Page 57 of Redemption of a Marquess

Fear flickered in her eyes, but she handed them to him and left the room like a woman walking the gallows.

The door clicked closed behind them and Valan returned to his seat on the divan. He pulled the ribbon from the envelopes. “Peigi, I prefer you do not discuss my personal affairs with anyone, Jeanine in particular.”

“I am sorry,” she said. “It is true, the earl did send you a contract.”

“Which I promptly returned unopened—for the third time.”

“She cares for you, Valan.”

He laughed as he pulled a paper from the first envelope. “Lady Claire cares for herself only.”

“I meant Jeanine.

He looked up at her.

“She is protecting your reputation.”

“Can you imagine?” he said. “An innocent wants to protect The Morning Star. I will likely never experience another day like today.”

He withdrew the letter from within the first envelope and began reading.