Page 127 of Ironvine

“A woman’s helper, it’s called. My sister sometimes imbibes. She said it would calm her nerves and blur the pains and discomforts a woman must endure. I’ve never tried it myself.”

“Laudanum and wine, ergo…” He gestured in the direction they’d last seen Amanda as he wiped at the perspiration on his face with the side of his hand.

The Duchess stilled, her gaze fixed on his exposed bare chest and left shoulder. His chemise had come completely loose after his sword lesson, his rushing about, Amanda pulling on him. The red scar on his upper arm was plainly visible.

“You bear a fresh wound, Lord Ryvves,” said the Duchess.

Charles clenched his jaw as he yanked his damp shirt back into place and buttoned it. “’Tis a scratch,” he quoted Shakespeare on a brittle grin to fend off her pointed inquiry, to distract her.

Her eyes narrowed. “Marry, ’tis enough,” she quotedRomeo & Julietback to him and Georgina’s heartbeat sputtered as the Duchess’s features hardened. “The rumours are true, then? You were the one fighting Mr. Treharne in the duel? You were shot and Hugh was safe. Why then is he dead?” Her voice had grown louder.

“That’s not the truth,” exclaimed Georgina. “I was there, I saw—”

“You were there? Why should I believe either of you? I shall ask you again, for what purpose did you bring me here to show me that portrait of Hugh, to sweeten and soften me by returning my letters and gifts that were in his possession? Inquiring about my necklace? You deny you are friends with that woman, and yet...what do you want of me, Countess?”

“What is ityouwant of us?” Charles’s voice seemed to slice through the air like a sharp axe as he moved between her and Georgina. “You and Oakley haven’t resided in your house here for nigh on two years. Suddenly, your long-time lover, the local Earl, is out of the way, and you are in residence, making up for all that lost time, having parties and catching up with your noble duties in the village.”

“Charles!” Georgina grabbed hold of his arm as he moved closer to the Duchess, but it did not stop him.

“Now you are befriending my wife, your former lover’s fiancée. Asking questions. What is your true purpose here amongst us, Your Grace?”

Her chest heaved, a cry heaving from her lips. “I need to know how Hugh died. Why he died. I need to know. I am in agony. You must tell me the truth.”

ChapterFifty-Five

Charles

“The last letterI received from Hugh was just before that final ball,” said the Duchess as she sat down in a leather armchair by the window of the main parlour. “He said he was committed to finding a wife.”

“You had communicated whilst he was in London?” asked Charles pouring himself a glass of brandy.

“Twice, yes.”

“When we saw him and Georgina dancing together at the ball spending much time together, I knew he was pleased, and I’d hoped she would be his choice.”

“Is that when the Duke asked me to dance?” asked Georgina. “And you danced alongside us?”

“Yes. His Grace liked you immediately, as did I.”

“Why would you do that, seek me out?” asked Georgina. “Did Hugh want your approval for his choice of wife?” Her question hung in the air as the Duchess made no attempt to answer it.

“You never broke.” said Charles. “It was all a lie so he could find a bride and claim the rest of his inheritance.”

The Duchess lifted her gaze to his. “Yes.”

“And after he married, the two of you would reunite?” said Georgina.

“That was our plan,” said the Duchess. “But the next day after the ball, instead of hearing word of his engagement, we heard reports of a duel between a Mr. William Treharne and a Montclare, but not which Montclare brother. Many reports noted that you, Charles, were the one most likely fighting the gentleman as it was known that you once had relations with his wife. I was relieved, yet I could not rest until I heard from Hugh.”

“You knew he was bedding her, didn’t you?” asked Charles.

“No, I did not know.”

“Come now. I saw your spy by our house late one night.”

“He is the Duke’s most trusted man, and he was delivering my letter to Hugh that night. He never spied on Hugh.” She let out a sigh. “I did not know of his dalliance with the lady. When we heard that Mr. Treharne had died, and then soon after, got word that Hugh too was dead, I was in shock; it was as if the earth had cracked and broke from under me.

“I could not comprehend it. If you had fought the duel, then why was Hugh dead? I had to know the truth, and so we came to Tidesfar so that I could find out what I could from you.” Her glance fell on Georgina.

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