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Lady Genevieve stood, coming around the coffee table to face off with him. “You should be married tome.We belong together, and you know it. Or else, why would you be here now?” she asked.
“What is this?” Everett’s voice sounded at the door. He looked appalled, and she walked into the room, staring daggers at his cousin. “Genevieve Gladstone, do not tell me that you have been interfering in Simon’s marriage?”
Genevieve looked like the cat who had been caught with the family’s pet canary in its mouth. “Everett, you do not understand—” she tried to defend herself, but Everett had heard what she had tried to say to Simon.
“What have you done, woman?” he demanded of his cousin. She closed her mouth and looked between the two men.
“Very well,” she said slowly. She glanced at Simon for a split second and then down at the floor. “I did forge the letter, but—”
Everett cut her off before she could continue. “What letter is this?”
Simon turned to him to explain further. “Ellen found a letter tucked into a book on my desk—a love letter that was meant to look as if it was written by me for Genevieve. As you can imagine, it has caused a mountain of problems for me.”
Everett had fire in his eyes when he turned on his cousin. “You did what?” he asked, low and menacing. Genevieve took a step back and then another until she was dangerously close to the fire burning in the hearth. “Everett, I can explain—”
“I need no explanation. You have been scheming and planning all the time you have been staying with me, and for what? To break up Simon and Ellen’s marriage? Well, if this is the way you are going to act, you will no longer be welcome in my home. I am sending you home to your parents immediately.”
Lady Genevieve’s mouth flew open in a silent scream. She stuttered for a moment, looking between the two of them. “I was your friend, Simon. We got along so well, and you led me to believe you cared for me. And then you betrayed me with Ellen. How could you do that to me?” she asked.
“I never meant to lead you on, Lady Genevieve. It does not give you a sufficient excuse to come and try to wreck my marriage. I am devoted to Ellen, and no matter if your letter is effective in separating us, I will never marry another. Divorce has never been and will never be an option for me.”
Lady Genevieve stuttered again, but Everett ordered her from the room before she could make any more of a nuisance of herself.
“Get to your room, Genevieve. I suggest you start packing. You will be in my coach bound for London tomorrow morning,” he said. His tone left no room for argument. Lady Genevieve’s eyes filled with tears, and a second later, she turned and fled the room.
Everett shook his head, placing a hand on Simon’s shoulder. “I am truly sorry for all the trouble she has caused you, my friend. I would be glad to go back to your house and act as a witness if Ellen needs one. I assure you, Genevieve will do no more meddling as long as I can help it.”
“You are very kind,” Simon said. “I do not think that will be necessary. I can handle this on my own.” Simon looked down at his feet, shuffling them back and forth. “I am exhausted,” he admitted. He ran a hand through his hair and stared into the fire for a moment. “I am sorry I woke you.”
“Nonsense, you never have to apologise for coming to see me, no matter what time of the day or night it is. We are friends, you and I. And I know you would do the same for me if I ever needed you.” Everett nodded and then walked with him to the door.
“Let me know if Lady Ellen does need me to confirm any of the story. I would be more than happy to come and speak with her.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Simon walked through the foyer and took his things back from the butler. “I just needed to know that I was not going mad.”
“You are not mad. However, I am starting to wonder about my cousin. Perhaps a nice stay in an institution is in order,” Everett said. Simon knew he was only half-teasing, but after what he had seen of the workhouse, he would not wish that fate on anyone since an insane asylum was little better than the workhouses.
“Do not be that hard on her, friend. I only hope she learns a lesson from all of this.”
“Yes, not to meddle in other people’s business,” Everett snapped. “Well, Godspeed and good luck, my friend. I shall pray that all turns well between you and Lady Ellen.”
Simon nodded and started out the door. “Thank you. I will need all the prayers I can get.”
Chapter 39
Ellen plodded back to her room after seeing that Simon was not in his room. Where would he have gone? Tears welled in her eyes as she ambled back to her room and closed the adjoining door. She did not blame him for disappearing. If he had treated her as abominably as she had treated him, she would not want to see her either. She sniffed loudly and walked over to her bed.
She fell onto the coverlet, covering her face with the sheets as she began to cry. Why was she so determined to think the worst of people? Jumping to conclusions and her arrogance had caused her no small amount of problems since her marriage had begun. Now, she would have to work to get any semblance of warmth back between them.
In all likelihood, Simon would dismiss her, and they would lead their separate lives, just as she had thought she wanted at first. Now, she knew she wanted so much more from her marriage. The warmth and love she had experienced with Simon the last few days and weeks were unlike anything she had imagined possible.
And she had ruined it.
Tears streamed in an unhindered flow for the next hour. She did not even hear her maid come in until she stood over the bed. “My lady? Are you well?” Ambers asked.
Ellen sat up, wiping her face with the sleeve of her nightgown. “No, Ambers. I am not,” she said dully. “But there is nothing for it now.”
Ambers looked around the room nervously. “Is there nothing I can do, my lady?” she asked.
