Page 42 of A Duke's Lustful Portrait
“I’m sure you’ll understand that membership to the Lord’s Society is an honour,” Sinclair continued eventually. “And as such, we need to ensure that those we invite into our midst are worthy.”
Sebastian nodded slowly. “And I am grateful to have the opportunity to be here,” he replied.
“Of course you are. All men are grateful to be among us.” Sinclair sneered. “But as such, we like to investigate the pasts of our new members.”
Sebastian held his breath, panic washing over him.
Stay calm, he told himself.Stay calm.
There was no way Sinclair could know the truth. Simply no way that he could have discovered who Sebastianreallywas. Except it seemed that he had, at least in part, and Sebastian felt his breath snatched from his lungs.
Sinclair waved a hand over the papers in front of him, that sneer now taking up permanent residence on his face. He was proud of himself and his prowess that much was clear, and Sebastian wondered what this little investigation would cost him. Had his plan failed entirely? Or could he worm his way out of this trouble?
He twisted his ankle, feeling the pressure of the dagger in his boot, there always for his protection as he played this dangerous game. At least he could be sure of his physical safety if nothing else. Even without the dagger, he was certain he could defend himself against the older, clearly weaker man. Sinclair was not a fighter but a wealthy man who paid others to fight on his behalf. All Sebastian would have to do was get out of the room. Then he could disappear, change his identity, restart his life. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“That makes perfect sense,” Sebastian replied with a smile he hoped was disarming. Despite his panic, he would not give up.
“Yes, I thought so.” Sinclair grinned. “What do you think I have discovered about you, Ravenswood?”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me,” Sebastian replied. Sinclair laughed again, understanding Sebastian’s desire not to reveal anything accidentally.
He paused, then said, “I have discovered evidence that proves unequivocally that the late Duke of Ravenswood didnothave a son.”
He sat back and crossed his arms, his steady eyes on Sebastian’s face. Sebastian forced himself to breathe. It was true. He was not the son of the Duke of Ravenswood, though he hadn’t made up the entirety of their relationship.
The two had grown close in recent years, thanks to Sebastian’s dedicated service, and it was indeed through the duke that he had discovered all he needed to know about Sinclair and the Lord’s Society. He had no idea how Sinclair had discovered as much, though, and watching the man’s cold, dark eyes now sent Sebastian’s thoughts into a flurry of panic.
He took in another steadying breath, then sighed. There was no denying it now. He feigned a chuckle.
“You do good work, Sinclair. Anyone would think you were a private detective.”
Sinclair grinned. “I have my sources,” he replied. “It is important to me that my protégés are completely open and honest with me. That’s how the society works, after all.” He leant forward, lacing his fingers together in front of his face. “I like you, Ravenswood. You remind me of myself at a young age. But I also won’t have liars in my midst and certainly not under my wing. Tell me the truth, Ravenswood, and then we can make this sorry little mess disappear.”
At least I am still somewhat in his favour.
Sebastian steeled himself, then told Sinclair the half-truth he had prepared in case of this eventuality.
“You were right,” he said with a smile. He paused, hoping Sinclair would think him uncomfortable at the discovery rather than the lies he had yet to discover.
“I usually am,” Sinclair replied. “Tell me everything, and we can put this to rest.”
“The duchess was indeed barren, as the rumours claimed. It pained her greatly, and it pained Ravenswood to see his wife in such distress. He would have done anything to give her the family she so craved. As for myself, I was orphaned when I was six years old after my mother was … in an accident.” He glared at Sinclair.Accident indeed.
“I see,” Sinclair said, not noticing Sebastian’s hatred. “Go on.”
Sebastian sighed, his panic subsiding as he slipped neatly into the new lie.
“The duke took pity on me and took me in. If I’m honest, I don’t know the details of how he came across me, but I suspect he was looking out for a child for a while. He gave me to his wife as a gift, and they raised me as their own. As you can imagine, it is not a tale I wish to tell the world, nor a tale I should imagine the late duke would want announced.
I am not of noble birth, it’s true, Sinclair, but Iamof noble upbringing, and for that, I am eternally grateful to the man who was, for all intents and purposes, my father.”
Sinclair sat back in his chair, a satisfied grin etched across his face. “There,” he said. “That wasn’t too painful, was it?”
Only because you do not know the whole truth.
Sebastian allowed himself a small chuckle. “I must admit, I feel somewhat lighter now I don’t carry the burden of my lie alone.”
Sinclair laughed, too, though it was loud and surprisingly joyful. “I thought you would, my boy. You should trust an older man’s view. Even if Ravenswood gave you the best education in the world, I have life experience that can never be replaced. Brandy?”
