Hell. Ernest was right, but what was Hector supposed to do? Not care about Verity and Maddie? Yes, if he was the duke, he would help them, but the scandal wouldn’t help his cause, and if he wanted to change the law, he needed the support of the House of the Lords, which meant no association with scandals. If he helped Verity and Maddie, the lords wouldn’t support him. And without his title, how could he propose to Maddie? It was a problem without a solution.
“Give me a bit of time,” Hector said. “I’ll tell Quentin he can keep his title only to think about a solution.”
“That’s madness!” Ernest shoved himself up, hitting the table in the process. Tall stacks of papers fell to the floor.
“At least we need to give Maddie the chance to find another solution.” Hector owed Maddie’s family that much. “I’m not giving up, Ernest. I just need more time to think about a solution.”
“Do what the hell you want. I hope you’ll sleep well at night when one of those workers dies in the factory.”
Hector rubbed his aching chest. Ernest was right. As much as it hurt him, he had to do something. “Maddie, I—”
Verity entered the room. Her face cream couldn’t hide her puffy red eyes and the shadows underneath them. “Ernest.” She swallowed hard. “I couldn’t help but hear.”
“Verity.” Maddie stood up, shaking her head.
“It’s time.” Verity lifted her trembling chin. “I can’t let you take the blame and the responsibility for something you didn’t do.”
Hector frowned. What was she talking about?
Ernest held up his hands. His expression softened when he faced Verity. “I know what you’re about to say, but Hector’s work is more important than your sister’s reputation. I’ll marry you anyway. Maddie could leave London, and together we’ll face this crisis.”
Verity took a step forwards. “I hope you mean it because—”
“Verity, don’t,” Maddie said.
“You’ve done enough. It’s my turn now.” Verity shook her head. “Ernest, the pictures are mine.”
“I don’t think…” Ernest stilled. He was so motionless Hector wondered if he breathed at all. “I beg your pardon?”
“The compromising pictures Quentin gave to Maddie regard me. I used to spend a lot of time with Annabelle. She likes to play some silly games with her friends and takes intimate pictures.” Verity thrust her chest out. “It was before I met you, I swear it. It was only a stupid game, but the pictures make it look like something different. Yes, I’m quite undressed in those pictures in the company of other men, but I swear there was no fumble involved, if this might help you feel better.”
Hector’s skin tingled with the thick tension in the room. Despite the revelation, the only thing he could think about was Maddie. She’d been ready to take the blame, maybe being ruined forever, to protect her sister. If he didn’t already love her, he’d fall in love with her now.
Ernest didn’t even blink. For a few long moments no one talked. Everyone was staring at Ernest, waiting for his reaction.
He put a hand on the wall. “The compromising pictures are of you?”
Verity nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. “As I said, it was a silly game.”
Ernest raked a shaky hand through his hair. “I...I…” He put his coat back on the back of a chair, only to take it again. He paced and stopped, muttering something.
“Please say something.” Verity sobbed.
Maddie rushed to hug her, but Ernest seemed oblivious to them.
“Ernest.” Hector grabbed his shoulder. “You love Verity. You said so yourself many times. Do the right thing.”
Ernest raised a lost gaze towards him. It was the first time Hector had seen the passionate solicitor so frail and pale. “If you claim your title, everyone will see Verity’s pictures.”
Hector wanted to tell him that, until a moment ago, Ernest had dismissed the scandal as something fleeting, but he didn’t want to add salt to the wound. “Your lady waits for an answer.”
“May I have some time?” Ernest turned towards Verity, begging her. “Please, I just need a moment to…” He waved his hands. “To process this. To think.”
Maddie’s face hardened. “You’re such a hypocrite. If you love Verity, the fact the pictures show Verity—”
“I said please!” Ernest roared.
Verity nodded. “Yes, go, take your time.”
