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To her shock, the countess laughed, but the shrill tone wasn’t a pleasant sound. “Oh, dear. I can see that you have…feelings for Vanbridge.” She shook her head, looking at Norah with pity. “That is unfortunate. You see, he is not truly fit for polite society. He was awkward as a boy and is even more so as an adult.”
Surprise kept Norah silent for a moment before anger took hold. “Show me a child who lost their parents so young who isn’t awkward and in need of compassion.”
“That was years ago. Besides, we all lose our parents. You lost yours, as did I. Yet we don’t hide away in our study with only books for company.”
Norah didn’t think this was just about the museum or how Simon preferred to spend his time. There was more to the lady’s emotions. “Why do you hate him so?”
“I don’t know what you mean. He isn’t worth that sort of passion.” She raised a brow, practically daring Norah to argue.
That was a false statement. Simon was worth that and more. But Norah didn’t want to waste her energy on Lady Mendenhall or her poor opinion of Simon, as wrong as it was. She had better things to do with her time.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Norah said. “Family is precious. Even when we disagree.” That much she’d learned after she and her sisters had reconciled with their grandfather. Her mother and the duke had both lost so much by letting their choices stand between them. “I hope you don’t wait until it’s too late with Simon.”
“Too late for what?” The lady shook her head. “I have nothing in common with him.”
“How sad that you believe that.” Norah wasn’t going to argue. Not when it would only prolong a conversation she wanted over and done.
“I thought it best if someone warned you about him. He has made it clear to the family that he has no intention of marrying. He has already stated that our younger cousin will inherit upon his death.”
Norah stilled, the news nearly causing her to shiver. Not that she had expected Simon to propose. Yet she wouldn’t lie to herself. She had considered—dreamed, even—what it would be like to have a future with him.
“I wouldn’t want you to become entangled in a situation that could cost you dearly,” the countess added.
“Is that a warning or a threat?” Could Lady Mendenhall have something to do with the items missing from Simon’s museum? Would she be so vindictive as to arrange for that to happen in an attempt to force Simon to close the museum?
She smiled, a strange grim smile, her dark eyes hard. “I’ll allow you to decide.” With that, she turned and started toward the door, only to abruptly halt at the sight of Norah’s grandfather standing there.
“Your Grace.” She dipped into a deep curtsy.
Norah stared at her grandfather, realizing he’d heard the last part of their conversation. She could just see the side of the countess’s face and noted the heightened color of her cheeks.
“Countess Mendenhall.” He dipped his head rather than offering a true bow, his expression solemn and foreboding. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with my granddaughter.”
The lady glanced back at Norah, shifting so she could see them both. “We have met on more than one occasion.”
Norah held her silence despite the uncomfortable look on the lady’s face.
“I must ask you to clarify your answer to Norah’s question. Were you threatening her?”
“Nothing of the sort.” She clasped her reticule tightly. “I thought it my duty to warn her that Vanbridge can be less than reliable.”
“I have dealt with him on numerous occasions and have not found that to be the case.” The duke continued to glare at the countess.
“Well. That is a surprise. Perhaps my experience is different because of our shared childhood.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe your family chose to take him in when his parents died.” He tilted his head to the side. “I wasn’t the only one who thought that odd at the time. Especially since you and your brother were nearly his age. It wasn’t until his aunt and uncle also died that your family had him come to live with you.”
The lady’s eyes widened as her cheeks flushed to a blotchy red. “I suppose my parents thought their time was already taken with their own children. Taking in an orphan can be troubling.”
“Even one who is a close relative?” The duke shook his head. “Quite curious. I would think it would behoove you to set a better example now that you’re an adult. That you would take the time to express your support for him since it was withheld when you were younger.”
“Perhaps you’re right. You’ve given me much to ponder, Your Grace.” She glanced again at Norah, the heat in her eyes seeming to be a mix of embarrassment and anger. “And now, I must be going. My husband is expecting me.”
“Of course. I look forward to speaking with him soon.”
Norah’s eyes widened at the veiled threat. This was a version of her grandfather she hadn’t seen since her and her sisters’ arrival.
“I shall tell him so. Thank you.” The countess curtsied and quickly bid them goodbye, then rushed from the room as if her gown was on fire.
