Page 121 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“Just the one caller?”
“Yes, madam, waiting in the parlor.”
“Is my husband in the library?”
“No, madam. He went out.”
Tension threaded through her. “Out?” He had not mentioned going out. She eyed the footman. An ex-soldier he was, and shrewd. He might know where Charley went, but she would not stoop to ask.
And, if Charley could go off without her, she could speak to Captain Llewellyn alone.
When she entered the quiet parlor, he turned and smiled.
So, it was the charming Captain visiting today. She curtsied.
“My dear.” He took her hands in his clammy ones.
She pulled away. “I am surprised that you would call.”
“I hope I am not unwelcome. You look tired, Graciela. Are you well? I was worried after the spectacle you were put through last night.”
“You are not unwelcome.” In truth she had many questions for him. “And the night was indeed eventful. The Duque’s conduct and my cousin’s were quite ungentlemanly.”
His face colored. “I meant, how could Shaldon and his son expose you so?”
A buzzing started in her ears. “You are referring to my child.”
He bit his lips and paced. “It shall not serve. I am leaving sooner than expected, Graciela, returning to the West Indies. You must let me take you away from here. You must let me take you home.”
“I am married, Captain. I have a husband now.”
He stopped in front of her, unsmiling. “So it is true then?”
“You thought it was not? You thought we would announce it, and it would not be true?”
“How could you let yourself be pressured into marriage to such a rogue?” He swept a hand through his hair. “But it will not matter. I will take you under my protection.” He captured her hands again. “I shall arrange a house for us in Veracruz.”
Her insides roiled. She looked at his hands, so tightly gripping hers. All pretense of gentility had fallen away. “And what of the money my father set aside for me? Shall I abandon that?”
He frowned. “It’s probably lost to Shaldon’s swindling son. But no matter. I will set you up and keep you comfortable.”
“As what? Your ward?”
His eyes darkened and glittered, the sharpness skittering across her skin.
Bile rose in her. “Your mistress.”
“No one need know the truth.”
“I would know.” She spoke softly. “I would know the truth. And I find that in great matters, the truth matters a great deal to me.” She pulled her hands away. “Before he left, my father shared the truth of how my mother died. He was looking for the man behind her murder. I believe Lord Shaldon and my husband can help me finish my father’s work.”
His mouth contorted in a grimace. “Graciela.” He bit his lip, his gaze sliding away before returning. “You don’t know? It’s one of the reasons I am desperate to take you away from here. The man behind your mother’s murder was Lord Shaldon.”
She lost her breath and the air around them darkened. “I shall take a chair and listen to this story.” His touch on her arm sent shivers through her. He guided her to a sofa.
“No. I said a chair.”
“You should lie down.”
