A Little Bit Sinful(67)

Clarissa came in and sat opposite his desk. “Justin, I did not mean to be insensitive about your mother. I merely wanted to help.”

He wanted to ask her again why, why she was so intent on helping him. She’d given him a reason last night, but he knew there was more to it. But he didn’t want to hear her say the words or to lie and say something else. He knew that if she could prove his mother was of noble birth that it would somehow make it right in her eyes that she’d had to marry him. It would make him more palatable to her. “I looked into your claims,” he said.

Her brows rose in surprise. “Already? And what did you discover?”

“Everything you said was correct. At least about the group of nobles staying in London.” He tilted his head. “Now whether or not my mother was one of the women that was here, that I do not know.”

“But you intend to find out?”

He nodded. “I do.” It would seem he’d made his decision. He would pursue this until the end.

“How?”

She wanted to help him, he could see it in her eyes, the way she chewed at her bottom lip. If finding out the truth about his mother would somehow reconcile for her the fact that she’d married a bastard, he would help her. He only hoped that what they found out didn’t make matters worse. Justin stood, braced his palms on his desk. “A visit to Manchester House.”

“I wish to accompany you on that visit,” she said.

“I suspected you might.”

She frowned. “And?”

“There’s no reason for you to go.”

“I want to help. I found this particular clue, it would seem I’ve earned a place at your side for this.”

Earned a place at his side. The words warmed his insides like a much needed meal after a long day’s journey. He exhaled slowly. “You may come along, on one condition.”

“Anything,” she said. She came to her feet, met his gaze.

“When we discover that my mother was nothing more than a French commoner promise me you won’t be disappointed.”

“Why would I be disappointed?”

“I require a promise.”

“Very well, I promise. When will be leaving?” she asked.

“After luncheon.”

She turned to leave, then paused. “Oh, Ella is joining us for luncheon today. Could she accompany us to Manchester House?”

“Why?”

“She has helped me find the information thus far. It was her mother that gave me the first clue. It seems only fitting that she…never mind, it is not of importance.”

“Yes, she can go.” If the girl would offer a buffer should they discover less than pleasant news about his mother, then he would welcome her company.

…

Ella smiled at the two of them in the carriage. The good thing about having someone else in the carriage with them though is that they did not have to discuss last night and the fact that he’d left her bed. When they’d married, he’d fully intended for them to spend every night in the same bed. But last night he’d had to leave, hadn’t been able to face her in light of the things she’d said about his mother.

“This shall be an adventure,” Ella said cheerfully.

“I want it to be productive,” Justin said.

She gave him a serious nod. “Indeed, Sir.”

Clarissa smiled. “Were it not for Ella’s mother, I’m not certain we would have stumbled upon this clue,” she said again, this time for Ella’s benefit.

“My mother knows nearly everyone in town,” Ella said. “I’ve asked her to remember if she saw any of the visiting women with your father.” She shrugged. “But that was the Season my father started courting her and she said she was addle-brained for months.”

She was endearing this one, Justin could see why Clarissa was her friend. She was genuine and happy, a good sort to be around when you tended to take matters in life too seriously. “I thank you for your assistance,” Justin said. “I have been searching for my mother’s identity for many years.”

“I’d wager you never thought your two accomplices would be the likes of us,” Ella said with a giggle.

Clarissa clicked her tongue. “It is not proper for a lady to make wagers, Ella.” Then she grinned. “Well, except for that one lady.” She met Justin’s gaze.

“Who?” Ella asked.