Page 47 of Rescued from Betrayal
After both ladies removed, the gentlemen sat to finish their meal. It was odd continuing when he knew his wife would not. His eyes roved to her plate as a different footman cleared it.
How many times had Melior foregone the rest of a meal these last four weeks for his mother’s comfort? How many times had he noticed how much food she’d left on her plate and not questioned it? Was she even having breakfast?
“Now that the ladies have removed themselves,” Algenon said, wiping his fingers on his serviette, “I believe it imperative that I mention a bit of gossip that I overheard at Boodles.”
Al’s serious demeanor was such a contrast to his normal lighthearted nature that Nathaniel put down his utensils to give him his complete attention.
“There is a rumor I believe we need to address. Mr. Fairchild, it seems, has returned to London and is bragging about his part in Melior’s ruin.”
Nathaniel’s hand curled into a fist. “The jackanapes.”
“And that is not the whole of it. He insists he has received compensation for histime.”
“Compensation? What sort of compensation?” His Grace asked calmly.
“I assume a monetary one.”
Fire burned in Nathaniel’s chest. “Are you suggesting it was a plot to ruin Melior?”
Al leaned back and crossed his arms. “That is exactly what I am saying.”
Eddie stood and slammed his fist on the table. “What brute would do such a thing?”
Al held up his hands in a show of innocence. “I do not know, hence why I brought it up with the men of most import to Melior.”
“It must be Lord Caraway,” Nathaniel said flatly. “He did not seem at all broken up about Melior’s sudden betrothal.”
The Duke leaned forward. “I would be hesitant to cast blame so soon. I was well acquainted with the previous Lord Caraway and have seen the current young man grow. There is nothingin his character that would lead me to believe him capable of committing such an ungentlemanly act.”
“And yet he never came to see Melior or wish her well.” Nathaniel drummed his fingers on the table trying to control the bubbling frustration.
“That is not terribly unusual in a case where the lady’s reputation has already been brought into question. He would not want to stir up more gossip.”
Eddie jumped to Nathaniel’s defense. “But what other man would have cause to dislike Melior so much that they would want to ruin her life? Besides, everyone knows the man is related to Tom Fairchild.”
“Not technically related.” Al said, swirling his drink. “They share an aunt and uncle.”
“And how is that not related?” Eddie looked flustered.
“Because Caraway is related to the aunt and Fairchild to the uncle. They share cousins, but little else.”
Nathaniel tapped his pointer finger. “Yes, but it is still a connection. Enough perhaps for Fairchild to be empathetic to Caraway’s plight.”
“What plight?” Al’s brow creased. “To keep from marrying a well-connected, beautiful, wealthy woman? Can you not see how flawed your reasoning is? I think you are letting jealousy get in the way of logic, Nate.”
Nathaniel stiffened. “I am not jealous. It is a reasonable assertion, especially if there was another equally good option available to the marquess to pursue.”
Eddie nodded emphatically. “I am with Nate on this, unless either of you have a better idea of a culprit.”
The Duke of Bedford leaned back allowing the footman to remove his plate and eyed him with a raised brow. Nathaniel got the message. How had he been so remiss as to allow discussion to continue with all the servants listening?
The men all waited as the servants cleared the meal and the port was poured. Then Nathaniel dismissed the footmen.
“Whoever the bounder is we must ferret him out,” Eddie said after taking a swig of his port. “We cannot let him or Mr. Fairchild get away with such maliciousness.”
“I agree.” The duke made eye contact with each man individually. “But gentlemen, have any of you considered that the malefactor might not be a man at all?”
Chapter 17
