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“No, of course not. Why would I?” Harriet said.
Eleanor pursed her lips. “He certainly didn’t look the happiest to see you. So, I’m inclined to believe you’re telling the truth. Perhaps when his anger has cooled, he will appreciate a feminine ear to listen to his woes.”
The girl is relentless. She is nothing more or less than a huntress and Edward is her prey. And it is not for the benefit of the family either. She seeks her own fortune.
“Something tells me that our family is not in favor with the Wrexhams at this moment in time,” Harriet said.
“But, of course, you would try and discourage me. Just like you tried to get the Duke alone at Wrexham. Even wandering the halls in a state of undress.”
Harriet colored. “In a state of undress? Would you care to explain that?”
Was it Eleanor then who watched Edward and I, that night?
“I heard you pass my door, and when I looked out, could just make out a figure in white. I presume it was you and that you were in your nightgown. What ever were you doing?” Eleanor said.
“I do not have time for this,” Harriet replied. “I told you before, I could not sleep and went for a…walk about the house. That is all.”
But Eleanor’s smile told Harriet that she was not believed. She could waste no more time on the girl though. Brushing past her, she continued on her way to the servants’ staircase. Before she could pass the Library doors though, they were flung open by Simon. He looked at Harriet, then his eyes widened as he saw Eleanor.”
“Harriet. The Duke is most insistent that you join us. Forget the refreshments. Eleanor, what are you doing here?”
“I merely wanted to inquire if the Duke needed anything after his long ride,” Eleanor said breathlessly, moving into a position where she could be seen from the Library.
Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes wide, looking for Edward. But he stood, an impenetrable wall, with his back to the door, staring into the fire.
“Go. He requires nothing. Go,” Simon urged while motioning for Harriet to enter the room.
Harriet closed the doors behind her and suppressed a smile at the look of chagrin on Eleanor’s face as the doors clicked shut.
CHAPTER 33
Thick raindrops were beginning to spatter against the library windows as Harriet turned to face the room. Edward stood before the fire, hands clasped behind his back. Simon sat in an armchair beside the fire but could not settle. He got up and strode to the window, then back again.
“Gentlemen,” Harriet said in as soothing a voice as she could manage. “Let us start from the beginning. What are the contents of the newspaper His Grace has brought to you, Simon?”
“The announcement of an engagement,” Simon said flatly. “Between yourself and him.”
Harriet’s eyes widened and her cheeks flamed brightly, heating her face.
“That is impossible!” she exclaimed. “How did…who did…I did not…”
Words tumbled over each other and thoughts whirled through her mind like nervous birds. For a moment, she could not take a firm hold on any of them long enough to form them into a coherent pattern.
“I can assure you it is both possible and real. In yesterday’s edition. I have made inquiries at the offices of the newspaper concerned, and they have shown me the letter they received giving the details of the announcement. It bore a Midwenshire postmark.”
Edward reached into an inner pocket and produced an envelope and letter, slapping both down on a table. Harriet composed herself, walking across the room to study both. A letter of her own was slapped down on the same table. Simon moved from the window to look.
“I would say both the letter and envelope bear a striking similarity to your handwriting,” Edward seethed.
Simon gasped, taking the letter Harriet held and taking up the one she had written to Edward, looking from one to the other. Then his eyes met Harriet’s.
“I had expected to defend you against some terrible prank by persons unknown. I did not expect this!” he shouted.
“The handwriting does look like mine, it is true. But, there are differences,” Harriet said calmly. “I did not write to the newspaper. I swear to that.”
“The evidence seems to suggest otherwise,” Edward said.
His eyes were hard and his voice spoke of controlled anger, held in check but only just.
