Page 48 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“My Lady, are you alright?” He asked. It took a moment for her to react to his words.
“Yes, thank you. I did not expect my stepmother to be recovered enough to travel,” she answered.
“Then it is good news!” Henry replied happily and walked closer to greet their guests.
“Your Grace,” the older woman said in an overly fond way that made the hairs on his neck stand up.
“Welcome Lady Wentworth. He replied and next greeted the younger lady. “And you must be Charlotte. “He said as he took her hand and bowed slightly.
“Your Grace. That is what we have come here to talk to you about. There has been a terrible misunderstanding,” the younger lady said. And looked behind him to give her sister a look of pure venom.
Henry felt the happiness drain from him as he looked at the scene before him. Something felt improper, and he knew it must have something to do with Bethany. He looked at her, and she looked as though she would burst into tears at any moment. He walked back to Bethany.
“Is there something you have to tell me?” Henry asked. “I would prefer to hear it from you rather than new acquaintances.”
“Yes. I did want to. I was just afraid,” she choked out.
“Afraid of what?” he asked.
“Afraid that her deception would catch up with her!” Lady Wentworth said with a satisfied grin.
“My deception! This was your idea, all because your daughter is too good to marry just a duke!” Henry watched the interplay, stunned.
“You ungrateful little worm. I treated you like my own, and you repay me by stealing what rightfully belongs to your sister!” Lady Wentworth said through clenched teeth.
“What is going on here?” Henry said above both their voices.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. You must think me very unladylike. Could we discuss this in a more private setting?” Lady Wentworth said.
He looked at Charlotte, who did not look at him. He could not believe this deception they spoke of could involve her. Perhaps their behavior embarrassed her?
“We can go to the patio. I will have tea prepared.” Henry said. “Sir, you have not introduced yourself.” He said to the man who had not said a word yet.
“I do apologize, Your Grace. I fear my introduction will cause you some alarm. I am Lord LeBlanc and that lovely lady behind you is already promised to me,” he said with confidence.
“Sir, I think you are confused. That beautiful lady behind me is my future wife, and she wears my ring,” Henry said with a slightly possessive growl.
Lord LeBlanc smiled at Henry. He wanted nothing more than to strike the man.
How dare he come to my house and not only rudely not introduce himself but speak of my future bride in such a way! Henry thought as he turned to show his guests inside. He walked faster still as his temper started to boil. He showed them to the table and went to arrange the tea. On the way, he went into his office for a drink to steady his nerves. The auburn liquid burned his throat and stomach, yet did help him feel less tense.
He made his way back to the patio and pasted a smile on his face. “So who would care to explain this misunderstanding?” Henry asked and hoped that Bethany would be the one to answer him. It looked as though she wanted to speak when Lady Wentworth spoke.
“Your Grace, you see, I am as shocked by how far this girl will go. This is Bethany.” She said and put her hand on her daughter’sshoulder. “She was the one who should have come and not Charlotte.” She said, pointing to her.
“What do you mean? That is Bethany, her father introduced her as such,” Henry said, not sure what to make of this.
“My husband can be easily persuaded by his daughter. He even lied and said he had come here to see you alone. I am simply here to correct this. You deserve the best, Your Grace. My daughter has far more of a worthy pedigree,” Lady Wentworth said smugly.
“Be that as it may. As you can see, I am engaged,” Henry replied.
“Indeed, but in doing so, you break your word, Your Grace. A duke going back on his word shall not go over well with society. Would you not agree?” Lady Wentworth asked for more of a statement.
Henry sat for a moment before he answered. “We shall discuss this further in the morning. For now, you are all welcome as my guests for the night. I shall have someone prepare your rooms.” He took his leave. He needed time to think, to clear his thoughts.
Why had Bethany, or whatever her name is, why did she not say anything? Is it all true? Henry thought as he walked blindly through the estate. He was unsure where to go. All he knew was that he wanted to be alone.
He found himself In the gardens rather than in his study where he spent most of his evening time. He knew that when he was troubled, he would drink more than what was necessary.
