Page 41 of The Duke’s Hidden Runaway Bride

“And you ask me to believe this woman against him.”

“I ask you to hear her before you decide she is lying.”

His mother looked at him with a searching intensity. “Do you love her?”

Adrian could have evaded. He had evaded questions more difficult and less dangerous.

“Yes.”

The word altered the room.

His mother closed her eyes and sighed. “Oh, Adrian.”

“I did not come to ask permission.”

“No. I see that.”

“I came because tomorrow is your house and your party. I will not use either without telling you what I intend.”

“And what is that?”

“If Markham signs the releases, Miss James will return to society under her own name with her father and Lady Elise beside her. If he refuses, she may choose to confront him openly. Either way, I intend to stand with her.”

“At my party.”

“Only if she wishes to attend and you are willing to receive her.”

The Marchioness rose and walked to the window. Beyond the glass, servants were lighting the lamps along the entrance.

“You ask me to set London by the ears.”

“London is already listening at doors. We may as well give it something true to hear.”

“That sounds like your father.”

“I hope not entirely.”

A reluctant sound escaped her. It was not quite a laugh.

She turned back.

“Bring Miss James to me tomorrow at noon. Alone, except for Elise. If I am to receive her before half of London, I will first hear her with my own ears.”

“Whether she comes is her decision.”

His mother’s brows rose.

“You have become tiresome in Wales.”

“So I am told.”

“And if she refuses to meet me?”

“Then she refuses.”

The Marchioness studied him for another long moment.

“Very well. Ask her.”