The Daring Miss Darcy (Lost Ladies of London #4)(66)

“I’m sorry I left without telling you.”

Vane sighed as he wiped her tears away. He understood her motive now. “I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for you, but I wish you had trusted me. We could have eloped. Together, we might have found a way to help your father.”

“Mr Erstwhile would say that hindsight is the Devil tormenting our minds. That no one can foretell what might have been.” She gave a weak smile. “But I do have one question.”

“What is that?”

“If your father went to great lengths to ensure you married his mistress’ daughter, why did you not wed?”

He fell silent for a moment while he gathered his thoughts. Those months after he believed she’d drowned in the shipwreck were the most painful of his entire life.

“Everything makes more sense now,” he said with an air of melancholy. “I became withdrawn after you left, then angry, then rebellious. My father tried to console me, control me, but I refused to listen. He made many attempts to persuade me to marry, threatened me, even came up with a list of prospective brides, the current Lady Cornell being his favourite.”

“Lady Cornell?” Estelle snorted. “That confirms his logic was flawed.”

As the words left her lips, recognition dawned. The veil of secrecy slipped away and he saw the truth for the first time.

“Good God. Lady Trent was my father’s mistress.” Vane sat up and dragged his hand down his face. “Lady Cornell’s mother was known for her conquests. Everyone spoke of a secret lover though no one knew his name. That’s why my father insisted her daughter would be a perfect match.”

Vane had been given an ultimatum — marry her or suffer eternal damnation. His father’s weak heart meant he was denied an opportunity to carry out the threat.

Estelle sat up. Vane’s gaze fell to the soft curve of her breast, and he draped his arm around her, drew her close and settled back against the pillows.

“Perhaps that’s why Lady Cornell is so obsessed with you,” she said as her fingers twirled the hair on his chest, traced the numerous scars he’d received from brawls in dark alleys.

“It certainly explains why she thinks we might be well suited.” Vane chose that moment to explain again how the lady happened to be in such a state of dishabille as she left his house. “My friend, Lord Farleigh, believes the woman is dangerous.”

“Well, she is not afraid to take risks.” Estelle paused. “You told me she wanted you to kill her husband. Do you think that’s her motive or is it that she still hopes to marry you?”

Vane shrugged. “I would say it’s both. After tonight, she knows I would like nothing more than an excuse to ruin Lord Cornell, whether by legitimate means or not.”

“What grievance do you have with him?”

“Cornell orchestrated Lillian’s ruination.” Vane went on to tell Estelle about the events two years ago, about how Lord Martin offered marriage, took what he wanted and then boarded the next ship to France. “Fabian threatened Cornell when he discovered the truth about his involvement.”

Estelle fell silent.

“I have hurt Fabian, too, haven’t I?”

Vane refused to lie to her. “Yes, but he believes you left because of something I did. He’s blamed me for years. We fought about it only a few weeks ago.” Fists had flown. Threats were exchanged.

“Then I shall have to correct his misconception.”

“We could travel to the island. Your brother deserves to know you’re alive and well.” And time away from London would give them an opportunity to make plans for the future. “Though I should warn you, his men are somewhat brash and unconventional.”

“You forget I’ve spent four years with a gang of smugglers.” She chuckled, but the sound lacked any genuine amusement.

It was his turn to fall silent. Vane pushed all thoughts of her time in Wissant from his mind, lest it torment him.

“What will you do about Lady Cornell?” Estelle asked. “You cannot permit her to continue in this outrageous manner.”

In truth, he didn’t know. When he married Estelle — and he would marry her — perhaps it would bring an end to her obsession.

Vane was about to answer when a knock on the door commanded his attention.

What the hell did Marley want at this hour? Perhaps the butler had discovered the broken glass on the floor and feared an intruder.

“I should attend to that,” he said.

In spite of his nakedness, Vane strode to the door, opened it ajar and peered at his butler. “What is it, Marley?”

“Forgive the disturbance, my lord, but Wickett insisted I give you this at once.” He handed Vane a letter. The burgundy wax seal meant it wasn’t from Mr Joseph.

Vane took the letter. “Wait here a moment.” He closed the door, broke the seal and strode over to the lit candelabra to read the missive. He read it twice. Not because it was illegible, but because he couldn’t quite believe what he was reading.

“Is there something wrong?” A frown marred Estelle’s brow.

“Here, you may read it for yourself.”

She took the letter and muttered as she absorbed the words. “Lord Cornell wants to meet with you at this hour? Do you think he discovered his wife came here this evening?”