Page 22 of The Truth about the Duke
For some moments, nothing was said between them. The Duke appeared to be frozen in place, his eyes wide and staring as she pressed her lips tightly together in an attempt to keep the slight tremble in her frame at bay.
“The story?” With a sudden quickness, the Duke of Melrose came closer to her, his hand going to hers and grasping it tightly, making her shudder with fright as the awareness of what shehad to say burned in her chest. “How can you find it? I do not understand.”
Now I must tell him the truth.
It would do her no good to hide it, Lydia realized, for if she was to help him then she wouldhaveto tell him this regardless and to go on in their connection, to strengthen it only to then break it apart with the truth of what she had done would only bring disaster.
“I know because… ” Shuddering visibly, she kept her gaze away from him. “I know because I am Adam Smith.”
Chapter Nine
Henry could not quite take in what Lady Lydia had said. The words she spoke seemed to run away from him, avoiding him entirely. A heavy weight seemed to sink into his soul as he looked into her eyes, seeing how she could only glance at him once, twice, and then turn her head entirely away.
“You must forgive me, Lady Lydia.” With a shake of his head, Henry frowned, hard. “I must not have heard you correctly.”
Her voice was quiet, her head lowering now. “I think that you did, Your Grace.”
“I cannot have done!” Henry’s stomach twisted. “I was sure that you said thatyouwere the writer for The London Chronicle but I must have misheard you.”
Slowly, Lady Lydia lifted her chin and looked back into his eyes, a steadiness there that he had not expected to see. “You did not mishear me, Your Grace,” she said, speaking much more clearly now. “It is just as I have said. I am the one who wrote the article, the one who is, at this very moment, engaging in some study for the next one I am to write.” A slight shake ran through her but she did not look away from him. “I am the one who not only found but included the story about your family’s heirlooms,though I meant no harm by it. I presumed that you already were aware of it.”
Henry’s heart clattered in his chest as he stared at Lady Lydia, barely able to accept what it was she was saying. Could it be just as she had said?
“You already know that I am a bluestocking.” There seemed to be a greater confidence in Lady Lydia’s voice now, as though the relief that she felt in speaking to him now filled her. “There is nothing in this that surprises you, surely?”
Raking one hand through his hair, Henry turned bodily away from her, trying to keep his shock from taking a complete hold of him. How could it be that this young lady was the writer of such a strong article? Yes, he knew that bluestockings were young ladies eager to possess as much learning as he could, but never once had he thought that such a creature would be able to write with such flair! It had not even come as a thought to his mind that a lady would be the author!
“I can show you where I found the story about your heirlooms,” he heard Lady Lydia say. “And I am truly sorry for the distress that my article caused you. I hope you believe me when I state that I had no intention for there to be any sort of pain or upset caused by what I wrote.”
Henry threw her a look, then shook his head, still keeping himself away from her. “It has come as a great shock to me to hear this from you, Lady Lydia. Though I shall admit that I do believe there was no malice involved. You did not have the intention to cause me pain, I can recognize that.”
The relief that came from her was almost palpable. “I thank you.”
“I – I need to take a little time.” It was rather shameful to admit such a thing to her but his mind was so clouded that Henry recognized it would not be wise to say or do anything at this present time. “I must think a little more. That is all.”
“Of course.” A little boldly, Henry thought, Lady Lydia moved closer to him, her eyes lifting to his, her cheeks scarlet. “I am more than willing to show you where I found that story, Your Grace, even if you do not wish for my help in any other way. I understand that you must be astonished at my revelation but I am glad that I told you. I have been greatly concerned about it ever since I saw your reaction to the story.”
This is why she lingered with myself and Lord Kendall in the library.
Henry nodded. “I understand.”
“I shall take my leave of you now.” Lady Lydia touched his arm briefly and something kicked hard in Henry’s stomach. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
Watching her, Henry only inclined his head rather than saying anything more. His chest felt tight, his stomach writhing as he tried to gather himself.
I am meant to go to call on Lady Judith,he reminded himself.I cannot let this revelation prevent me from doing so.He tried to tear his thoughts away from Lady Lydia and instead, concentrate on Lady Judith, attempting to bring her to mind but it was more than a little difficult. The only reason he had stopped at this bookshop was in the hope of finding some books relating to his family and his home but instead, he had stumbled upon such a great revelation that it was almost too much for him to take in!
Closing his eyes, Henry bent his head and took in three long breaths in the hope of steadying himself. Hehadto take his mind from the lady,hadto forget all that she had said until his meeting with Lady Judith was brought to an end. He would make a fool of himself otherwise.
“What did thinkyou of that, Your Grace?”
Henry blinked quickly, aware that he had been asked a question but that he had no knowledge whatsoever as to what it related to. “I – I think that it merits a good deal of consideration,” he answered, seeing how Lady Judith and her mother exchanged a look as he spoke. “I am not a gentleman who would give any answer unless I had considered it for a long time.” He had no idea whether or not this answer pertained in any way as to what had been asked but he had attempted to cover his lack of attention in any way he could.
“I see.” Lady Kent smiled though there was clear confusion in her eyes. “I thought that all gentlemen adored hunting. I confess I am surprised to hear that you would consider Lord Berkshire’s hunt for such a long time before attending.”
Heat tore up Henry’s frame. “Yes, well, I – I would have to think upon my other duties and responsibilities and the like before I chose whether to attend. I am sure you are well aware, Lady Kent, of the requirements that fall heavily upon gentlemen of a certain standing!” He winced inwardly, hearing himself sounding not only a little arrogant but also a trifle condescending as though he was berating Lady Kent in some way. Trying to smile so that she would not think he was doing such a thing, he lifted his shoulders. “I always give great consideration to any decision I make, even if Idolike the hunt a great deal.”
“I understand what you mean, Your Grace.” Lady Kent’s smile remained though, to Henry’s mind, there was a certain tightness there. “My daughter and I fully understand and acknowledge that a gentleman’s time is important.”
