Page 96 of Rescued from Betrayal
He reached out and pulled her away from Melior.
“Just a moment,” Lady Jane said. She stepped forward and embraced Melior. “Thank you for coming after me.”
Melior squeezed her shoulders, hoping the pressure would infuse the hope Lady Jane would need to make it through the ensuing storm. “Thank you for not pushing me away.”
Chapter 32
Nathaniel watched from a distance as Lady Jane moved from Melior to her father. He’d followed Melior out when she’d chased after Lady Jane and watched as she’d sunk to the ground to comfort the woman. As with Lady Agatha, he’d chosen to stay out of sight, allowing Melior to make the peace she so obviously needed.
His heart thrummed within him. She’d been so kind, but even more, she’d been humble in admitting her faults and asking for forgiveness. He’d seen so much growth these last few weeks that he wondered how he had ever thought himself unfortunate.
If anything, it was Melior’s misfortune for marrying him. He took far longer to recognize his faults and move toward change.
The Duke of Rothland passed him, his arm protectively around his daughter. Melior stared after the pair. Her expression of sadness pulled him toward her.
“Are you well?” he asked, draping the cloak he had retrieved from the butler around her shoulders.
“I am, but Lady Jane is likely to suffer from this night for the rest of her life.”
“I doubt that. Rumors will die, especially ones as far-fetched as this one.”
“Nathaniel”—she placed a hand on his arms and stared into his eyes—“It is true. I suspect that is why the duke has been so particular about his servants.”
He blinked at her, trying to comprehend what she said. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Lady Jane admitted it herself. She is not the duke’s daughter.”
“Not his… but how could that be? Even my mother remembers when she was born here in London. The duke himself bandied it about the Ton.”
Melior’s cheeks flushed brighter. “Just because the Duke of Rothland was there at her birth does not mean he was there for her conception.”
He contemplated her words, knowing they were true. His respect for the duke grew. That the man had kept the secret was no surprise, as no one wanted to be connected to scandal, but that he had taken such great care of a daughter not of his blood, well, that was something not many men of England did.
Javenia exited the house, Al close on her heels. “That is a hornet’s nest I do not think I want to chance going back into,” she said when she came to a stop.
“What has happened?” Melior rubbed her own arms and Nathaniel realized she must be freezing. The rain had increased from a mist to a steady drizzle. No doubt her beautiful dress was soaked.
“Perhaps we can speak of it in the carriage.” He motioned them to the waiting line of vehicles.
Melior took a step then stopped. “But what of our plans?”
Javenia latched onto her arm. “It will have to wait. His Grace’s sons are beyond furious and questioning everyone who will talk. It seems this rumor has been whispered of for a few days, but no one had dared utter it in polite company. If we are lucky, perhaps they will take care of Lady Edith for us.”
Nathaniel opened the door to his carriage. “That would be nice, but if she is as wily as I suspect, she will find some way to get out of it.”
He handed Melior up, but she stopped on the step, her face turned to the house. “It seems she already has.”
They all turned to see Lady Edith descending the steps on Lord Caraway’s arm, her father following meekly behind.
“Get in,” Nathaniel said, then spun to confront the approaching pair.
Al put his arm out and caught him around the shoulders. “Not with Caraway already with her. She will admit nothing and you will look like the cad for accusing a lady of wrongdoing. Let it go for tonight. There is always tomorrow.”
“But that is Bedford’s ball,” he hissed.
Al smiled. “Yes, and what perfect karma for our unsuspecting criminal.”
The idea slowly caught hold in his mind. Al was right. What had started at a ball should end at one.
