Page 36 of Tainted Reasoning

I look around his colossal frame to where my mother sits, looking tiny on the sofa. Victoria is still crying into Nicholas’ arms. She’s my sister, something I’ve wanted all my life, and that wish just came true, but not in the way I’d hoped.

I nod at William, indicating I’m doing alright. I’ve collected myself and need to continue my conversation with my mother. He leads me back to the chair, and I take my mother’s hands within mine when I sit. William sits behind me.

“I’m sorry, Tammy. I never wanted you to know this. I wanted to take it to my grave, so it wouldn’t hurt you. I wanted you to think you had a father who loved me, and you were conceived out of love.”

“You can’t always protect me from the monsters, Mum. I need the truth. I’m going to go up against this man and destroy him for what he’s done to Victoria and you.” My calm outer voice disguises the quivering fear inside me at undertaking such a feat. “Why did you stay with him? Why not leave?”

“Where could I go? I had nobody else. Your grandparents weren’t always around. My job was my life, and my color still a hindrance. The Viscount offered me a future despite what he’d done. A future, which included him paying for your education. I couldn’t turn that down. It’s one of the reasons I always made you study so hard because I wanted it to cost him as much as possible. To make him suffer financially even just in a small way. I was so proud of you for getting into Cambridge. I knew that one day you’d be able to put an end to the society and their old fashioned, evil ways. Use this news to spur you on, Tamara. Don’t let it destroy the strength I know you have inside you.”

“I won’t, Mum. You have my word on that. We will both stand triumphant over the Viscount one day.”

My mother and I embrace, again, but this time stay together and cry. The others in the room stand in silence, allowing us this moment to begin the healing process. Eventually, my mother pulls back.

“I’ve given Nicholas evidence from that night.” Her eyes flick to a package rolled up on her desk. I realize it must be the clothes she was wearing. “I kept everything in case I needed it. There’s a sworn statement and a couple of photos. It will remain as my word against his, and I know staying in his employment will count against me, but if it helps in anyway, it’s there to use.”

“We will keep it safe and use it against him.” Nicholas says, tapping his hand on the desk next to the evidence. I immediately feel sick, knowing what will be contained within the package. I think I’ll allow the men to deal with that as much as possible.

“What happens now? Nicholas, we need to get my mother somewhere safe?”

I can instantly tell from the Duke’s expression that hiding her away is not part of his plan.

“No,” I tell him in no uncertain terms. “There’s no way I’m allowing her to go back to that house.”

“It’s not my decision, Tamara,” Nicholas tells me, and I whip my head around to my mother.

“I have to. I believe the Viscount is planning something for Theodore, and I can’t allow him to hurt that boy after what he did to Victoria. Theo doesn’t know anything about the society. Viscount Hamilton has weaved a web of lies and deceit to trap the boy. I think whatever is happening may involve the missing girl from the sale, as well – the one the Viscount purchased. I’ve not seen her, but I know he has her. I have to try and find out what’s happening.”

“But it’s too risky. What if he finds out you’ve been here? He was already suspicious when we visited the other day.”

“Which was why I went along with his plans that day to upset you, making you think I’m a bad person. It was the only way.”

“Mum, this is too dangerous,” I plead.

“Nicholas is going to put protection in place for me. It may take a few days, but hopefully I’ll be able to get the information I need by then and get out.”

“I don’t like it,” I tell her like a petulant child, and she lets out a soft chuckle.

“I know.” She strokes her hand over my head. “I don’t either, but I don’t have a choice. He may have broken me that night, but he also gave me a special gift. One that’ll help protect me until my dying breath.”

“Don’t.” I shake my head, not wanting to hear talk of her death.

Mum squeezes my hands one final time and gets up onto her feet.

“I’m so proud of you, of the woman you’ve become.” She looks behind me to William and then back to me. “And the woman you’ll become. You’re in safe hands here at Oakfield Hall.” Victoria comes over and embraces her. “You both are. I know you’ll always be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

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