Page 22 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Twenty-One

D ane waited in the study of the Earl of Webster-Harnly. He slowly strolled around the room, examining its contents. One could quickly form an opinion about a man based on how he maintained his inner sanctum. If the desk looked cluttered, then the chances were good that the man wasn’t meticulous with his books or had someone else manage them for him.

Of course, that wasn’t always the case, but Dane had seen enough in his life to feel confident in the prediction. He’d had too many men in the Jolly Rooster who had gambled over their heads because they didn’t realize that they didn’t have the money. They were incapable of keeping their finances organized.

He predicted that the earl knew to the exact shilling how much was in his personal and estate coffers. Everything in the study was organized. Even the earl’s quills were lined up in a neat line like soldiers in formation.

Dane smirked slightly. If Dancer ever saw such a sight, the cat would knock them over with one swipe of his paw and not even feel an ounce of remorse.

“Your Grace, I apologize for keeping you waiting.” Raphael Sullivan, the Earl of Webster-Harnly, entered the room with a slight smile.

Dane could also tell that the man was a no-nonsense sort by the cut of his clothing. His black broadcloth coat fit him like a glove, as did his buckskin breeches. His boots shined as if freshly polished, and his cravat was a simple mathematical knot. There was nothing fancy about his attire except his gray waistcoat. Made from silk, it featured silver buttons that captured the natural light of the day.

“No need to apologize. I enjoyed looking at your study.” Dane extended his hand when the earl reached his side.

Webster-Harnly took Dane’s hand in a shake, then motioned for him to sit in one of the two chairs that framed his desk. “I must admit that I was a bit curious when I received your card. It’s not every day that the duke who is the original Mayfair millionaire calls on me.”

“I’m not here as a millionaire. I’m here as a man determined to solve a mystery that frankly has me quite baffled.” Dane swept his coattails aside, then sat down and faced the earl.

A footman brought a tea tray and sat it on the desk before the earl. After pouring two cups, the man bowed and then took his leave.

Dane took a sip, then nodded his approval. “It’s just the way I like it. Strong and hot.”

The earl leaned back in his chair and grinned. “I’m glad you approve. Now, tell me about this mystery.”

“It’s about your predecessor. Did you ever hear a rumor that the previous earl was a gambler?” Dane took another sip of tea and eyed the earl over the cup.

Webster-Harnly placed his cup on the desk and shook his head. “No. It would be quite out of character for him, I believe. When I inherited the title, everything was in immaculate order.” The earl cocked his head. “I’m curious. Why are you interested?”

Careful not to divulge Grace’s secrets, he continued, “I had a visit from Stewart Arnold the other day.”

Instantly, the earl slapped his desk. “Let me guess. He’s demanding money that he believes the old earl lost at your establishment since you own the Jolly Rooster.” He shook his head. “The man was here demanding money as well. After all these years, he complained that his wife’s inheritance wasn’t what they expected from the earl’s personal estate.” Webster-Harnly sneered slightly. “His wife received everything she was entitled to. I witnessed the disbursement myself when I inherited the title. The man is a greedy opportunist.”

Dane sat on the edge of his seat. “That’s interesting that his wife received her inheritance, and he was questioning you about it. He came to see me under the brotherly guise that discussing marriage settlements with me was his duty. You see, Grace and I are to be married. He told me that Grace had no dowry. I’m not interested in her dowry or inheritance, but I am interested in what happened to it.”

“Congratulations.”

Dane nodded his thanks.

The earl smirked. “I never liked the man.”

“Why?” Dane asked.

“When I was a young lad, he was overly concerned about money.” Webster-Harnly snorted slightly. “It wasn’t that he didn’t have any. He’s gentry with a large profitable estate. But Stewart Arnold makes assumptions about a person’s worth based upon their wealth.”

“You mean financial worth?” Dane asked. “I could see that.”

The earl shook his head. “I mean a person’s worthiness. He always would snub the young men on scholarship who attended university.” The earl rested his elbows on the desk and entwined his fingers together. “I don’t know about Lady Grace’s inheritance. My secretary handled that part of the earl’s estate. He served the old earl, and I kept him on. He is quite a brilliant fellow who only offers his opinion when asked. The rest of my staff call him the ‘Vault.’”

“A valuable employee, then.” Dane relaxed slightly. With his experience of running the Jolly Rooster, he had developed an uncanny knack for determining a gentleman’s worth. The earl seemed to have the same opinion of Arnold as Dane. Plus, he’d never heard of the earl being one to share in gossip. If he wanted to help Grace, then he would have to share more. “May I have your word as a gentleman not to share anything I say here today.”

