Page 84 of Passions of a Wicked Earl
Claire stepped in front of him. “Do not dare talk to my sister in that tone of voice.”
“Do not push me tonight, Countess.”
Claire glanced over her shoulder. “Beth, go pack your belongings.”
“But Claire—”
Claire marched over to her and grabbed her arms, her own temper flaring at this abominable situation. “I will find a way to get you back to London for the Season, but for now it is best that you do as you are told.”
Releasing a heartfelt sob, Beth ran down the hallway.
Claire pivoted around to face the wrath of her husband, who was closing the trunks. She took two steps toward Westcliffe and came to an abrupt stop when he swung around to face her.
The devastation, the look of betrayal on his face tore into her heart. But that he could believe this of her, after all they’d shared, pushed the knife that much deeper.
“You must listen to me!” she beseeched him. “Lady Anne Cavill arranged the entire meeting in the conservatory.”
“You believe her to be that conniving?”
“Why will you think the worst of me and not of her?”
“Because you’ve betrayed me once, and she hasn’t. You were the one who insisted we attend this damned ball!”
“I didn’t even know Stephen was in London. You must believe that.”
“I saw you in his arms.”
“He mistook me for someone else.”
“And did you mistake him as well, to allow him such liberties? We have not the same height, the same build, nor the same complexion so explain to me how you mistook him for me.”
“I didn’t.”
“So you were in his arms knowing he was not me.”
“Please, you must give me a chance to explain. We must sit down and talk calmly.”
“I want you out of my sight tonight.”
She took a bold step toward him. “If you persist in judging me without truly listening to what I have to say and send me back to Lyons Place when I wish to remain here, I shall never forgive you.”
“Then we share that in common, for I shall never forgive you. Not again.”
Chapter 23
Iswear to God, when I first took her in my arms, I did not know it was Claire.”
Ainsley sat in his library, sipping his nightly brandy, studying his brother who had arrived with an unbelievable tale. “If I’d known there was going to be so much excitement, I’d have gone to the ball, but they’ve been so dreadfully dull all Season that I could not bear the thought of attending another.”
Stephen lifted his gaze from his knotted hands. “You don’t believe me.”
“Sorry, puppy. You’re rather like the boy who cried wolf.”
“I was supposed to meet Lady Anne there, but Claire arrived first. Then Westcliffe appeared.” He shrugged. “I suppose they were going to have a tryst as well.”
“Rather bad timing there, but explain to me why you would want Westcliffe’s cast-off?”
“She’s beautiful.”
