Page 78 of How to Capture a Duke

“My husband is a private man.”

“You knew.”

“Yes, I did. Who was the anonymous source that told the reporter?” she asked.

“I have no idea.”

“His grandmother knew. As did I. He blamed me then my sister.”

“Lady Vere knew?” His brows shot into his hairline. “Did everyone know but me?” At Olivia’s silence, his expression tightened.

“Please do not take offense,” she said. “Tristan did not want to seek help. I convinced him to give Mr. Higgins a chance.”

“Whatever you did worked. His speech was inspiring, and his arguments regarding the amendments to the Soldiers Bill were convincing.”

She wrung her hands. “I’m glad to hear it, but nothing changes our difficulties. He will never overcome his distrust of me or my family.”

“My cousin can be a hard man. Because of his past, he never forgives a slight against him,” he said.

A coldness settled in her chest from his words. She’d already come to accept this. Tristan would never truly forgive her for her “deception” regarding their marriage and never, ever forgive the humiliation he experienced today. His fragile trust in her regarding Mr. Higgins was forever shattered.

How was she to tell him about the pregnancy? He’d believe she’d trapped him again, and if the child did stammer, then he’d never forgive her. “What am I to do?” she whispered.

He put his arm around her. “All is not lost. You have been getting along.”

She was distraught and felt a sickening panic well in her chest. Spencer would understand her plight like no other. He knew Tristan better than anyone else. “No. You don’t understand. I’m with child.”

Startled, he dropped his arm. “That’s wonderful.”

“You know as well as I do Tristan’s view regarding children. He fears his son or daughter will speak like him.”

“He has no choice now, does he?” He gently took her arm once more. “Come, I will take you home.”

“No! I do not wish to return to Keswick Hall. I packed my bags and don’t intend to return.”

“You plan to leave him?”

She raised her chin a notch. “Yes. I need to speak with my sister now.”

“Then I will escort you to the marchioness’s home.”

She nodded, and he led her out the door and into his carriage. He took a moment to speak with the driver then climbed in and sat across from her.

“Are you sure about the babe?” Spencer asked.

“Yes.”

“And you have not told him?”

“I had planned to, but then he angrily burst into the dining room and tossed the gossip rag on the table. I hardly had a chance.”

“Of course. I’m not blaming you. What will you do?” Spencer asked.

“I must tell him everything about the baby, of course. Things cannot be any worse between us.”

He patted her hand. “Things can always be worse, but they will get better for all of us soon.”

His choice of words was odd, but she couldn’t read his expression in the dim light of the carriage. All she could see was his fair hair against the blackness of the padded seat. She glanced outside and noticed they were traveling on the wrong road.