Page 61 of A Rogue to Ruin
The earl’s brows shot up briefly in surprise. “Thank you. There’s a chamber through there.” He pointed at a doorway.
Jane inclined her head and shot an encouraging look at Anne before leaving.
Anne sat down in a dark, puce-colored chair with polished wood arms. Her godfather took the identical chair angled nearby.
“Are you well?” Anne asked with concern. “You haven’t been far from my thoughts.”
“Thank you, my dear.” He grimaced. “It’s been a trying week.”
“I’m certain it has. I was hoping Lorcan would be here too.”
“Lorcan?” he asked, sniffing. “He’s still Sandon for the time being. Are you not thinking of me as the earl anymore?”
“You have always been and will continue to be my godfather.” Anne worried this was going to be even more difficult than she’d anticipated.
“Hmm. Will you think ofhimas the earl? My nephew?”
“When the title is his, yes.”
He harrumphed and looked away for a moment. When he returned his gaze to Anne, there was a frigidity that made her flinch. “Should it be? I have considered whether I ought to contest his claim.”
Anne stared at him. She had not expected this. “But it’s his birthright.”
“He wasn’t raised to be the earl. We know next to nothing about his character. He may be ill-suited to the rank.”
“It’s his birthright.” She knew she was repeating herself, but it was apparently necessary. “You can’t decide if he should be the earl or not.”
“That’s what the Committee for Privileges must do,” he said, flicking a speck from his knee. “They will decide if he’s worthy.”
Anne had to clench her teeth to stop herself from gaping at her godfather. He couldn’t really hope to keep the title from Rafe? His character was wonderful, better than most gentlemen she’d met. How many of them helped orphans who would surely end up on the street?
“Mr. Mallory’s character seems quite admirable,” she said with a calm she didn’t feel. “I can’t imagine he wouldn’t bring honor and integrity to the title.”
Her godfather’s eyes narrowed intently. “You speak as if you know him, but you’ve only met him on two occasions, isn’t that right?”
She wasn’t going to lie, so she ignored the question. “He lost his parents at a young age and had his identity stripped away. I can’t imagine you would contemplate denying him his birthright now.”
“It isn’t that, my dear.” His features relaxed into a mix of sympathy and sadness. “I only want what’s best for the earldom. Many, many people rely on me for their livelihood. I have responsibilities in the House of Lords. I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t question this man who has come from nowhere.”
“He didn’t come fromnowhere.”
Her godfather stiffened. “Didn’t he? He appeared in Society this year, buying a very expensive house in Mayfair. Where did he come from that he has that kind of money, and why has no one met him before now? It’s all very peculiar.”
It wasn’t peculiar. He’d simply lived in another part of London. Wasn’t that what he’d told her? She realized he’d revealed very little beyond telling her about his wife. And he hadn’t shared anything about her either.
“I know this is hard for you, but he is the rightful earl. If he hadn’t been kidnapped, he would be the earl now. You gained from his loss. That’s not his fault, nor should he continue to suffer for it.”
“You’re quite defensive of him.”
“I would be of anyone in his position. Try to imagine having your very identity stolen and hidden.” She shook her head, her heart aching anew for Rafe. “It makes me incredibly sad.”
“You’ve a kind heart, Anne,” he said softly. “I haven’t decided what I will do.”
“Will you tell me if you plan to contest?” she asked.
“I will.”
How was she supposed to invite him for dinner now? Should she tell Rafe? She wouldn’t want him to be shocked if his claim was contested. But if her godfather decided not to contest, she would upset Rafe for nothing and perhaps permanently damage their relationship.
