Page 33 of The Duke of Lies
“Is there a chance you could have that—or something close to it—with Rufus? Rather, whoever is reading to your son?”
Verity’s eyes widened, and her spine stiffened. Put like that, a stranger was alone with her child. What kind of mother was she to allow that?
Again, reading her expression, Diana reached over to take Verity’s hand. “He’sfine. He’s been caring for Beau the last fortnight, and that’s gone well, hasn’t it?”
“Better than I could have imagined.” Emotion welled up in Verity’s chest. Her throat tightened, and she had to wait a moment to speak. “I was always so happy he was gone, that Beau would never have to know—” She stopped short of saying what a monster his father had been. But if this wasn’t Rufus, if this was really someone else, someone kind and caring and who seemed to love her son… Maybe she could find peace again.
With a stranger claiming the title and usurping her position as head of the estate.
“If he’s not Rufus, I should want him to leave,” Verity said. “I’m the steward of the estate, and I’m Beau’s guardian. That means my word is law here, not his.” Yet, so far, he’d allowed her word tobethe law, and he gave no indication that would change. Perhaps it was time to push him a bit, to test the honor of his word.
Diana’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You seem to be thinking something.”
Verity’s mouth curved into a small smile. “You know me too well. I was just thinking that I want to get to know the man a little better, to determine if he’s actually Rufus.”
“And if he’s not?”
“If he’s better than Rufus and will allow me to retain control of the estate, perhaps I should let him stay. Then if Rufus did return, he couldn’t easily claim the title—provided the man claiming to be Rufus is recognized as the Duke of Blackburn in the House of Lords.” That prospect gave her the first moment of true relief since Rufus—or whoever he was—had arrived.
“It sounds as if you have a plan. While we’re here, we’ll do our best to ascertain the man’s true character. There’s no way Simon and I will leave you with anyone dangerous.” Her gaze turned sad. “Am I correct in gathering that Rufus—the old Rufus—caused you harm?”
“Yes, but please don’t ask me to explain. It was a mercifully brief chapter that I’d prefer remain in the past.”
“I understand. Do you want me to stay with you tonight? Simon would understand.”
Verity laughed softly. “That’s not necessary. I’ve been managing quite well.”
“Is his chamber really just on the other side of Beau’s?” Diana asked.
“Yes, at Beau’s request. It’s fine. We’ve established a pleasant working relationship with regard to the estate and to Beau.”
“So there’s no chance your marriage could be something more?” Diana took a deep breath and shook her head. “Forget I asked that. I’m trying to be romantic. I only want you to be as happy as I am.” She squeezed Verity’s hand before letting it go. “But if you could remain married to him as you are now, there are worse things.”
Yes, such as the marriage she’d already endured. “Thank you for coming tonight. I feel much better having unburdened myself.” Verity rose, and Diana stood with her.
Diana smiled. “That’s what we do for each other. Without you, Simon and I might not be married.”
“Nonsense. You would’ve found your way to the altar. I merely gave you a nudge. Time, if you recall, was an important factor.” Because Diana’s father had been on his way to rescue Diana from her “kidnapper.”
“Indeed it was,” Diana said, with a glint of relief in her eyes. They embraced, and Diana left.
As Verity lay in bed a short time later, she realized she really did feel better. Acknowledging her doubt about his identity had energized her. If he was Rufus, could they find their way to a real marriage? She didn’t expect what Diana and Simon had, but couldn’t stop herself from fantasizing.
This Rufus was very charming. And kind. And helpful. And a wonderful father to Beau. She thought of them cozied up together while he readRobinson Crusoeand couldn’t help but smile. If he wasn’t Rufus and she asked him to go away, Beau would be devastated.
She turned to her side and closed her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of a faceless man aboard a ship. The ocean breeze lifted her hair as he swept her into his strong arms. She felt safe and happy. Content.
Until sometime later when she awoke with a jolt. The man had gained a face—the ruthless visage of Rufus, who looked somehow different from the man who’d returned. The angry lines on his forehead and the rough set of his mouth gave him away, and she was never more certain that they were two different men.
That was easy to believe in the middle of the dark night as her heart pounded in her chest. But maybe it was only a dream—all of it. Maybe this man really was Rufus, and maybe he would revert to the monster he’d been.
No, she wouldn’t let that happen. She’d kill him first.
* * *
Though it had rainedthe last few days, Simon had accompanied Kit on his visits with the tenants. They’d formed a friendship of sorts, but there was still a sense of disconnection. Or maybe that was just for Kit since he had to be so careful about what he revealed.
Today was Thomas’s first day as steward. He’d arrived last night and moved into his new lodgings in the tower. This morning, they’d all—Verity, Kit, Diana, Simon, Thomas, and Beau—shared a breakfast, and as they left the dining room, Beau bid everyone a reluctant farewell as he went upstairs for his lessons. Verity and Diana planned to go into Blackburn to purchase linens for Diana and Simon’s baby from a particular weaver.
