Page 70 of The Truth Serum
Either way, she did not like Madame Joguet poking into things that were not her business. And she was about to say exactly that when Kynthea came to her rescue. The woman’s voice held the perfect note of sadness and strength.
“We both know,” Kynthea said, “what some men do to women. We came to help if needed.”
“Because Lord Nathaniel is known to hurt women?”
Only those he’d dallied with as a teenager. And that was as much her fault as his.
“Because,” Rebecca said tartly. “I believe nothing from a man’s mouth unless I can verify it.”
That silenced the room. Indeed, it momentarily shocked Rebecca. Her words had come from a place of dark anger. She hadn’t even realized how deeply she felt them until they dropped like stones into the room.
Madame’s expression faded, as did Frid’s. Nate looked at her with a sadness in his eyes. And maybe guilt. And Rebecca, realizing just how much she had revealed, decided it was time to end this conversation.
“I apologize for interrupting your evening, Madame Joguet. I believe it is time for me to return home.”
“Do not apologize,” Madame said, her words quiet. “I have very much enjoyed the time.”
Of course she had. No doubt she’d blather about the silly English girl for weeks to come. It didn’t matter. Rebecca hardly cared what was said about her. The whole exchange had left her with a sour taste in her mouth.
She nodded to them then turned to leave. Kynthea was already ahead of her. But then Nate touched her arm.
“Becca,” he said softly. “Not every man lies.”
She turned to stare at him, her brow arched. “Really? Do point him out to me, if you can. I should like to meet one.” She continued to walk away, and he easily kept pace.
“Didn’t you just apologize to me?” he asked, his words still spoken sotto voce. “I believe you.Those were your exact words. Along with,I’m sorry.” He touched her arm. “I told you the truth.”
She heard hurt in his tone and felt a flush of shame. He was right. She had misjudged him this morning. Indeed, she couldn’t think of a single time he’d lied to her. It was what everyone else said about him that was the lie. Or more accurately, what Fletcher had said.
But there were secrets about him. This evening’s escapade proved it. And, damn it, she was tired of trying to sort through it all.
“I am done trying to figure you out Nate. It is too exhausting.”
“Becca, please, let me explain.”
She turned to face him. “What is there to explain? You write. You…” She glanced back toward Madame’s salon. “You have liaisons. None of it has anything to do with me.”
“But it can,” he pressed. “I mean, I want it to.”
She snorted as they descended the stairs. “I fail to see how.”
“Leave that to me,” he said. “Let me answer your questions.”
They made it to the base of the stairs just as Monsieur and the duke were stepping out. The two were in jovial moods, and Rebecca could smell brandy in the air.
Clearly, they had come to an arrangement. And clearly the duke had been celebrating heavily. As soon as he saw Nate, he threw an arm around the man’s shoulders.
“Nate, my old friend.”
Were his words slurred?
Nate winced under the sudden weight. No doubt his ribs ached. But he smiled back at the duke.
“Has everything come about all right then?” His tone had the perfect notes of flippancy and shame.
“Yes, my friend,” the duke said with a grin. “Your little misstep will make me a small fortune.” The duke glanced at his fiancée. “Good thing too, because I have to pay for a damned ducal wedding.”
“I’m glad someone is benefiting,” Nate grumbled. Then he twisted slightly to stare at the duke. “Any chance that I can join in this good fortune?”
