Page 74 of The Duke of Lies
So Rufus had been a rakehell along with all his other sins. “Why?”
“She’s telling anyone who cares to listen that she and the duke carried on a lurid affair before and that she looks forward to making his reacquaintance.” Nora winced. “Sorry. As I said, better to be forewarned.
“I appreciate knowing, thank you. And Rufus will too.”
“I do hope you’ll call me Nora,” she said with a smile. “Please let me know how I can help. I look forward to welcoming you into our set.”
Diana lightly touched Verity’s arm. “Simon became quite friendly with the duchess’s brother-in-law, the Earl of Knighton, when we came to town. So naturally I became friends with the countess and then with her sister, Nora. As Violet said, there are plenty of lovely people.”
“Indeed, and now I must be off,” Nora said brightly. “I promised my sister I would meet her in the retiring room. I’ll be sure to introduce you to Jo—you’ll like her immensely.” She departed with a friendly nod.
Diana leaned over and whispered, “Perhaps you and Kit should dance—to show everyone you’re a happy couple. Sorry,Rufus.”
Verity wasn’t sure Kit could. She moved to close the gap between their groups and went to his side, indicating for him to lean down so she could speak close to his ear. “Diana suggested we dance. Do you know how?”
He winced. “No. You can teach me tomorrow. No dancing tonight.”
She nodded, thinking she couldn’t possibly teach him to master dancing in one day, but then Kit had proven himself adept at just about everything he tried, including practically memorizing Debrett’s earlier. How else could a privateer pass himself off so convincingly as a duke?
“All right, but stay clear of someone named Mrs. Walthorpe.”
He looked down at her with mild alarm. “Why?”
“Just trust me. I’ll explain later.” If Verity happened to encounter Mrs. Walthorpe, she might just give Society another interesting piece of gossip. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to hold her tongue with regard to Mrs. Walthorpe’s expectations with her husband—as in, they would never come to pass.
Verity’s eye caught the next person heading in their direction and momentarily froze. She clutched at Kit’s sleeve. “My father is coming. Be sure to act like an ass.”
“I thought I was supposed to act like myself.”
“Yes, that too, but you need to convince my father in a different way than you need to convince everyone else. With most people, merely acting ducal is enough to intimidate them into believing you’re who you are—it worked with everyone at Beaumont Tower. But my father knew Rufus better than most. He’ll be able to tell, just as I was.” She tensed as he neared and quickly remembered to add, “Call him Horatio.”
And then he was there, his long, narrow face pinching into a smile. “Good evening, daughter. I arrived a short while ago and heard you were here.” He turned his focus to Kit. “And here is my son-in-law after so many years. I hope you’ll forgive me for not coming to Beaumont Tower to welcome you home. It’s such a long trip, and the Season is such a whirl.” He laughed with a wave of his jeweled hand.
Kit offered a tepid smile. “Good evening, Horatio. How good of you to come over and welcome us.”
“Even if you weren’t family, I would havehadto—you’re the spectacle of the evening. And probably at least for the next week.” He said this with a glee that made Verity grit her teeth.
“I’m sure it’s quite gratifying for you to be at the center of gossip,” she said rather too sweetly.
He narrowed his eyes slightly but didn’t respond to her taunt. Instead, he turned his attention to Kit. “You look quite different, Rufus. Did you grow while you were away?”
“I worked hard aboard a ship. I’m bigger, yes.” Kit kept his tone even and his eyes rather cold and expressionless. He’d definitely mastered ducal intimidation.
“A ship? So the rumors are true—you were conscripted?” Verity’s father said this with considerable disbelief. “The nerve of someone kidnapping a duke. One wonders how they were able to do such a thing.”
“You’d be surprised what criminals are capable of.” Kit arched his brow. “Or perhaps not. You no doubt heard I dismissed Cuddy.”
“You speak of criminals and then mention Cuddy—is this because he was murdered?” he blinked at Kit, but his gaze was hard, and Verity wondered if some sort of communication was happening between the two men. “Such a tragedy. I hope they catch whoever did it.” He twitched his shoulders as he looked toward Verity. “What a macabre topic for such a fine evening. Forgive us, my dear. Come, Rufus, let us depart so we can speak without offending feminine sensibilities.”
Anxiety spiraled in Verity’s gut as Kit glanced over at her.
“Since it’s our first night in London, I’m not sure I’d like to leave Verity’s side.”
Her father’s gaze narrowed as he scrutinized Kit for a moment, then he nodded approvingly. “You’ve changed in more than just looks. There was once a time when you preferred to be anywhere but with my daughter. I’m glad to see your time away has shown you the error of your behavior.”
Verity stared at her father, scarcely believing he was saying such things right in front of her. She couldn’t keep her reaction buried. “Father.”
He gave her a brief, apologetic smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, dear. But I do care for you, and it’s best for Rufus to know straightaway that I won’t tolerate his nonsense.”
