Page 20 of If Not for the Duke

“Bernie wanted to tell you, but I suggested we wait until our efforts progressed. For that, I am also sorry. I hope my mistakes haven’t caused you undue distress.” To his dismay, her expression suggested she still hadn’t forgiven him. He couldn’t blame her. Not when he found it difficult to forgive others, as well.

“Clarke will find Oak Island more difficult than he expects. As will you.” She drew back, her gaze lingering on his face, which made him wonder what she saw.

He wanted her to see a man of honor. Someone she respected and possibly admired. That was odd when he normally didn’t care what anyone thought. What could he do to change her mind?

She turned away without another word, leaving him to watch the swinging of her skirts as she strode from view. Her reaction made him even more concerned about how his conversation with Rothwood would go. Hopefully, better than the one with his granddaughter.

*

Lena stewed asshe climbed the stairs to the drawing room where Lady Bernice waited. Renwick was infuriating. His first lame apology had tempted her to turn her back on him and leave before listening to anything more he had to say.

Such arrogance. As if he could do no wrong. Though she supposed it was to be expected of someone groomed to be a duke from a young age, that didn’t make it less irritating. No doubt she would hear from her grandfather that Renwick had been offended by her behavior. The thought had her scowling. She had been tempted to completely ignore proper manners and speak her mind but was pleased she’d somewhat restrained herself.

If he knew it would’ve been a courtesy for him to advise her, or at least her grandfather, of his intention to dig on Oak Island, then why hadn’t he acted on it?

It was also interesting to hear that Clarke hadn’t complied with Renwick’s wishes to keep quiet about the treasure hunt. What else might the man decide to share without the duke’s approval?

As Lena approached the drawing room to see Lady Bernice, she considered again how she might feel if they discovered the Money Pit and the treasure. But it was still impossible to know how she’d feel if they did.

Nor did she know what to say to Lady Bernice about the entire situation.

She paused in the doorway to find the lady pacing the room. Lady Bernice must’ve seen her out of the corner of her eye for she whirled to face her.

“Miss Wright.” To Lena’s dismay, her brown eyes were filled with tears. “I am so terribly sorry.” Her gloved hands were gripped tightly together.

“Lady Bernice.” Lena curtsied before slowly moving forward.

The woman didn’t wait but hurried forward with both hands outstretched. “Truly. I am so sorry.” She took Lena’s hands in hers, her expression sincere. “I should’ve told you straight away. There’s no excuse to explain my behavior. Especially not when we discussed Oak Island.”

Lena was surprised she didn’t say that it had been her brother’s idea to keep their plan a secret. That would’ve been an easy excuse.

“I knew the search would soon begin, and I didn’t tell you. Can you possibly forgive me?”

Lena’s heart softened at the quiet, heartfelt plea. She knew it wasn’t completely Lady Bernice’s fault. If Renwick told her not to say anything, she would’ve been compelled to follow his wishes. Still, Lena felt as if she’d been tricked, and she didn’t care for it. “It’s an unfortunate situation.”

Lady Bernice released Lena’s hand to press her gloved fingers to her mouth as if to hold back tears. “When Sterling first mentioned the land was for sale, I was excited. I had been studying the letters and was enamored with the idea of searching for treasure. I was also thrilled that Sterling and I could do something together.”

Lena gestured toward the settee, her thoughts whirling. Lady Bernice had to have come across something more to convince Renwick to undertake such a massive project. “Are there more letters than what you shared with me?”

Lady Bernice’s eyes widened as she sank onto the cushions, and a hint of color tinted her cheeks. “What makes you ask?”

“Because the few mentions of Oak Island in those you allowed me to read aren’t enough to suggest digging would be worthwhile.” Lena leveled her a look. “It seems to me that you only sought my company to see what I can tell you about Oak Island.”

“No. Nothing of the sort.” She shook her head. “I’m not very adept at…making friends. The few times I’ve trusted others with personal information, I’ve been deceived, as has Sterling. We thought it best not to show you all the letters until I knew you better.”

“I see.” Lena still felt the lady could’ve found a better way to engage her. One that didn’t require subterfuge. Apparently, Lady Bernice was more like her brother than Lena realized and was slow to trust.

“So few are honest in Society.” The lady released a troubled sigh. “Those who act friendly are more interested in my brother than me. They visit with me and smile politely, but their eyes are anything but friendly even as they offer compliments. The moment they have a chance, they ask me about Sterling. It’s difficult to know who to trust.”

Lena sympathized with the young woman. She and her sisters had found the same to be true since their arrival in London. Lena knew only a handful of ladies other than her sisters whom she called friends. Lady Bernice must feel very much alone without sisters to rely on.

“I do hope that with time, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.” Lady Bernice held Lena’s gaze, worry lingering in the depths of her eyes.

Deciding it best to change the subject until she had some time to work through her upset, Lena searched for another topic.

“Do you intend to visit Oak Island while the dig is underway?” she asked.

“That would be doubtful as I don’t think Sterling intends to do so.”

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