Page 76 of Leap of Faith
“You mean Sir Julian is lying?”
“That is precisely what I am saying. My ward is innocent of all wrong-doing. Did you not see how he made his escape as soon as he saw me coming?”
“He has much to answer for in trying to ruin an innocent lady, all for a wager.” Sackford-James shook his head. “A very bad business.”
“I’d be much obliged if you would dispel the rumours should you hear anything further.” Dominic knew well that people wanted his support on various political matters. He was not above calling in favours at this juncture to save Faith.
“You can be certain I will!” the man said with a humph that imparted his thoughts on such havey-cavey happenings and caused his thick whiskers to shake.
“Well, that was a fortunate meeting,” Montford said as they left the club.
“Let us hope he’s in the mood to spread the word.”
They parted, all with the intention of sending their valets to their favourite haunts to gossip while Dominic returned home, thinking there was one person whose support would keep thetonfrom speaking openly against Faith. Failing that, he hoped his solicitor or the bishop had returned helpful words. It was difficult for Dominic to wait for anything. He wanted to hunt Sir Julian like a fox and attack him like the vermin he was.
With no news awaiting him from either, he sent off a note to his most powerful ally, then found his mother and Faith in her sitting room, discussing what was to be done.
“Dominic, at last. Please help me convince Faith she needs to stay in Town. She must face this with her head held high and prove that the rumour is untrue. If she leaves for the country as he expects her to do, then it will make proving the truth that much harder.”
Faith shook her head. “I do not care what anyone thinks. In time, it will become apparent that we did not marry.”
“But will it dispel the rumour that you were compromised?” Dominic asked, knowing it was likely to be something she had not considered.
“How can I dispel it now?” A warm blush had risen to her cheeks, showing she had understood.
“Mother is right, you know. If you continue on as before, it will become very obvious that he played you false.”
“I am thinking of your sisters as well,” Lady Westwood said gently.
“Guilt by association? The sins of the fathers are to be visited upon the children? Or sisters, in my case,” Faith said bitterly.
“Unfortunately, it is often the case.”
“What about Joy? She had her heart set on removing to Taywards.”
“I never should have tempted her with my jumping course,” Dominic said dryly. “I daresay, if she were willing to agree to supervision by my head groom, Chauncy, then I know my grandmama would love to have her there.”
Faith nodded. She could not bear to continue disappointing everyone. Joy needed to be free in the country or who knew what other mischief she would get into. “Very well. I will stay, but only long enough to prove this wretch is lying.”
“That’s my girl.”
CHAPTER18
Stay and fight, they said. Did they not understand that Faith felt defeated? Humiliated? That she did not give a fig for thetonor their false opinions? All she wanted to do was to be alone where no one could find her. She needed time to think.
With Joy and Miss Hillier on their way to Taywards, Faith struggled not to feel jealousy that her sister was leaving Town. How she longed to be fifteen and free of all cares with no responsibility for her sisters!
She heaved a heavy sigh as she made her way upstairs to steel herself for what she felt sure was to be the worst night of her life.
Dressed in her favourite gown of cerulean blue netting over a matching satin slip, with the bottom of the skirt ornamented with tiny roses.The bodice fitted snugly, with short, full sleeves to accentuate her shape.
Her maid styled her hair, pulled elegantly back from the sides with loose curls falling from the back. She pulled on her gloves like armour, then turned as there was a knock on the door.
It was Lady Westwood. “You look perfect, my dear. I want you to wear these tonight.” She held out a box that she was certain contained jewels.
“I do not understand.” Faith stared at the stunning sapphires surrounded by diamonds.
“These are well-known Westwood heirlooms. If you are seen wearing these, it will make a statement that you could not be wed to Sir Julian.”
