Page 40 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
“I don’t need your help.”
“I’m sorry.I’ve bungled this.If you ever wish to know about your f-family, you have only to contact me.Otherwise, my solicitor will be in touch when I’ve secured the funds you need.”
And how was she to do that?
“I know my family, my lady.And I don’t need your help.I have prospects and my income from…”
Penderbrook’s income had been from Jane.
That truth was a sharp blade tohim.Penderbrook must be reeling.
He’d missed it—he who prided himself on seeing the secret failings and hidden desires of everyone around him.Jane had borne a child.She’d used her inheritance to support an illegitimate son, all the while living like a poor relation.
Because her brother had died.
“My dear boy.Farewell.”
He’d barely registered the sadness in her voice when the door opened.
Astonishment lit her face.All the color drained and then surged back up her neck and into her cheeks.
And heknew.He knew how she meant to secure the funds.
She slid past him.
“Jane.”He touched her arm, so fragile and yet so strong.“You are most welcome back at Shaldon House.”
“Thank you, Shaldon.”
“Where are you staying?”
“With friends.”
Guilt rose and clogged his breathing.Botched missions that ruined the lives of innocents were all too often a part of this business.That particular botched mission had been his failure, and this woman had suffered for it.
He cleared his throat.“I fear your failure to return to us was due to my conduct.”
Color flooded her again, turning her cheeks a brighter shade of red.“I always hasten to remember what they say about visitors and fish kept for too long.”
It was a lie, and they needed to be done with lies, he and Jane.
He watched her hasten down the stairs.Ewan would be there to watch over her, and this time the boy would not lose her.
He stepped into the rooms and closed the door.
“M-my lord.”The young man in front of him gave a ludicrous bow, given the state of his undress, and then swiped a hand through his hair.
“Quite a morning for you, isn’t it?”Shaldon placed his hat on a stack of papers.“You’ve made a hash of that last call.Let’s see if you can do better with this one.Fetch another cup and—no, on second thought, I think something stronger is in order.”
“Brandy?”
He nodded, and the boy went for the bottle and glasses.
He hated the stuff, but they both needed something to stiffen their pride, both of theirs just crushed by a woman.
Penderbrook poured and they clinked glasses and drank.
“Did you…hear, my lord?”
