Page 45 of Her Lion of a Duke
“She is not a suspect! Well, not one that I am looking into, at least. It could be anyone, which is exactly why I cannot tell her yet. Once I know for certain, I will tell her everything.”
“And you assume that she will be pleased to know that you withheld such important information from her? I would be furious.”
“She understands me. She will not be pleased, but she will not be angry either. I have no other choice.”
But Leonard knew when he had disappointed Mrs. Herrington. She looked at him sadly, like a disappointed mother, and left him alone in the room.
If he was doing the right thing, why did he feel so awful about it?
CHAPTER 16
Cecilia could tell that something had happened between Mrs. Herrington and Leonard, but it did not seem so severe, so she did not pry.
They had a long history, and it was possible that they had simply disagreed about something simple, or that Mrs. Herrington had forgotten to do something and was reminded of it—something she hated. Regardless, it had created a strange atmosphere in the manor. It was quiet, and Cecilia did not like it at all.
“I have been thinking,” she announced at breakfast.
“Dangerous,” Leonard mumbled, smiling.
“I can be dangerous, if you wish,” she scoffed, pointing her fork at him. “You should never speak that way to a lady with a weapon.”
“Very well, I concede.” He laughed. “Please tell me what you have been thinking.”
“I think it is time to change all of this,” she said, gesturing around her. “If this is to be our home, I want it to be ours. I know that you have a lot to do, and perhaps you cannot help me much, but that is perfectly fine. I would like something to do.”
He looked at her in surprise, but she could tell that he was also pleased.
“Your timing is impeccable,” he said. “I was going to tell you that we will have a visitor next week.”
“Wonderful! I can do what I wish to in a week. Who is it?”
“It is my cousin, Lord Renshaw. He has heard news of my marriage and has decided that family means something to him.”
His meaning could not have been clearer if he tried. Cecilia considered not commenting on it, but if she was to spend time with his cousin during his visit, then she had to be prepared.
“The two of you do not see eye to eye, then?”
“He is quite a lot shorter than me, so no. He is also not very pleasant to speak with for long periods of time, so I shall make sure he stays away from you most of the time.”
“Why have you invited him if he is so awful?”
“I did not! He has simply informed me of his arrival, which is more than most receive. I have half a mind to tell him that we are abroad, but I thought it would be best if we let him come, say his piece, and leave.”
Cecilia nodded in agreement, pleased that he had correctly assumed her preference.
“Do not listen to anything he says,” he continued. “I believe that he speaks for the sake of hearing his own voice. I bet he is not even aware of what he is saying most of the time. You may argue if you wish, but it will be more painless for you if you simply let him talk.”
“Will you be doing the same?”
“I will be doing what I can. Mercifully, we are no longer in London, and therefore not at risk of him speaking out of turn to some lord or other and being ostracized.”
Cecilia bristled, apprehensive about the gentleman’s arrival. She had never been afraid of a challenge, but for Leonard to still warn her against his cousin… that had to mean something.
“Very well, I shall do what I must. I will warn you, though, that if he says anything egregious?—”
“You will not have time to say anything. I will already be doing so. I know how to handle my cousin, Cecilia.”
His words were biting, but his tone was soft, protective. It was his way of promising her that he would be handling matters, and though she might once have taken it as a slight, she now found it rather attractive.