“Of course.” The earl tilted his head. “You’ve piqued my curiosity.”

“It’s about Lady Grace.”

The earl’s mouth tilted in an affectionate smile. “I haven’t seen her since we were children at a family Yuletide party, but I’ve always thought highly of her. She was particularly kind to me at those gatherings. I was an awkward youth, and she always ensured I was included in the various games. How is she?”

This was the same man who Arnold said would not have welcomed Grace into his home after her father died. Dane studied the earl for any hint of insincerity, but there was none. Either he was telling the truth, or he was a marvelous actor.

“She is well, and I agree that she’s extremely kind. I’ve known her since we were children as well.”

The earl nodded once. “I can see by the smile on your face that there is true affection. I’m happy for you and her. I was going to call on Lady Grace and see…” He cleared his throat, then pulled his cravat away from his neck. “Bloody thing is too tight.” He cleared his throat again as his cheeks reddened. “I was going to ask Grace if she could introduce me to a few young ladies who might be interested in matrimony. I know I’m quiet, but I’d make an excellent husband.”

“I have every confidence that she can help you. I’ll let her know that you might call on her.” Dane exhaled. “I’m quite perplexed. You see, I know for a fact that her father adored her and had provided her with a dowry and an inheritance.”

“Just a moment,” the earl said, then picked up a handbell and rang it.

In moments, an elderly but distinguished gentleman entered the room. “You rang, my lord?”

The earl nodded and motioned toward Dane. “This is the Duke of Pelham. He has some questions about Stewart Arnold and my predecessor’s estate.” Webster-Harnly swung his gaze to Dane. “This is Simon Fields. He was the old earl’s secretary, and now, he’s mine.”

Dane stood and shook the secretary’s hand. He had a surprisingly powerful grip for a man in his sixth decade. “How do you do? I understand from the earl that Lady Hope Arnold inherited money from her late father, but Lady Grace Webster did not. Did you know the reason why?”

By then, the secretary was shaking his head. “Respectively, that is not correct. Lady Grace received an inheritance as well. Her father was adamant on his deathbed that his eldest daughter receive her money as soon as possible. He also wanted Sommer House to be given to Lady Grace. There was also a small inheritance from an aunt.” The man’s cheeks colored slightly. “The previous earl passed before he could discuss the matter with Lady Grace. Mr. Stewart Arnold arrived immediately after Earl’s death and took both daughters’ inheritance directives. He said he would ensure that Lady Grace received her monies and Sommer House.”

Dane’s eyes widened at the news. “Are you certain there were monies for Lady Grace?”

“Indeed, sir.” The secretary didn’t blink. “The old earl was meticulous with his accounts and estate matters.”

“Did you ever hear of the earl having gambling debts?”

“Absolutely not.”

Dane almost cringed at the secretary’s umbrage.

The secretary stuck his nose in the air. “The previous earl did not tolerate such behavior and hadn’t since…” The old man’s voice grew quiet. “I’ve said too much.”

“Continue,” Webster-Harnly urged. “No one will judge you here.”

The man nodded once and looked out the window toward the sculpture garden that was outside the earl’s study.

“I promised the old earl I wouldn’t say anything.”

Dane nodded and rose to stand beside the man. “You are loyal to him, but you see, I’m loyal to Lady Grace. She never received those funds or that property. She was led to believe that her father was an irresponsible gambler who was practically destitute.”

Horror flashed across the secretary’s face, and his gaze flew to the current earl.

Webster-Harnly nodded. “The duke is marrying Lady Grace. You can tell him what you know.”

After hesitating for a moment, the secretary swept his gaze to Dane. “It wasn’t the earl who was the incessant gambler.”

Grace plopped on the sofa in her study after a dreadful morning of making social calls. All of her acquaintances weren’t receiving callers. When she left Lady Franklin’s house, she saw someone who looked remarkably like the lady peeking from an upstairs window.

She couldn’t escape the uneasy feeling that everyone had been avoiding her. She rested her elbows against her knees and held her head. Was she being shunned because she was in love with Dane? She didn’t want to draw conclusions, but it would make sense if Marbury had spread tales about the Pelham Hall visit. Goosebumps rose on her arms. Everything she’d worked for over the years was in danger of being destroyed. She should have left for London at her first opportunity.

Grace pulled out her stationary and quill to work on her correspondence. She would know the truth when she called on her clients. If they refused to receive her, then her reputation was in tatters.

Theo entered the room with a grin, placing a tray of hot cherry tarts and a fresh pot of tea on her desk.

“Seems you’re enjoying the duke’s company,” Theo said with a small grin.

