The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(57)
She tried to explain—tried to make him understand that desperate times required desperate measures. “Otherwise, my siblings wouldn’t have had anything to eat.”
“I apologize that I intruded on your private business.” His brow lined as he struggled to find the right words. “You understand I must protect my brother.”
“How is asking these questions and discovering my shame protecting your brother?” Remarkably, she kept her voice from shrieking. Inside, she railed at the way the world had treated her family. Like a building storm, her anger at the injustice of it all grew too big to contain, and she unleashed it. “My father gave tirelessly for this country and for what? All the men he trusted to protect his progeny failed him, and in return, us. The viscountcy is flush with money for the care and upkeep of the estate, but we haven’t seen a shilling. My brother is a peer of the realm for goodness’ sake. He and his sisters shouldn’t have to face poverty. The money I took rightfully belongs to me, but nobody gave a damn about us.”
Her eyes widened in horror, and she brought her hand to cover her quivering lips. She’d said the words aloud. She’d let those vile utterings spill and splatter around her like an overturned cup of tea.
She glanced away in a vain effort to gain some control over the riot of emotions that continued to pound through her. This was her mess, and she’d clean it as she always did—with as much acumen and grace as she possessed. He would most likely condemn her as a common, shrill woman without any class or manners. Perhaps she deserved nothing less for the outburst.
She clenched the fabric of her dress so tightly her hands hurt from the strain. She forced herself to release her grip, then cleared her throat. “I apologize, but I must ask, why are you interested?”
She forced her gaze to his and waited for whatever censure he would serve.
His face softened. “You honestly don’t know why I’m asking these questions?”
She didn’t answer as she continued to stare at him.
“It’s obvious to me, and I’m sure deep down you see it too. My brother has taken quite an interest in your well-being. Not because you’ve proven to be quite the proficient embezzler. He’s taken an interest in your family and specifically in you. For heaven’s sake, my father has even taken your brother to the House of Lords to hear arguments. Somehow you and your family have bewitched mine.” He rubbed his hand down his face as if this exchange was painful for him.
If he wanted to know pain, he should sit in her chair for just an hour. “A proficient embezzler? That’s how you see me? Does the reason why I embezzled my money mean nothing?”
“But it’s not your money until you turn twenty-five, is it? It’s the trust’s money and McCalpin holds the key.”
It was a wasted effort to argue about her age. With her back straight, she refused to be cowered by him. “What would you do if your family literally had to eat what the cat drug in?”
She waited for a response, but he simply watched her—silent but alert. He reminded her of a fox licking its chops as a rabbit cowered in front of him. His silent denial infuriated her even more.
“I’m glad you’ll never have to walk in our shoes, William. But I’ll share something with you.” She leaned close and dropped her voice to a whisper. “If I had to do it all over again, I would, and never think twice.” She laughed to conceal her agony. “Frankly, I could care less how you regard me. I’d do anything to protect my sisters and my brother and Victor Hart. They’re my family.”
“Even steal a man’s identity, his name, his good standing?”
“Please,” she retorted. “No harm has befallen your brother. What would you do if an immoral man was determined to possess your sister? What if you found Emma receiving the unwanted attentions of a man who valued her for nothing more than her virtue and her fortune? Tell me.” Her words echoed through the room when her voice rose in outrage.
She wouldn’t stop there until she’d put him on the offensive. “Since we’re being so honest, perhaps you’ll answer a question for me? Why didn’t you join the army or the church like other highborn sons of powerful peers? Why don’t you work?”
He laughed, but there was no bitterness in his tone. “A direct wound, my dear. Well done.” He matched her movement and leaned close to her. “I work on the estates.”
“The duchy?”
He nodded. “And McCalpin Manor.”
“Doing what may I ask?”
“Various things.” He took a sip of coffee. “But it’s really none of your business, is it?”
Once again, his gaze cut through hers as if challenging her to come at him again. She shook her head. Fighting with him served no purpose.
She schooled her features until she hoped she concealed her ire. “The monies I withdrew were mine. I should have had access to them months ago. However, you don’t care about that, and I can’t say that I blame you. If I were in your position, I’d feel the same way. But you must trust me when I say I’d never hurt your brother.”
“We shall see, March.” Before he could say another word, Emma and Daphne entered the room. He stood and waited while the two women took their seats beside March.
Emma’s gaze shot between the two of them. “Did we interrupt something?”