Page 124 of Wild Lily
Julian shouted in laughter. “Fantasy.”
But the hesitant look on Leland’s face said there was more.
“Go on.”
“That you married your wife after you compromised her in your stables and your home.”
Foul rumor. What Meg Sheffield had told him he’d put down to fiendish minds not a ninnyhammer who told tales. But certainly only three others had first-hand knowledge of events in Willowreach.
“That you married her for her money.”
Julian squeezed shut his eyes. This was true. Partially.
“That your wife—” Leland cleared his throat and took a drink of his coffee. “That she rides astride and without her corset.”
“At midnight,” Julian whispered.
“Yes.”
“What else?”
Leland slumped in his chair. “That you took to your bed another duchess and—”
“What?”
“And that your wife on the same night took a viscount.”
His mind whirled with impossible scenes. “The only time— Dear God. The only time we’ve ever been near a duchess and a viscount was at Burnett’s house party.”
“I know.”
“So who—?”
Leland shook his head. “Someone who was there?”
Julian clenched his hands. He was beside himself.Meg?She would repeat such gossip, but she wouldn’t shame herself by reaching so low as to perpetrate such rumors. Who else might have a reason to spread such lies? And who else knew about the midnight rides and lack of corsets and—
Julian shot from his chair, his gaze riveted to Leland. “You have a list of these publications?”
“I do.”
“Give it to me.”
“You wish me to speak with the publishers?”
“No. I will.” He got up from his chair. “Join me please in my office in ten minutes, will you, Leland?”
He got to his feet. “Yes, my lord.”
“Bring that list.”
“I will.”
“Perkins, tell my wife and my mother I want them in my study in ten minutes.”
* * *
Lily stared at her bedroom ceiling, counting the acanthus filigree in the stucco frieze. Five, ten, fifteen, twenty white leaves in one ring. Twice as many in the next. They circled the expanse much as her thoughts did. Endless whirls. No beginning. No end. She loved him, her husband loved her not…enough.
