Page 105 of The Earl Takes All
“So he lied to all the other lords?” Minerva seemed horrified.
“Apparently so.”
“Why would he do that?”
“To protect me,” Julia said.
“How does his story do that when you have been living together for months now?”
She had no response to that question.
“Edward explained that away,” Ashe began, “by assuring everyone that his relationship with Julia remained chaste. Naturally, no one found that difficult to believe, as we all know he never had a kind word for you. He went on to say that you were growing suspicious, so he paid off his debts and he is once again free. Or some rubbish like that. I could scarce believe what I was hearing. Of course, the chambers erupted and he walked out.”
“Probably in need of a stiff drink,” Minerva offered.
He smiled at his wife, before looking at Julia. “I was waylaid, as everyone pounced on me to find out if I’d known what he was up to and if it was true.”
“Why did you say?” she asked.
“What could I say? That I’ve never known him to lie. I just wish he’d bloody well told me what he planned so I would have been prepared and could have provided my support in a more effective manner. I’m rather certain I resembled a fish that finds itself flopping about on shore.”
Which she suspected was the very reason Edward hadn’t told him. He wanted his reaction to be honest. “He didn’t want to draw you into our mess.”
“Well he should have. That’s what brothers are for. I know I’m not his brother by blood, but I am, by God, his brother!”
“Darling,” Minerva said, rubbing her hand up and down his arm, “you must calm yourself.”
“I simply don’t understand his strategy.”
“Is anyone talking about me?” Julia asked.
“No, they’re all...” He sighed. “He is the one they are speculating about. And not very flatteringly I’m afraid. Hiding behind his brother’s death and a woman’s skirts. Which I assume is what he meant to accomplish—painting himself as a villain.”
“In a year or so he’ll be forgiven,” Minerva said.
“In all likelihood, yes,” Ashe confirmed, before turning his attention back to Julia. “Should his words not be enough to protect you, know that I, Minerva, and Locke—even though he is not in London—will stand by you.”
“As will we,” the Duchess of Lovingdon said. “And Avendale. We’ve all been touched by scandal in one way or another. It’s easier to ride out the storm if you’re not alone in the boat.”
“I’m going to pour us all a drink,” Ashebury said.
“Scotch,” the three duchesses said in unison.
The duke raised a brow at Julia. “Nothing for me, thank you,” she told him. If she were with child, she wasn’t going to indulge in spirits. Nor was she going to tell Edward. She didn’t need to burden him when he already had so much on his plate. She would return to Evermore and, once there, determine how best to handle the situation.
Her guests sat in her parlor sipping their spirits. Julia had sandwiches and cakes brought in. Darkness fell.
Ashebury began to pace. “Where the deuce is he?”
“Gentleman’s club?” Minerva asked.
“I don’t think he’d be in the mood for the company of lords. If anything, he’s probably in someplace like St.Giles, trying to get lost.” He looked at Julia. “Do you have any clue as to where he might be?”
She had a fairly good one, but the fact that he wasn’t here and Ashebury didn’t know where to look told her that Edward wanted no company. “I’m afraid I don’t. But I’m sure he’ll return here when he’s ready. I’ll send word when he does. No reason for you to ruin your evening by staying and keeping me company.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why do I have the impression that you’re trying to get rid of us?”
“Because I am. Nothing is to be gained by your being here, and it’s quite possible that your carriages out front are keeping him walking the streets.”
