Page 99 of A Rogue to Ruin
Anthony looked to Ludlow and then Anne. “Will you excuse us? Jane and I wish to go speak with the Duke and Duchess of Halstead.”
“Of course,” Anne said, eager for them to leave, for then she could get her godfather into the house where she would get him to confess his crimes while Harry and his brother North listened. She glanced toward the house, where the two brothers stood in the shadows watching for her and Ludlow.
“Have you been into the ballroom?” Anne asked. There was a chamber nearby with refreshments and separate seating areas in which to meet and gather. Adjoining that was a smaller chamber where she could get her godfather alone and leave the door ajar so Harry and North could eavesdrop. Harry would then come in and arrest Ludlow for the murder of Rafe’s parents.
“I haven’t yet.”
She smiled up at him eagerly. “Would you mind escorting me? I’d love to see it.”
Before he could answer, Deborah strode up to them, rather, she wobbled. “Evening Papa, Anne.” She frowned at Anne then took her hand. Holding it between her two palms and squeezing, Deborah looked intently into Anne’s eyes. “Papa told me about my cousin—that scoundrel. It’s good you found out now. Before the wedding. Can you imagine if you had a second betrothed arrested on your wedding day?”
“Deborah!” Ludlow whispered urgently. “Keep your voice down. You aren’t helping dear Anne.”
“No, I suppose not.” She hiccupped, bringing her hand to her mouth and letting Anne go. “My apologies, Anne.” Her eyes narrowed at something in the distance. It was evident she’d already had much to drink. “Look at them milling about as if they should be accepted in Society. Disgusting.”
“Who?” Ludlow asked, pivoting so he could look in the direction of Deborah’s gaze.
“Those pretenders—my cousin,Selina.” She said the name as if it were a vulgarity. “And her fake sister, the bastard. I suppose I must suffer Selina’s presence since she’s managed to marry well, but Beatrix is a bastard and should be shunned.”
Anne had been momentarily stunned by Deborah’s vitriol, but managed to speak through her gritted teeth. “Except she also married well.”
“Bah. She took advantage of Rockbourne. He was grieving. She’s a liar and a fraud. And a bastard.” Her voice rose as she spoke, and heads around them turned in their direction. It was too much to hope that no one had heard what she’d said.
“Deborah!” Anne’s godfather repeated, his brows pitching low as his forehead creased.
“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear you, Lady Burnhope.” The Duke of Ramsgate joined them. Of average height with an above average paunch, the duke was a widower and also the next-door neighbor of Beatrix. Had he come to her defense?
“I wasn’t trying to be quiet,” Deborah said with a sniff. “Everyone must know there is a fraud in our midst.”
“I’m afraid I can’t allow you to malign Lady Rockbourne.” The duke turned toward where Beatrix was standing with her husband and Selina. “Beatrix, would you come here, please?”
After exchanging looks with her husband and Selina, Beatrix started toward them. Thomas and Selina followed. Though Beatrix was small in stature, she carried herself with an enviable confidence.
“Good evening,” Beatrix said cheerily when she arrived. She gave Ramsgate a pleasant smile, which she also bestowed upon Anne and Ludlow. When her focus turned to Deborah, however, her smile faded and her blue eyes frosted.
Ramsgate gestured to Beatrix and spoke loudly and clearly, his gaze pinned to Deborah. “Allow me to present my daughter,LadyRockbourne.”
Deborah’s milky-blue eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She sputtered but said nothing.
“Didn’t I tell you my father was a duke?” Beatrix said quietly so that only those in their small circle, which included Thomas and Selina, could hear.
Ludlow exhaled loudly and took his daughter by the arm. “Excuse us.” He gave Anne an apologetic look before steering Deborah toward the house.
Dammit!Anne’s shoulders bunched as she watched them go. She was supposed to be in Deborah’s place!
“Just like Deborah to ruin everything,” Beatrix said with a quiet heat.
Selina murmured in agreement before smiling broadly. “But that was brilliant.” She turned to Ramsgate. “I don’t know what provoked you, but thank you.”
“Yes, thank you.” Beatrix stared at her father. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything.” The duke’s voice was gruff. “I should have claimed you long ago, at least when you came out this Season. Although, you didn’t need my help to marry well.” He nodded toward Thomas, who inclined his head in return. “You have my thanks. I am glad to be on good terms with my next-door neighbor again. Perhaps you’d like to come to dinner next week?”
“I would, actually,” Thomas said. “And I think Beatrix’s half brother would probably like to join us.”
“Lovely.” Beatrix looked so happy that Anne nearly forgot about her own consternation.
Shaking her head, Anne was about to excuse herself so she could follow Ludlow and Deborah, but she couldn’t really do that by herself. Well, shecould, but she shouldn’t. Blast, it was annoying to be unwed!
