“Do you think his presence here is a mere coincidence?” He clicked his tongue. “I doubt it. If he wants money, we’ll give it to him.”
“I don’t want you to pay him.” She put a hand on his arm. “It’s not fair. You shouldn’t be involved.”
He narrowed his gaze at her. “Just this once, let me deal with the situation. If he wants money, I’ll pay him, and that will be the end of it.”
She stepped into the entry hall, handing her coat to a passing servant.
Other servants were around, including Fletcher and Murray, so she waited for them to leave before talking again. “What if he doesn’t want money but something else?” she whispered.
“Like what?”
“To kill me?”
Keith lowered his eyebrows in a deadly expression. “I’d like to see him try.”
“I wouldn’t.” She let out a nervous chuckle.
“Lord and Lady Ashford.” Lady Diana came towards them. “What do you think of the flowers?”
“Beautiful,” Violante said.
“My cook is baking the braided bread. If you stand near this hallway and breathe in, you’ll catch a whiff.” Lady Diana inhaled deeply. “Isn’t the smell delicious?”
“Yes.” Goodness. Violante was being rude.
The countess’s smile dropped, likely because Violante didn’t show much enthusiasm. “Anyway. Mr. Wellington arrived half an hour ago. He’s having tea with my husband in the sitting room.”
Oh, dear. Violante tottered on her feet. Now Paul? . What next? Had all the planets aligned against her?
“Are you all right?” Lady Diana touched Violante’s elbow.
“Yes.” She massaged her forehead. “The ride tired me a little.”
Keith coiled an arm around her waist.
“A cup of tea then,” Lady Diana said. “Isn’t that what the English drink whenever something happens?”
Violante would need gallons of tea after today. If the count learnt she was a former thief from George, he’d call the police, and she’d rather not have another brush with the coppers. She neared the sitting room on unsteady legs at Keith’s arm. The reaction was silly of her, but after all that had happened, she was too shaken for more surprises.
Lady Diana brushed past her and spread her arms, showing off her tight gown that enhanced her curves. “Here we are.”
The chatter paused as Violante and Keith entered the sitting room. Paul turned around to face them.
Seeing Paul after all those years sent a shock of stillness through Violante. He was more handsome than she remembered, but his blue eyes held their old wariness and nervous glint. The last time she’d seen him, he’d been stuffing his pockets with her father’s money and the family’s jewels. Anger burned the back of her throat as if the robbery had happened a moment ago. She thought about Keith and his love for her to help her calm down. His love was more important than anything else. She could face anything as long as he stood by her side. Her control was a way to repay him for everything he’d done for her.
Paul had smiled at the countess but became serious when he saw Violante.
“Ashford!” Paul’s cheerful expression returned briefly and he shook Keith’s hand. “Good to see you. I didn’t know you were married.” A strained note intruded into his words.
“It happened recently. Paul, this is Lady Ashford, my wife.” Keith raised his eyebrows. His voice dropped an octave.
Paul gave him the slightest nod. “Lady Ashford.” He kissed her shaky hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. She could only manage, “Thank you.”
Sir Nigel studied them from a corner of the room. She’d never met him when she lived at Sharpe Manor, but he might know Paul. But even if he did, it didn’t matter. Paul’s past wasn’t a secret. At least not all of it.
Paul stepped back from her and started to chat with the count about travelling from New York City, ignoring her, which she appreciated. She had to take a few deep breaths to stopthe tremor from going through her. A part of her was eager to confront Paul. Another part didn’t wish to talk to him at all.