If he only knew the extent of how much she was enjoying Dane, poor Theo would be aghast at her behavior. “It’s been lovely.”

“I, too, enjoy the duke’s company,” Theo beamed. “I also appreciate the staff he sent, especially Mrs. Fournier.” He rocked back on his heels. “Neither of us minds having the other in the kitchen.”

Grace sipped the hot tea and sighed. If only her life were as perfect as her tea.

“I’m on my way to the kitchen.” With a spring in his step, Theo nodded and made his way to Mrs. Fournier.

It was wonderful that her loyal servant was delighted with the changes Dane had instituted within her household. Slowly, the smile on her face disappeared. She still had to confess to Dane what she’d agreed to do for Marbury, namely steer Dane toward Lady Athena. She had little doubt that he would be furious with her. She was furious and disappointed in herself.

Shame, the kind she had never felt before, welled inside her. It was just like gambling. She had gambled on Dane’s future along with hers. No matter how much they had argued and been at odds with one another in the past, she loved him.

She had always loved him, and no matter what, she had to confess and face whatever wrath he directed at her. She deserved it—all of it. She only hoped he could forgive her.

Grace rested her head in her hands as all she had jeopardized came into focus. Tears gathered in her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. If she lost him, she doubted if she’d ever recover from it this time. She sniffed back the tears, vowing she would not wallow in her sadness until she spoke to Dane. However, there was no denying that her life was tumbling into a fall that could crush her. If her reputation was sullied, she’d be devastated. If she lost Dane, she’d be destroyed.

“Ma’am?”

She quickly wiped her eyes and regarded her footman. “Come in.”

John stepped into the room. The mail has arrived, and Lady Athena is in the entry. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “She seems out of sorts, my lady. She’s obviously been crying.”

“Bring her in, please.” She stood and waited. Within seconds, John escorted an obviously distraught Athena into Grace’s study.

With the dark circles under her bloodshot eyes, Athena appeared miserable. “Lady Grace.” Her voice broke, and she brought a handkerchief to her mouth and slammed her eyes shut.

“Come in, darling,” Grace said as she took the young woman’s hands and squeezed them. She led her to one of the sofas and sat down, pulling Athena to join her. “Whatever it is, I will help you.” If she were a betting woman, she’d wager this had something to do with Marbury.

Athena buried her head in her handkerchief and sobbed quietly. Grace could do nothing except rub the young woman’s back in comfort as the young woman’s shoulders shook with grief.

“What’s happened,” Grace asked softly as she held Athena’s hand.

She squeezed Grace’s fingers and then tilted her head to the ceiling. After a moment, she composed herself and twisted her body so that she faced Grace. “I’m leaving London.”

“Why? Don’t you want to finish the Season?” Grace kept her voice even and calm.

“I’m leaving for a cottage that my parents left me when they died. It’s on the coast of Cornwall. They traveled there yearly to celebrate the day that they married.” She smiled slightly as another tear cascaded down her face. “I always thought I’d take my husband there, but now…” She closed her eyes tightly. “I apologize for being so emotional. I just didn’t know where to turn.”

“Did you quarrel with Marbury?” Grace stood and brought Athena a cup of tea.

“No.” Athena shook her head. “Yes.” She tilted her gaze to Grace. “Honestly, I don’t know.” She twisted her fingers together.

Grace had never seen the young woman so unsure of herself. “Whatever has happened, we’ll find a solution. Allow me to call on him. I had planned to visit him anyway. He left Pelham Hall in a fury, and he needs to know that His Grace was severely ill?—”

“I don’t think you should call on him on my behalf. I’m not certain it will help matters.”

Grace patted Athena’s hand. “What do you mean?”

Athena swallowed, but the movement was obviously difficult for her. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m carrying.”

“What?” Grace’s voice cracked slightly. “Are you sure?”

Athena nodded. “I saw a midwife yesterday.”

“What about Marbury?” Grace asked.

Athena lifted her head proudly, “He doesn’t love me and acts as if he doesn’t want to have a thing to do with me. So, I’ve decided to leave.”

The room turned eerily quiet. Grace didn’t move as Athena crushed her hand, as if Grace was the only thing keeping her from flying out the window.

Pregnancy was a common enough occurrence when a couple clearly loved one another and had every expectation of marrying. Grace had seen it throughout her years as the Governess. But the despair on Athena’s face and her confession meant that the young woman realized her future.

If news of the pregnancy without the benefit of marriage came to light, Athena would be ruined, and nothing would repair the damage. Even if another man came forward and offered to marry her, it might not quell the rumors or her loss of standing within society. Gossip would spread like wildfire, and speculation would be rampant over who the child’s father really was. Marbury and Dane would be the likely suspects.

