Page 70 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
“Would you like another cup of tea, Lord Grafton?” he asked.
“No, but I would like answers,” Florian replied, leaning forward. “I know you're not the duke's son.”
And just like that, the floor beneath Henry dropped away. The one thing he was afraid of had finally happened.
“What are you talking about?” Henry asked, careful to keep his voice neutral.
Florian suddenly stood up. “Do you mind if I walk a bit?” he asked. “I find I explain things much better when I pace.”
Henry said nothing, merely watching the man walk around the settee where he began pacing. Florian didn't seem to need a response.
"You see, as far as I knew, I was next in line for the dukedom," he said, linking his hands behind his back. "I was told this from childhood. My mother took much pride in calling me her little duke. She knew the duchess would never have children—she was barren. Everyone said so. But then I heard the duke died, and he had a son—his heir. Since when?"
Henry still said nothing. There was nothing he could say. Florian was adamant about what he had said, so he had to have a reason. What Henry needed to do was to keep his wits about him and not panic.
"I sent my mother a letter as soon as I heard about this supposed heir," Florian continued. "Could the duke have had an affair and fathered an illegitimate son?" He shook his head. "Not according to my mother. The duke adored his wife and would have never done anything to hurt her—of this, my mother was confident. She had often said that every woman should have a husband like him. So, I dug a little deeper into the matter."
Florian paused and leaned on the back of the settee; his determination evident in his blue eyes. This was a man with a purpose. Henry was tempted to chase him off the estate, but being hasty would not help him. He subtly wiped his upper lip, removing the perspiration gathered there.
"I needed to know when you were legitimized and who your mother was," Florian told him. "It took months of investigation and much money to get more details. It seemed someone was trying to hide things. Then I heard about the fire—that part was easy. Most people were aware of a fire that destroyed part of Euston Hall, but the details were not clear. Everyone had a version of the story, but I managed to piece together an idea of what may have happened."
Henry closed his eyes, the nightmare of the night slowly pushing forward to the forefront of his mind. He didn't like thinking about it, how the flames had licked across his skin, causing him agonizing pain. Henry didn't regret saving the duke and duchess that night, but his life was forever changed after that.
The duke did his best to give him a better life, but there was only so much someone so scarred could do. Limits had been put on him all because he had risked his life to save others. It didn't seem fair, but he had accepted it for the most part. Now, someone was digging into his past and trying to upset everything.
“A young boy saved the duke and duchess,” said Florian. “Shortly after, a boy with burn scars was legitimized as his son.” He started pacing again. “No secrets can stay hidden forever. There are always witnesses and people willing to talk for a little palm greasing.” He paused. “How interesting it was to find that the duke took in his hero as his son and raised him as his own. A commoner. An imposter.”
Henry could feel the color drain out of his face. So, he knew. Still, Henry needed to hear him say the name he had not heard in nearly twenty years.
“Then who am I, Lord Grafton?” Henry asked. He was thankful his voice sounded normal.
"Nicholas Smith, the son of a humble farmer who paid taxes to the duke," said Florian. "You are certainly not Henry Fitzgerald, Duke of Richmond." He grinned. "It took a while, but the truth was finally revealed, and I have evidence."
“Evidence, you say,” said Henry, tilting his head. “It's rather odd how I have no evidence of your claims. How do I know you're indeed Lord Grafton? You could be the imposter looking to make trouble. I have a cousin like that—Lord Kersey.”
Florian laughed. "I know of the fool," he said. "But I am nothing like him. I am the legitimate heir, Mr. Smith. I have no intention of exposing you to anyone because I believe you genuinely loved the duke and the duchess. You have also looked after the estate well.
However, I cannot continue to have you claim a title that is not yours. It belongs to me. I can give you all the evidence you want. In fact, I'll have my valet get what you need. In the meantime, I think we should have a conversation about the future."
Henry inwardly sighed and simply stared at the man. He could tell he had spoken the truth, so there was nothing he could do. The true heir had revealed himself and had come to take what was his.
Chapter 25
Arabella didn't know if it was just her or if something was going on. Ever since Mr. Black informed the duke of his visitor, everything had oddly changed. It wasn't just the concerned look on the butler's face but the tense air she had felt upon entering the house.
Even Mrs. Cooper seemed troubled. The housekeeper had asked her to see if the duke and his visitor needed anything else and to take the tea tray away, saying she was too busy to take care of the matter herself.
Walking toward the parlor, Arabella hoped all was well with the duke. She didn't want him to experience yet another problem. She didn't even know what trouble his so-called relative could bring him, but she was willing to do whatever she could to help him. She knocked on the door before letting herself in, her eyes first falling on the duke. He appeared tense.
“Your Grace, is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked.
The duke seemed almost blank as he looked at her, his eyes taking a while to focus on her. “Uh, we're fine, Arabella,” he said. His eyes turned to their guest. “Unless you would like something, Lord Grafton?”
“Lord Grafton?” the man repeated, raising a pale eyebrow.
Arabella could admit he was handsome, but that had never impressed her. She rather disliked him because he was clearly causing the duke some trouble. The duke had not known who this relative was, and this obviously wasn't a happy reunion.
"Let me properly introduce myself, miss," Lord Grafton said. "I am indeed Lord Grafton, but I will soon be the Duke of Richmond."
