Page 82 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“I will do that but please I ask that you put aside any feeling of anger or dissent that will arise as I tell you this. I kept this a secret because I believed our relationship was already going to die a natural death. There was no need to over complicate issues,” William said.

Esther said nothing, she only nodded.

“I did tell one untruth and I am sorry that this had to happen for me to tell you the truth. You once asked me if there was something between Joane, the daughter of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, and me. I told you there was nothing. That is a lie. There is a lot between us. And right now, I think I might feel something really serious for her,” William said.

Esther didn’t flinch. She leaned back into the seat and sucked in air, slowly but loud enough that William heard it.

“So is there something wrong between you two?” she asked.

“Exactly!”

“So how do I have a hand in this?” she asked.

“Joane has a good friend, Emma. Do you remember the damsel who brought a gift for your father the last time I was here?” William asked her.

“I cannot really remember Will,” she replied, raising her gaze upwards.

“Your father’s close friend who just came back from his travels, you can’t remember him? He sent his daughter to bring some gifts for your father,” William said.

Esther dropped her gaze and raised one finger.

“Yes, I remember now. She left shortly after you left that day.”

William moved his head in affirmation of what she was saying.

“That damsel is Joane’s best friend. And she got to know, of course through your father’s eagerness to spread the word that you and I are in a courtship. She told Joane right in front of me, throwing the accusations in my face and asking me to deny,” William said.

His voice had dropped in volume; he still felt the force of the pain he had felt that day. It was like an extension of the anguish Joane had felt when she ran inside crying.

“You didn’t?” Esther asked him.

“There is no denying the truth Esther. She saw us, me and you. Joane would not listen to a word I say now, Esther. I have lost face. There is only one way to have my girl back.”

“If I speak on your behalf,” Esther completed for him.

William nodded solemnly.

She understands.

“I have not told you I am doing this Will, neither have I told you I forgive you for lying to my face. But I understand your dilemma, you are a man in love,” Esther said.

Love, is this how love felt?

“What exactly do you need me to tell her?” Esther asked him.

William drew close to Esther and took both her hands in his. He looked into her eyes and spoke slowly.

“I need you to tell her exactly what we have here. You need to tell her we have planned this to end quickly, tell her why we are doing this. I need you to let her know you have Andrew, a love no man can replace. Make her understand she is the piece that finishes my puzzle,” William said.

Esther laughed.

“William Marlow, who knew you were capable of poetry as great as this,” she said, slapping his palms.

William grinned.

“I don’t need you to lie. Let her know what we have is just a shroud. Once she is sure of that, I’ll find a way to get back to her heart,” William said.

Esther smiled and shook her head. She spoke but it wasn’t audible enough.