Good. There was hope. “What did you do with it then?”
“I gave it to your mother.”
Had the ground quaked? Because Violante felt as if she were falling. “What? Where? When?”
“I met her in New York City last year.” He placed the cheque into her hands. “She was in terrible shape, I have to tell you.”
She stared at the cheque. Her thoughts were scattered. “What else did she tell you? Why did she leave?”
He shook his head. “This is a conversation you must have with her. Besides, she didn’t tell me much, just that the Fenians were after her.”
She gasped. “Do you know where my mother is now? Is she alive?”
“No, I don’t know where she is. I offered her my help, but she refused it. After I gave her the pendant and some money, she left.” He touched his hat in a manner of greeting and went to leave.
“Paul.” She took his arm. “Tell me. Please.”
His expression softened. “I really don’t know. It was a brief encounter. My mother was worried the Fenians might attack us after we’d talked to her. That’s all I know. I swear.”
She swallowed past the swell in her throat. “Thank you.”
He gave her a bow before striding away. She stood in the middle of the path, holding the cheque.
“Are you lost, Lady Ashford?” The count seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
She stuffed the cheque in her pocket but not quickly enough for the count not to see it. “I don’t think so.”
He craned his neck towards Paul then watched her closely. “Sometimes we are lost without realising it. May I escort you tothe manor? Your husband retired to his room to take care of his correspondence.” He offered her his arm, and she accepted it although she wasn’t sure what he implied with his tone.”
After they stepped into the entry hall, he watched her as she ran up the stairs to her bedroom. His gaze followed her until she reached the landing. Odd.
Once in her bedroom, she paced, holding the cheque. Two thousand pounds. She’d spent the past five years dreaming about that money and being angry with Paul. Now that she had the money, she didn’t know what to do with it. In fact, she didn’t want it. Keith was everything she needed. A laugh escaped her. Yes, Keith was everything, and not because he was rich. He could be penniless, and she’d still love him and spend the rest of her life with him. Well, now she knew what she had to do.
She left her bedroom and knocked on Paul’s door. When she didn’t receive an answer, she inched the door open. “Paul? It’s me.”
He came out of the screen, shirtless and towelling himself dry. “Is something the matter? The cheque is good. I promise.”
“I’m sure it is.” She put the cheque on the escritoire. “I changed my mind about the money. I don’t want it.”
He wrapped the towel around the back of his neck. “Give it to charity then. I don’t want it either.”
She was about to lecture him that he ought to take it, but he was right. The money could be used for charity. It’d be the best end to her five years of desiring it.
She took the cheque back. “For once, we agree.”
He burst out laughing. “Truce?” He stretched out his arm.
She shook his hand. “Truce.”
“I am truly sorry for how we parted.”
“So am I.”
“By the way, congratulations. Keith is a good man. He’ll make you happy.”
“He will.” She exited the room to bump into the count again. Was he following her?
“Lady Ashford.” He peeked inside the bedroom where Paul was still shirtless, and his features tightened. “You didn’t stay in your bedroom.”
