AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She would not bend to the older woman’s insults. “Suggesting that Ash leave would be tantamount to admitting guilt on both our parts. It doesn’t need to be said, but we are guilty of nothing.” She couldn’t hide her anger anymore. “You, above all people, know that Robert and I have a special friendship with Ash that transcends time. It’s been that way since we were little.”
“Yes, yes.” Eleanor waved dismissively. “I also know that this tarnishes all the good work that Robert has accomplished. Would you be so selfish as not to help him in this? He’s your husband, for God’s sake.”
“I would do anything for him,” she seethed. “You know that.”
“Then do this for him,” she exclaimed.
Her words echoed through the air, but Elizabeth refused to buckle under the lady’s glare. “No. I will not. That is not what Robert wants.”
The sound of the clock striking the quarter-hour broke the silence. Eleanor rose abruptly. “I must be going. I have an appointment with a designer whom I’ve commissioned to redecorate my formal sitting room.”
Elizabeth frowned as she also stood. That had to cost a fortune, and Robert had never mentioned helping his aunt with the expense. He did give her a monthly allowance since she had little in the way of an income.
Eleanor looked around the room and wrinkled her nose in obvious displeasure. “I’ll see if he has time to call upon you. This room could certainly use a refresh.”
She deflected the insult with a smile. “It’s always lovely to see you. Allow me to walk you to the door.”
Eleanor waved her off. “I know my way out.” The woman gritted her teeth into something that was supposed to be a smile. “I also know how to handle these types of rumors. If you won’t listen to reason, I’m certain that your husband will.”
As Eleanor walked to the door, the devil got the best of Elizabeth. “I wish you all the luck in the world with Robert. You know how much he and I value your opinion.”
Chapter Eight
Robert straightened his morning coat as he waited for the Duke of Southart to join him. The duke’s butler had escorted him into the duke’s study. The room and the entire Palladian home were as impressive as Southart himself.
“Overton, what a welcomed surprise.” The duke sauntered into the study and took a seat behind his desk.
Immediately, a footman closed the door, leaving Robert alone with the duke.
“I thought we might need the privacy.” The duke smiled mischievously. “May I offer you a brandy?”
“No.” Robert grinned. “I don’t like to drink this early in the day.”
Southart leaned forward as if divulging a sacred secret. “Neither do I. In my experience, I find it muddles the mind.”
Robert furrowed his brow at the confession. “I would never take you as one to overindulge in spirits.”
Southart laughed. “You didn’t know me before I married my duchess. I was something of a wastrel.” He leaned back in the chair and studied Robert. “But you’re not here to listen to me recount my scandalous tales.”
“No,” he answered with a smile. “But I am here over scandals.”
The duke nodded knowingly. “I saw the article.”
“It’s not—”
The duke held up his hand. “I know. It doesn’t make any difference what the truth is. Papers such as the London-Town Tattler are designed to make money. They don’t care about the truth or whom it hurts. The Midnight Cryer was the bane of my existence when it was in operation.”
“Now, Martin Richmond is in your employ.” Robert mimicked the relaxed pose of the duke. But he was anything but calm. His blood pounded through his veins at the thought that Elizabeth and Ash were being sacrificed as the popular topic of the day.
“He is.” The duke regarded Robert. “And I’ve learned what a fine man he is. I can’t say the same for Trimble.”
Robert cleared his throat. How to lay out his cards without telling any secrets that would hurt his loved ones?
“May I say something?” The duke’s eyes softened with empathy. “I think you’re very fortunate not only to have a wonderful wife but also Mr. Hawksworth.”
What should Robert say? He bit the inside of his cheek. Now was not the time to hide the truth. “I’m very fortunate to have two people who are always on my side and who will fight for me and our happiness.” He gazed out the window as if lost in thought before a smile creased his lips. “I have that with my wife, and it’s priceless. The fact that I have it with two people is extraordinary.”
“You are very lucky,” the duke agreed with a smile.
