Page 61 of The Duke and the Unwanted Bride

“Some people…” Teresa clicked her tongue. “Gossip is poison, dear, one that is passed about like wine. Dreadful business.”

“The only way that I can see us putting an end to them is to find the source of said lies,” Hannah continued, looking right at her aunt now, studying her and gauging her reaction. “If we do that and tell this… this beast to cease their slander, that will go a long way in helping.”

“Certainly, it would.”

“More than that, we would need them to tell everyone they know how happy our marriage is and how it actually came about. Replace the lies with the truth, as it is, for that is the only way.”

“And you wish for me to help you find this person?” Teresa did not sound at all worried, still sipping her tea as if the conversation was a most pleasant one.

“Would you?” Hannah affected a pleading look. “I have tried my best but have come up empty. But you, Aunt Teresa… Well, nobody is more respected and well-known among the ton than you. Surely, you of all people will be able to track down this… this monster and ask them to put a stop to it.”

“I would love for nothing more,” Teresa said with a little too much sincerity. “And I am glad that you came to me—that you trusted me with this. I assure you that within a week… maybe two, I will find the source and strike it down.” She clicked her tongue and sighed. “Anything to help my favorite niece.”

Hannah breathed a sigh of relief. “I knew I could count on you, Aunt Teresa. You have always been someone I trust and love.”

“And it means the world to me to hear it.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, in fact, when Father and Mother were too much to bear, it helped to know that you’d always look out for me.”

“Of course, I would…”

It was subtle, but Hannah caught a slight twitch at the corner of her lips.

“And when this marriage did occur, when I was at my worst, it pained me to know what I did to you and Selina. But I also knew that if anyone was to forgive me, it would be you.”

“I…” A slight grimace, which Teresa masked immediately. “For you, dear, I’d do anything.”

“I cannot tell you the pain this has caused,” Hannah continued, her eyes hardening. “That someone would do such a thing. And for what? Spite is my guess.”

“People do strange things for strange reasons.”

“It is personal, too,” Hannah said, her upper lip curling. “It must be. Which leads me to suspect that it is someone I know well and likely trust. My first thought, and I am embarrassed to say it”—she feigned a grimace—“was that Selina might be behind it.”

Her aunt gasped. “Certainly not! And I can promise you, hand over heart, that she is not involved. That she would never be.”

“Oh, I know that now.” Hannah waved her hand dismissively. “Selina is too kind for such a thing. And she loves me too much. Which is why it hurt so deeply that someone so close could do such a thing…” She made sure to look her aunt right in the eyes, so her words could not be mistaken.

Teresa shifted nervously, sipped her tea, and then looked away. “Assuming it was someone close to you. For all you know, it could be a disgruntled tenant.”

“No…” Hannah’s face clouded, and her tone sharpened. “This was too personal for that. This was someone I know. SomeoneI trust. Someone I love. Someone who…” A beat. “Someone who wants my marriage to fail.”

It took her a moment. Not looking at Hannah, Teresa heard the words, digested them, nodded her head, and then her eyes went wide.

“Hannah! I do not know what you are—why you would—what are you saying?”

“You know what I am saying.”

“I think I do, and if what you are saying is what I think it is, then…” Teresa attempted to look offended. “Then I might have to ask you to leave.”

“Is that what you wish to do?”

“That you would accuse me o-of such an act?” She laughed awkwardly. “I have never been so insulted in my life.”

“I can only imagine.”

“And that you come to my home under false pretenses. That you… that I am forced to listen to this slander against my name—for that is what this is.” Teresa put down her teacup, her hands visibly shaking. “I have half a mind to write to your father and tell him about this, you know?”

“Why not my husband? I am sure he would like to hear it.”

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