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He cursed under his breath. Their lives were never going to become any easier. On the one hand, he believed in his work. On the other, the cost was so great, not only to him but to his family.
The door swung open, and Ash swept into the room as if the hounds of hell were nipping at his feet. By his expression, something had happened last night. Robert had stayed awake waiting for Ash’s return but had lost the battle to sleep. He had no idea what time Ash had returned from White’s.
As soon as the footman served Ash his tea, Robert waved the servant away. “What happened?”
Ash ran his fingers through his hair. “I was walking into White’s, and John Trimble introduced himself to me. “He asked why I was in town and if I was having an affair with Elizabeth.”
Robert didn’t move but continued to stare at Ash. “The editor of the London-Town Tattler?” His heart sank with each word.
“The very same.” Ash placed his elbows on the table and rested his forehead against his hands. “You know what that means?” Slowly, he turned his gaze to Robert. “He has his eyes on us for some reason.” He blew out of breath. “This could jeopardize your work. Bloody hell.” He stood abruptly and started to pace in front of the window. “It could jeopardize us.”
Robert gripped his cup so tight that it was a wonder it didn’t shatter into a hundred pieces. “Is that why you stayed out so late?”
Ash nodded but continued to pace. “I thought if I stayed at the club until the wee hours of the morning, there was less chance that Trimble would be waiting for me.” Finally, he stopped and faced Robert. “There were other members waiting for their carriages when I arrived. They heard the entire conversation.”
“Then the ton will be aware of it soon.”
The door opened again, and Elizabeth stepped inside holding a gossip rag. Her expression was blank, but even from this distance, it was clear that her eyes were haunted.
Robert stood, then stepped around the table. As soon as he opened his arms, Elizabeth rushed into them. She buried her head in his chest. “You need to see this,” she mumbled into his waistcoat.
By then, Ash was by their side. “Darling, give me the broadsheet.”
Elizabeth stayed in Robert’s embrace as she handed it to Ash.
His eyes quickly scanned the paper. Slowly, he raised his gaze to Robert and handed him the sheet from the London-Town Tattler.
Dear Readers, you’re the first to know the salacious scandal occurring in the House of Lords.
Word on the street is that one of the most powerful men in Parliament is being cuckolded by his wife with his supposed best friend, who just happens to have returned from Wickford and is living with them. Our sources tell us that the cuckold’s best friend was seen squiring the lady around town and buying her flowers. They might have even kissed in an alley, thinking that no one would see them.
We should feel sorry for the cuckold, but how can we? His political ambition is limitless. He wants to be prime minister.
But how could you trust a man to lead our Parliament who either doesn’t know what’s happening under his nose or, worse, doesn’t even care?
When you want the truth, trust the London-Town Tattler. Our reporting never lies.
“Robbie, it’s not true.” Elizabeth pulled away, and tears welled in her eyes. “Ash and I didn’t kiss in public. We would never do that.”
“I know, darling,” Robert soothed as he placed a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t fret.”
“We weren’t even in a godforsaken alley,” Ash practically roared. “I’m going to march down to John Trimble’s offices, then string him up by his big toes until he retracts this garbage.” He turned on his heel and started toward the door.
“Don’t,” Robert said brusquely. “You’ll make it worse.”
“What do you suggest then?” Ash turned to face them. He clenched his hands into fists, and his cheeks were blazing. “I’ll not allow such tripe to be said about us.”
“I agree with Ash.” Elizabeth hugged her arms around her waist. “It’s one thing to have my choice of dress for every formal affair scrutinized and criticized, but this is beyond the pale.” She pursed her lips as her gaze skated from Ash to his. “You know the danger in these types of rumors.” She lowered her voice. “I’ll not lose either of you.”
Indeed, he did know the danger. Besides their reputations being torn asunder, if anyone suspected that he and Ash were lovers, their very lives could be at stake. Sodomy was a capital offense in England. And with his position in the House of Lords, they’d be prime targets. There was only one thing to do. He had to discover the source of the rumors, then squash them somehow.
Robert raised his hand. “I agree. The way to quiet these rumors is to show that there isn’t any truth in what he’s printed. I don’t have anything planned for this evening.” He turned to Ash. “You and I shall go to White’s and show everyone how strong our bond is.”
“Do you think something that simple will quell the rumors?” Elizabeth asked.
“It can’t hurt. We’ll do it every time we have a free night.” Robert turned to Ash. “What do you think?”
“I suppose.” Ash tipped his head and stared at the ceiling for a moment. “What about the next rumor? What if it’s about the two of us?”
