the cat amongst the pigeons. There would be chaos before the night was out.
Chapter 12
Tears brimmed in Adelaide’s eyes as the carriage made the short journey to her front door. Reuben’s words haunted her mind. He had bent the truth before, but only as part of a larger game. A personal amusement to titillate his existence.
Why would he lie about this? He has no reason to. His mother explained that he would be expected to wed me, regardless of his doubts or misgivings about the institution of marriage. Truly, he seems eager enough. I am wearing his ring, am I not? What possible reason would he have to say such things, if they were not true? It does not seem like another of his tricks.Her mind raced wildly.If I were to discover any deceit, it would not show him in a favorable light. And yet… how can I believe that such dishonesty would come from Papa? He saw my distress when the announcement did not come. He knew of my embarrassment. Surely, he would not keep me in such a state? Surely, he would not have hidden notes from me?
The stark and painful truth hit her like a blockade of stone. There was some collusion afoot, between her father and Jasper. She was growing more certain of it by the minute.
“Are you well, my dear?” Rosemary asked softly. She was an older woman with a kind face, who had acted as the family chaperone for many years now. A steady fixture in her life, Adelaide was glad of the company.
“I am, Rosemary.”
“Was there some trouble between the two gentlemen?”
Adelaide gazed out of the window. “Truthfully, I do not know.”
“You know how young men can be when their blood is up,” she comforted. “Undoubtedly, they will be on excellent terms once more, after they have taken time to calm down.”
“I doubt they have ever been on excellent terms.”
“Not to worry, Lady Adelaide. I am certain the Duke of Bradford is merely being territorial. It is not an admirable trait in fine gentlemen, but it is to be expected. Once you are married, you may be assured that he will settle.” She took Adelaide’s hand in hers. “Your friendship with Lord Gillett will go on as before, after a period of readjustment.”
“Do you think so?” Adelaide remained unconvinced.
