twenty
VIOLANTE HADN’T RIDDEN in years, but the moment she jumped on the saddle, her training came back to her. Keith scowled as they went at a well-paced canter up the hideous road to the village. It was better to ride a horse than take the carriage.
“What’s this mysterious message you must send with all urgency?” she asked.
She’d caught a glimpse of the message he’d received earlier after he’d told her he needed to go to town. She’d insisted on going with him, and he’d relented. Although she’d done more than take a glimpse at the message. While he’d changed into his riding habit, she’d read it out of curiosity. But she hadn’t understood it. Something about some money and expense claims.
“I can’t tell you,” he said without looking at her.
“Nonsense.” She trotted closer to him. “Who’s Mrs. Beresford?” She couldn’t completely remove the annoyance from her voice.
He whipped his head towards her. “How do you know that name?”
“I read the message, and I apologise but…is she your mistress? You can tell me.” She closed her hands around the reins. “I knew you hid a mistress from me. A widow, I guess.”
He showed a charming, lopsided smile that made her tingle. How silly of her. He shouldn’t smile in that fashion. That wasn’t the reaction she expected. “Are you jealous?”
“Well, you’re my husband.”
“Husband of inconvenience.”
“Indeed.”
“So youarejealous.” Too much amusement rang in his voice.
“I simply don’t like being lied to, as does everyone. You were quite convincing when you proclaimed yourself to be celibate. What if the count learns you have a mistress? You’re being unfaithful to me. Your reputation will be ruined.” Yes, she was jealous.
“I was convincing because I told the truth.” He wasn’t amused now.
“Then who is this woman?”
“Vi—”
“No, really.” She pointed a finger at him. “We’re here under false pretences. We’re partners in crime, and we must be honest with each other. I need to know what you’re doing and what secret you’re hiding. We’ve already made a faux pas with the count. I’d like to avoid another one.”
He stared at her with awe. How odd. “Mrs. Beresford has nothing to do with the count. I swear it.”
“Who is she?” If Keith’s secret was so innocent, why didn’t he want to tell her? She didn’t have faith in people’s compassion. If the count discovered she and Keith lied to him, and that Keith had a secret mistress, he would kick them out.
He sighed. “I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure, but I hired a couple of private detectives, Mr. and Mrs. Beresford, to search for your mother.”
“What?” The air was punched out of her lungs. She nearly slipped off the saddle.
“I didn’t want to give you false hope before they investigated.”
“Why would you search for her?” She pulled the reins to stop the horse. She wanted to focus on him.
“Because it matters to you.” His eyebrows knit together. “The fact you didn’t have the opportunity to talk to your mother before she disappeared hurt you deeply, and if there’s something I can do to alleviate your pain, I’ll do it.”
She drew in another breath, but it seemed her lungs didn’t work properly as she realised something utterly astonishing; something she should have understood earlier—he loved her. He truly did. He hadn’t told her that, but it was clear now. She hadn’t asked him to find her mother. Dash it, she hadn’t even thought about asking him. But he did it before she knew it was what she needed. He anticipated her needs. If that wasn’t love, she wouldn’t know what it was.
“Violante.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “I’m sorry. I should have told you first. But I had no idea if Mr. and Mrs. Beresford would find anything. I didn’t want to cause you more pain.”
His love overwhelmed her. In a good way, but still, she couldn’t deny the storm of emotions in her chest. After having fended for herself for years, after having been lonely and not taken care of, he gave her everything she needed and more. A tear slid down her cheek.
He caught it before it wet her chest. Concern furrowed his brow. “I’ll ask them to stop the search if that’s what you want. Don’t worry. Besides, I don’t know what they found. Mrs. Beresford merely asked permission to spend some of the expense the money I gave her. That’s all.”
She threw herself at him, which wasn’t the most brilliant thing she’d ever done. Her horse got startled by the sudden move, the jump was awkward, and she hurt herself in the process, hitting her knee against the pommel of the saddle. Not to mention she risked falling on her face on the dirt road.
