Page 80 of War of the Wedding Wagers
“That is awfully underhand, not to mention quite praiseworthy. As is the fact you know so much. So, Sir Frederick does not like it when he is not the most important man in the room?”
“I don’t think it was that. He was worried about Caroline and possibly hurt she felt she couldn’t confide in him.”
“And so now the Greene threat has been neutralized?”
“Not at all. He’s still waiting in the carriage by the gates, I believe. I daresay Sir Frederick will confront him.” Eugenia nibbled at her lower lip. “Lord Thornton, there are several things I wish to say. The first is to apologize. I realize that I attributed to you a letter Miss Fairchild received—purportedly from SirFrederick telling her that her dowdiness and love of learning were not ladylike attributes he sought in a future wife. Or, if not directly from you, that you prevailed upon Mrs. Perry to write it. But I suspect, now, the letter came directly from Mrs. Perry. The widow has, I believe, set her sights on Sir Frederick.”
The force of Lord Thornton’s outburst was far greater than Eugenia had expected.
“You truly thought I would stoop to such depths? I would never impugn a lady, much less one of such virtues and kindness as Miss Fairchild. And I certainly would never do such a thing to win a wager. You truly thought I could be so underhand?”
Eugenia shook her head. “I didn’t, really. But I was confused and out of sorts. And then there was the other troubling matter Miss Fairchild confided to me, which has been niggling at me ever since and which concerns Mr. Greene. You see, he does not pose a threat only to Miss Caroline.”
Lord Thornton raised his eyebrows in enquiry.
“No, Mr. Greene is not here for the sole purpose of enjoying a week in the country and eloping with a future heiress.”
“There’s more?”
Eugenia nodded. Perhaps it was unwise to reveal everything. She always had been too free with her disclosures.
But while Lord Thornton was someone she’d always sought to impress, he also had a wise head on his shoulders. It was one of the reasons, among so many—not least being his dashing salt and pepper side whiskers—that she admired him.
Glancing about her to ensure they were not overheard, she whispered, “You’ve heard Miss Fairchild’s claims that Lady Pernilla did not in fact die the night she supposedly fell to her death while attempting to elope with a lowly groom?”
Lord Thornton nodded.
“Apparently, Mr. Greene has proof that this is true. Not only that, but that Lady Pernilla had a family.” Eugenia took asustaining breath for Miss Fairchild’s claims that there was more to Pernilla’s story than Lady Pendleton would allow, had begun to sound increasingly credible. She looked Lord Thornton in the eye and said, “And Mr. Greene claims he is the last in that line. Meaning,” she added, “that he is the rightful Sir Pendleton.”
“And you clearly believe there is truth in that?”
Eugenia nodded.
“My dear Eugenia,” said Lord Thornton, “I have just thought of something.” He took her arm and began to lead her through the throng.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“To the library,” he said. “There is something there that I’ve just thought of that might have some bearing on all of this.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
With Henry athis heels, Sir Frederick strode purposefully towards the library. The events of the evening had left him in turmoil.
First there had been the shock of Miss Fairchild’s cool manner towards him followed by her strange confession about gambling. Then there was Caroline’s near-elopement.
And now he was forced to respond to this summons from Mrs. Perry. The widow’s note, scented with that cloying lavender, burned in his pocket like a brand.
His leg ached, but he ignored it. He’d endured far worse pain in battle.
Oh, he’d not been hailed a hero like Amelia’s former fiancé for the full extent of his involvement was more in the nature of diplomacy.
He’d hoped to talk to her of those dangerous, heady days.
Now he wondered what the future held with the women he loved. Everything seemed to have shifted on its axis.
But right now, with the backup he needed, he was suddenly full of resolve. And ire.
So Mrs. Perry had written that cruel letter denigrating his Amelia? The memory of Miss Fairchild’s hurt expression when she’d confessed to “gambling away” her inheritance made his blood boil. He understood now. She’d been protecting herbrother, taking the blame for Edward’s foolish wager. Just as she’d protected Caroline by keeping the near-elopement secret.
