Page 28 of Stealing a Scoundrel's Heart
“This… this catastrophe is all your fault.” Foxton strode to the sideboard and poured the last finger of whiskey into a glass. “What am I to do?”
“What is the issue?”
“I can’tnotgo see Marrie, but argh, to have to step back into Fairmont Manor again…”
Alister had known Foxton nearly all his life. He didn’t recall Foxton ever mentioning an incident with the duke. “When did you ever visit the duke’s abode?”
Foxton leaned up against the wall and hung his head. “I lost a bet to Thornston and the man made me sneak through the gardens to deliver a note to Lady Elise. Fairmont caught me and well… let’s just say this was all before I’d learnt how to keep to the shadows and box.”
Alister laughed. Foxton had been a late bloomer.
“Why do you suppose Marrie has returned to London?” Foxton asked.
“Fairmont is expecting me to propose tomorrow.”
Foxton’s head popped up. “What the hell are we doing here then? Let’s be off.”
“Where are we going?”
“To see old man Rutherford, of course.” Foxton gulped down his drink and placed his glass next to the empty decanter.
Alister didn’t move. “There is no need for us to visit the jeweler.”
“Good lord man, Marrie deserves…”
“She deserves to be loved by a man without a past. Without the threat of scandal looming over her head.”
“You're an idiot.”
“If a damned Bow Street Runner can uncover the truth, what is to prevent others?”
“You dullard! Fairmont won’t let any harm come to Marrie. She is like a sister to him and his wife. You will have the full support of the Duke of Fairmont, his lot, and ours.” Foxton shook his head and headed out the door.
Alister remained seated and stared into his own empty glass, mulling over Foxton’s departing words. There was no question that the Duke of Fairmont was well connected and had the backing of many of the peers. But would Fairmont and his lot protect his secret for Marjorie’s sake?
Foxton popped his head back in. “Are you coming or not?”
Alister shook his head. There wasn’t any reason to leave his club, because his mother's ring sat safely tucked away in the safe hidden beneath a floorboard in his bedroom chambers.
“Suit yourself.” Foxton disappeared and Alister leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
He stuck his hand back into his jacket pocket and Marjorie’s lace garter brushed against his fingertips. What a damn dilemma. He’d never planned on marrying. Marjorie was a widow, there was no reason to marry. They could have a torrid affair for years…but what if she became belly full? He could never subject a child to a life like his. Never.
Sunlight streamed through the large drawing-room windows. It had been cloudy and rainy since her return to London, and Marjorie longed to be outdoors. Instead she was seated upon the settee next to Dorinda, who was calmly sipping on a cup of tea.
Elise paced in front of them. “Did my brother succeed in tracking Dartman down or not?”
“When have you ever known Benedict to fail?”
“Valid point.”
Stopped in front of the clock, Elise glanced up and frowned. “Dartman knows you are an early riser…” Her friend whirled about to face Marjorie. “Does he not?”
Marjorie simply smiled, for she was certain Elise wasn’t expecting nor did she want an answer. As expected, Elise added, “Of course he does, the two of you spent enough time together. Then why has he not arrived?”
Dorinda opened her mouth to answer but halted when she caught a glimpse of Marjorie wringing her hands in her lap. Her friend scowled at the motion and Marjorie stopped.
She reached for her cup of tea and said, “He’s probably waiting upon Foxton. The man can’t function until the nooning hour.”
