Page 35 of The Duke's Hidden Scandal
At Edward’s nod, they began to sort the papers into piles based on their importance, date, and the size of the sum involved. Any correspondence between the late duke and Lord Wentworth was set aside to be gone through later. Colin felt a surge of motivation for the cause now, feeling as though he was on the right trail as to what had happened and how he might rectify it.
It seemed deeply ironic to him that just as his feelings for Richard Wentworth’s daughter were growing to an unprecedented degree, he should find such a betrayal in his past involving both of their fathers.This could drive an even deeper wedge between our families if I can find no way to correct it.
“I must address it,” he said feverishly. “My father may have been unwilling to compromise; perhaps he refused to apologise too; that would have been just his nature. But I would take back what he has done if it will rectify things with Lord Wentworth. It might have a cost to my family’s reputation, but it would alleviate my peace of mind.”
“Indeed,” Edward said, but his eyes were guarded as he looked at him.
“What is it?” Colin asked.
Edward’s face was uncertain, but his mouth kicked up at the corners in a sardonic smile. “It would not hurt your intentions toward his daughter either.” Colin felt an infuriating blush spread over his cheeks, and he scowled at his friend, who had the audacity to laugh heartily at his expense. “You must know I am thoroughly behind you in all of this, Ludlow. I would like to see you happy. It has been a long time since I saw you truly happy.”
“I do not even know if Lady Wentworth has such interests in me. This is about our fathers; it should not involve the present.”
“Oh, no of course,” Edward said, but his voice dripped with sarcasm.
“I can send you out of this house very easily if you continue with this argument,” Colin said peevishly.
“And after all I have done to help, for shame!”
Edward chuckled as he continued his task, and the two men set to work, spending hours searching through papers long into the night.
Colin’s thoughts were filled with Lady Wentworth, and he hoped against hope that there might be a way for him to bridge the chasm of history and the familial expectations that separated them.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Charlotte sat in the morning room, her mother’s journal resting on her lap. She had been sitting in the same position for hours, tracing the edges of the pages with her fingers, trying to make sense of all she had read.
Her mind was spinning in a continuous circle from her mother’s past, and all that Charlotte now knew, then returning to the Duke of Lindenbrook and what the revelations might mean for them.
She longed to confide in someone, but the risk of exposure seemed too great. She did not know if her father had been aware of her mother’s feelings for the late duke. Society was a small place, and any attraction between two people rarely went unnoticed. Still, if her mother had been as secretive about her feelings as she was about her past, anything could be possible.
“Lady Wentworth?” Charlotte jumped at the voice that suddenly floated through the room and turned to find the family butler watching her, one hand on the door.
“Good morning, Waltham; my apologies; I did not hear you come in.”
“Good morning, Lady Wentworth. The Earl of Kenthurst has arrived to see you. Should I send him in?”
Charlotte’s gut clenched as her fingers tightened around the journal. Now, more than ever, she longed for her mother, wondering what she would tell her about her current predicament and whether, if she were here, she would have challenged her father on his stoic opinion of Kilby.
“Thank you, Waltham. I shall go to him directly.”
The butler bowed and left the room. Charlotte had spent a great deal of time with the servants when her mother had fallen ill. She had, to all intents and purposes, been the lady of thehouse for almost three years. Waltham had traveled with them from the country and was an exceedingly loyal and reassuring presence.
She stood, brushing down her skirts and looking at the journal thoughtfully. Her father rarely came into the morning room, and she knew if she were to secrete it here, he would not find it. Walking to a chair in the corner of the room she pushed the journal behind the upholstery at the back and covered it with a cushion, then went to face the day.
The corridors in the house seemed even longer this morning, like a march to a fate she wished to avoid at all costs. As she walked, she tried to reconsider her opinion of Kilby for a short time, attempting to convince herself that his smile was not quite as vacant as she had first thought.
I wonder how my mother felt. She would have had to let go of all her hopes for a man she did not want. I wonder what she would say if she were with me now.
Charlotte’s head was flooded with images of the duke, her heart yearning for the reality of their situation to be different. She had no confirmation that he evenhadintentions toward her, but the hope in her heart was very real.
Charlotte’s mood darkened further as she reached the drawing room, wishing fervently that something might prevent her from having to tread the path that was laid out for her.
As she entered the room her father stood beside Kilby, his smile broad and genuine as the two men stopped speaking the moment she entered. Their easy friendship only made Charlotte feel more trapped in her situation.
“Lady Wentworth,” Lord Kilby said, walking toward her and taking a bow. “What a pleasure it is to see you.”
She gave a reluctant smile as he indicated the settee, and she sat down beside her father opposite Lord Kilby. Before they could speak further, two servants entered with a pot of tea, andthe rattling of cups and cutlery saved her from having to make awkward small talk for a few minutes.
