The footman muttered something under his breath before leaving, returning quickly like he was eager to have Dominic out of the house. It probably helped that the butler soon came by to replace the footman, standing in the doorway in case Dominic needed anything else.
I have little experience in my wife’s interests, but I suppose it was time to test out my writing skills for all to see. I can only hope this proffered article can lay the blame elsewhere or at least leave the matter vaguer than before.
“I need this delivered to theLondon Post.” Dominic handed over the folded paper with two coins. “Today if possible. Do you have anyone available?”
The butler bowed without expression. “Yes, Your Grace. Is there anything more I can do for you?”
His lips twitched in mild amusement, fairly certain there wasn’t a soul under this roof eager to talk to him or take orders from him. There was a certain advantage to being a duke. While he aimed not to use it often, it truly helped in situations such as this one.
“Not at all. I shall be on my way. Thank you, my good man.”
One more appointment to make before he made his way home, Dominic decided. He turned left instead of right.
Because if anyone was going to have guesses about what was going on, or be making carefully gauged accusations to point out surreptitiously in the nearby days, it would surely be Lady Hemphill.
The woman was often receiving at odd hours, so he decided it would be worth a visit. He could note his concern, ask what she knew, and of course question her about what she anticipated happening soon.
Hopefully she will share all of this and more.
Even though Verity had set something into motion alone, Dominic was determined she would not remain that way for long. He would not see her suffer the consequences so long as he could do something about it.
CHAPTER 26
Verity sighed, rubbing her cheeks once the door was closed to Lady Hemphill who had come to chatter with Lady Hamhearst for a morning visit.
“Thank goodness I’m alone again,” she mumbled to herself.
While Verity didn’t mind hosting most of the time, visiting hours often left her more fatigued than usual. And everything was leaving her rather tired lately. Long nights were spent writing or stewing, trying to unravel the truth.
Only except the truth seems to change every day. How is that possible?
She leaned against the door with a quiet sigh. There was much to do now. Something new would need to be written and printed soon. But she needed more answers to do that. All she had were more questions! While she’d heard plenty, nothing was concrete enough for her to trust supplying in her journal.
There was a rap at the door from the other side.
Jumping, she pulled the door open without thinking to find all too familiar faces looking back at her. Verity stared as Cassian and Elowen stood there.
“Good afternoon,” Elowen said hopefully before pausing. “Oh dear. Is this a bad time after all? Your knocker is off. Cassian…”
“I’m sure our dear sister wouldn’t ever turn us away,” he reminded her before looking at Verity. “Would you?”
Pulling herself together, she opened the door wider. The surprise was swallowed as she considered her confusion. “Certainly not. Come in, Elowen. Cassian. Whatever are you two doing here?”
“We came for a visit.” Cassian glanced at their younger sister. “Didn’t we?”
With a nod, Elowen said, “Yes, but if it’s not a good time––”
“I’m always home for you,” Verity interrupted to reassure her. “Unless, of course, I’m really not home at all. Do come in. I can have a tea tray delivered to the morning room. There are still plenty of pastries, of course. My previous visits haven’t finished a single tray.”
She turned back to the hall and opened the door to let them in, wondering if she had missed something in the family to have them over.
Or perhaps I should just be grateful they came to see me. Cassian, especially. If I can ask him just a few questions…
“Yes, yes, we saw the gossips on their way down the street,” Cassian remarked dryly. Before she could scold him on speaking ill of Hemphill and Hamhearst, he was taking a step backwards. “By the by, is the duke at home?”
Verity ushered her sister in further, gesturing to a few seats before answering his question. “Yes, I believe so. He had a meeting this morning himself in his study, and I think he is still there.” She paused as a niggling notion came to her in the back of her mind, and started moving toward him. “Why? Do you need to speak with him?”
“I believe I should.”
