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Chapter 29
Crispin had been feeling utterly defeated until his moment with Mary. But now, he remembered what it was that he was fighting for. They had been close, so close. It was everything he’d hoped for.
The following afternoon, he was nearly floating for his heart was so full of joy. As he walked through town with Harry, Crispin was sure that everything would be all right.
“And I must tell you that I never thought I could feel so happy. It was only a short time together, but it meant everything. We barely spoke. We just stood there, admiring one another and understanding everything that was within our hearts. Words could not possibly have conveyed it so clearly,” Crispin explained.
“I am delighted that your plan worked. Sarah went around this morning and she sent word to me that no one seemed the wiser—Lady Mary was not caught. Everything went well, but that does not mean you should be reckless and attempt this frequently,” Harry warned.
“I know. We already discussed that. We may try again next week, but not often. We want to be careful until we can find a more permanent solution,” Crispin said.
But just as they were talking, he looked across the road and saw Lady Rachel and Lady Charlotte.
Crispin’s heart immediately turned to rage. “Harry…”
They stopped in their tracks and eyed the women for a moment before continuing. As they approached, Crispin put on a false smile and attempted to be friendly.
“Ah, Lady Rachel, Lady Charlotte. How nice to see you,” he said.
“Forgive us, Lord Hanbrooke, but you know that those of the Comstead estate will not be engaging with you any further,” Lady Rachel said, walking past him.
“Is that so? And Lady Charlotte? Do you agree with your mother’s decision?” he asked.
Lady Charlotte paused and looked questioningly at her mother.
“Charlotte, dear, come along,” her mother said.
Lady Charlotte appeared as though she wanted to say something. It was clear that she didn’t like this encounter, that she wished for something different.
“Charlotte,” her mother barked again.
Crispin gave her a single nod, a way of letting her know that he understood she was in distress about this. But Lady Charlotte followed her mother and Crispin watched them go. A plan was forming in his mind. He knew that Lady Charlotte would say the same tale that had been spun again and again.
Mary was engaged. After Lady Charlotte shared the scandal, Mary told a lie about her stepsister and paid a blacksmith to say that he was the one Lady Charlotte was seeing.
The twofold tale was constantly being recounted and Crispin was tired of hearing it. But there was one person who might not lie to him, one person who might be willing to do something about all of this.
“Harry, I believe we have a visit to pay,” Crispin said.
With that, they made their way through the streets and turned down Wittleberry Lane. There, they saw the shop for the blacksmith.
“Are you certain you wish to confront him? Your sister already tried it,” Harry reminded him.
“But I have not. You know how some of these men are. They will not listen to women. If, however, someone with more authority addresses them, they are more inclined to be agreeable. I expect him to argue, to refuse me. But I cannot say that I am trying everything if I do not come here and try this,” Crispin said.
With that, he made his way into the shop and saw a man standing over a metal rod that he was hammering away.
“Excuse me!” Crispin bellowed.
The man looked up, not startled, but certainly not having expected anyone.
“Ah, how may I help you? Are you in need of some fine smithing?” he asked.
“I am here to ask about Lady Charlotte,” he replied, not wanting to waste time.
The man’s expression fell and he set down the mallet and took off his leather gloves. “I believe that woman will be the death of me soon enough.”
“Why do you say that?” Crispin asked.
