Page 81 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
Jane sat up and handed the valise to the girl.“Open the tube, Jenny.”She put a hand to her waist, drawing in a deep breath.“Captain Kingsley, yes.Yes, I will tell you.I have a son, Quentin Penderbrook, raised as a gentleman by a vicar and his wife.He was born out of wedlock when I was very, very young.”
My son, my only child.She’d held him for mere moments, looking into dark blue eyes that had studied her back, and then he’d been whisked away so she could rest.When she’d awakened again, he was gone.
Swallowing hard, she went on.“He owed a great deal of money to a Major Payne-Elsdon, late of his majesty’s service in Spain.Before I could attempt to assist him, Shaldon paid off the debt.Payne-Elsdon learned of my son’s parentage and insulted both him and me in front of all the members of White’s, provoking a challenge by the foolish boy.Shaldon forbade his sons from serving as his second.He is doing it himself.”
“A concise report.”
The Captain took her hand and squeezed it, the kind gesture making her eyes water more.Devil take it.She wiped a gloved hand across her cheeks.
“I thank you,” he said affably.
“I’ve no idea if Quentin can use a sword.”
“My lady,” Jenny said.“Thereissomething here.”
