Sinking his teeth into the dry toast, he mused about what clever responses Charlotte would come up with this time. She wasproving to be quite adept at keeping secrets. Resolute, Perry was determined to squeeze every last secret from her lips, even if that meant asking difficult questions. They were past the bounds of propriety. He already knew what he wanted the outcome to be if the situation was as he suspected.
Peregrine Spencer was a man of honor.
As an earl, he had the means to make things right and give the child and her mother the most comfortable life. He could hardly be reproached for wanting that.
He swallowed his broth, wishing it were a delicious glass of French merlot. Oh, how he would enjoy the more solid delicacies available from the cook as soon as possible. The devil could take the doctor’s recommendations. It was time to stop treating him like he was at death’s door. Part of him wondered if Mrs. Higgins would require smelling salts if he asked her for a drink. The housekeeper was already overcome by his last request.
Perry snorted as he dutifully swallowed the rest of his healing broth. Leaning back in his chair, he tightened the tie of his robe and crossed his legs at the ankles, waiting for someone to appear as his inquiry sent the entire house into an uproar. He twined his fingers over his lap and waited.
Would Charlotte tell him the truth?
Surely, their previous friendship would make it her duty to be honest. They had both been pawns in his father’s game. It was time for the truth to be set free. She could not deny what he already knew in his heart to be true.
The soft shuffle of feet and the clinking of glasses as someone approached his room was his only hint that a visitor would at last put him out of his misery.
His breath lodged in his throat as Charlotte appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly mussed and the color high in her cheeks. Perry steeled himself with a bracing breath, determined to find answers. Only thetruth would suffice.
Charlotte swept into the room, placing the tray with two wine glasses on the table.
His breath caught as he took in her light blue muslin gown, which curved tantalizingly in the front. Even when upset with him, she was a temptation. She set one glass before him and one in the empty spot he assumed she would occupy.
His mouth watered at the sight of her. Her lips were rosy and her breathing rapid. She was stunning when stressed.
Raising a brow, she indicated the glass with a silent question. Perry nodded.
After serving the deep burgundy wine, Charlotte sat carefully in the chair, adjusting her skirts in a distracted way that charmed Perry, while also showing him exactly how much she did not want to be having this conversation.
“I see you have been keeping more secrets, madam.”
With a sigh, Charlotte picked up the glass and drained it by half. As he watched her place it back on the table, Perry enjoyed a taste of his own rich glass of heady burgundy.
“I have not entirely been truthful,” she confessed. “That, I will admit.”
Perry cocked a brow, encouraging her to continue, and was dismayed with how she minimized the importance of what she was about to reveal. His heart was racing at the possibility of his suspicions being confirmed. He was terrified. He was elated.
“I’m not quite sure how to begin,” she spoke in a quiet, almost frightened voice. “I am afraid.” Her gaze was bracing, vulnerable. Perry had no time for any more dithering.
“You can start by telling me about my daughter.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Her vision faltered as the words were uttered from his mouth. The power of the secret she had held slipped from her hands. So many years spent as a wandering wraith haunting the halls of Fermoy, living a simple life and keeping out of sight. Ashamed of herself, yet still in awe of the gift her daughter was to her existence. It was hard to have regrets when her decision changed her life for the better.
Charlotte coughed, avoiding his unwavering glower, as he studied her every movement. Dodging the question with one more taste of the rather delicious wine, she released a slow exhale and straightened in her seat.
She must be courageous—for her daughter.
After all, Aurelia was her priority.
It would be awful to deprive her of the advantages he could offer their daughter.
Charlotte was willing to suffer to give Aurelia access to a more fulfilling life.
Clearing her throat, at last she managed to speak. “Her name is Aurelia.” Charlotte waited for him to respond. Her heart was in a vise as she watched for his reaction.
Though he seemed prepared for the revelation, Perry remained silent as she confirmed his suspicions. He closed his eyes and leaned forward, resting his head in his hand.
“Are you feeling faint? Do you need to return to bed?” she asked, worried at the sudden pallor of his skin.
