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Aunt Eleanor’s maid opened the door and quickly ushered Robert and Elizabeth toward the small sitting room next to the master bedroom instead of the formal salon. That room was in complete shambles. Carpenters and paperhangers had crowded inside while upholstery fabric littered every available surface.
When they entered the sitting room, Eleanor sat on a floral chair with her feet propped on a footstool, reading the last issue of the London-Town Tattler with a plate of biscuits on a small drum table beside her chair. She slowly lowered the paper and studied them.
Elizabeth smirked at the scowl on the woman’s face.
His aunt had clearly expected Robert to bow and Elizabeth to curtsey. The days of fawning over Eleanor were long gone.
“Interesting reading, I take it,” Robert drawled.
“Good morning, Overton.” She nodded once at Elizabeth. “Actually, it’s pretty boring.”
“I would imagine so since you know the stories before they’re written. Being the primary source for the majority of the articles that despicable gossip rag publishes has its advantages.” Without waiting for permission, Elizabeth defiantly sat on the sofa directly across from Eleanor.
Robert laughed at Elizabeth’s quip as he joined her. “Perfectly aimed, my love.”
For years, she had held her tongue with this woman, but it appeared she was through with that nonsense. He didn’t care that Eleanor had been argumentative, disdainful, and downright rude when it came to him. But anyone, even a blood relative, who would harm Ash or Elizabeth with vicious rumors would receive his full wrath.
Eleanor straightened in her chair and placed her feet on the ground. “What is the meaning of this rudeness?”
“We’ve come to inform you that we’re leaving for Overton Hall this afternoon,” Robert announced. “We have no plans on returning to London in the near future.”
“You can’t do that,” Eleanor argued, scooting to the edge of her chair. “Next week is critical. There’s an important vote. You need to give a speech beforehand.”
“That law will pass without my help. I’m not interested in speeches.” He interlaced his fingers with Elizabeth’s, trying to infuse his own warmth into her still cold flesh. “What is of interest is that we had a visit from Martin Richmond this morning.” He kept his voice low and steady as he examined his aunt. “Richmond saw you come out of Trimble’s apartments above the London-Town Tattler office. You’ve been feeding stories to that rag paper.” With a light squeeze on Elizabeth’s hand in reassurance, Robert rose and then walked to the window that overlooked the street below.
“Richmond owned The Midnight Cryer. He’s a master at spreading tall tales,” his aunt said dismissively. “I’m your flesh and blood.”
“I’d wondered about the increase in your spending. Now, I know where you got the extra funds.” He slowly turned to face his aunt. “How much have you taken from Trimble?”
“You would believe him over me?” Eleanor’s voice pitched upward.
“Yes, we believed him.” Elizabeth’s gaze never wavered as she confronted his aunt.
“You’re an insipid slip of a girl.” As soon as the words were out, Eleanor slapped a hand over her mouth.
“You will not address my wife in that manner ever again, madame.” The anger in his voice echoed in the room.
“The Duke of Southart was with Mr. Richmond when he called on us.” Elizabeth didn’t take her eyes away from his aunt. “To make certain we understand each other, we believe them.”
Before Robert’s eyes, his aunt seemed to deflate. When Elizabeth uttered Southart’s name, she dealt the final blow. No one went against the powerful duke. The only way his aunt could fight back was by trying to demean Elizabeth in front of him.
Robert leashed his fury and kept his voice level and business-like. “You are no longer welcome in any of my homes, Lady Eleanor. I will still provide an allowance to you, but it will be diminished by ten percent every month until the amount you’ve taken from Trimble is collected in full.”
“Robbie…” Tears fell down his aunt’s face. “I can barely live on the amount you provide me now.”
Elizabeth turned to him. “Whatever you decide, I support.” Then she addressed Eleanor. “I have done everything in my power to make you happy and proud of Robert and me. But what you did to Robert and Ash is unforgivable.”
“Hawksworth?” His aunt’s cheeks flushed crimson. “What do you mean?”
Elizabeth stood slowly. “Winter told us that you came to see him yesterday. This morning he left for Wickford without explanation. What did you do? Threaten him?”
His aunt didn’t say a word.
“What did you do?” he growled.
“I simply told him that I’d heard the rumors of the affair from some of my friends.” She stood abruptly. “There was a discussion about divorce and criminal conversation.”
Elizabeth flinched as if she’d been slapped.