There was only one solution. If Marbury wouldn’t marry her, then Grace had to find a man who would marry Athena and claim that the child was his.

Grace blew out a silent breath.

“What shall I do?” Athena whispered.

“If a suitor could be found, would you marry him?”

“No,” Athena said curtly.

Grace’s gaze locked on a movement outside her door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw Dane standing there with a pained look. He must have heard everything she and Athena had discussed. That was the thing about the man she loved; he hated to see any woman suffer, and she could tell by the stricken look on his face that he was as shocked at the news as she was.

She shook her head slightly at him as Athena buried her head in her hands again and sobbed.

Grace brushed the hair that had fallen against Athena’s face behind her ear. “Is the child Marbury’s?”

“Yes.” Athena nodded.

Dane’s face turned the color crimson. He was riled and beyond angry at what he was hearing.

“Did you tell him?”

“I tried, but I couldn’t find the words.” Athena sobbed quietly as Grace attempted to comfort her. “I told him I was in trouble, but he doesn’t understand the truth. He became angry and asked what kind of trouble, then told me he didn’t want to know. He said it didn’t make any difference. He’d find someone to marry me.”

“Don’t you think he needs to know,” Grace murmured.

She shook her head. “I am humiliated, Grace. I can’t tell him. He will hate me even more than he does now. When we returned to London from Pelham Hall, he didn’t say a single word to me.” Athena wiped her nose and turned to Grace. “I can’t raise my child in a home where the father hates me.”

“Oh, darling, I’m certain that he doesn’t hate you. I think he loves you.” Grace took her hands and squeezed. “I’ll not make excuses for his behavior, but perhaps he’s as lost as you are.”

Athena shook her head. “I don’t think so, Grace. I told him that I was leaving for Cornwall, and he didn’t try to stop me. He said he’d be in contact with me by letter.”

“You’re going to raise the child yourself?” Grace’s heart broke for the young woman before her. She was ensuring that she would never be welcome back into London society with such a decision.

“After the baby is born, I thought I would settle on the continent somewhere. I’ll say I’m a widow raising my late husband’s child. I have enough money from my parents to live comfortably on my own.” She sniffed and smiled at Grace. “I guess I didn’t need your help after all.” She lowered her voice. “If you’re willing, I would cherish your friendship.” She sniffed as a woeful chuckle escaped. “I seemed to have lost everyone who I thought loved me.”

“Oh, darling,” Grace crooned as she rocked her. “I’ve felt the same way before. But listen to me. Marbury loves you.” She wiped away a tear on Athena’s face.

“I beg to differ.” Another barrage of tears fell.

“Did I ever tell you that I was engaged once and let the man I loved more than life walk out of my life? It was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Athena blinked, then blew her nose. “What happened?”

“Let’s say our pride and hurt got in the way of hearing each other.” Grace pushed several loose strands of hair off the girl’s face. “Don’t make the same mistake I did.”

“I’ll consider what you said. Perhaps I’ll write him. But not now.” She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I just…just cannot,” Athena said as she stood. “I must be on my way. I want to make it to the Red Swan Inn before it grows dark.”

“Would you like to stay here with me?” Grace asked. She glanced in Dane’s direction, but he was gone. She had little doubt that if Athena stayed with her, Dane would involve his sisters in making the young woman comfortable. Knowing Honoria and Pippa, they would offer Athena refuge at their country homes. Honor owned a small cottage in Amesbury where she’d undoubtedly allow Athena to stay.

“Thank you, but no.” Athena smoothed her gown and then kissed Grace on both cheeks. “I need to be somewhere that no one will recognize me.”

Grace could only nod at her logic.

Athena took a piece of parchment from her reticule and handed it to Grace. “This is my address. I hope you’ll write. I’ll send word once I’m settled in Cornwall. There is a couple who are the caretakers of the cottage. I know that they’ll help me if Jasper will not.” She smiled shyly.

“Think about what I’ve said.”

After they exchanged their heartfelt goodbyes, Athena left. Dane came into the room and took Grace into his arms. “That was very kind of you. Are you all right?”

“Barely.” She buried her head against his chest and inhaled his scent. It comforted her when she was a little girl and did the same for her now. “I hate that she’s going through this alone.”

“What can I do?” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “If you say marry her, I’ll throw you over my knee.”

“Be serious. I would never subject her to such torture.” When she pushed him away, he grabbed her arms and held her close.

“What do you mean by torture?” He arched a perfect ducal eyebrow.

“Marrying you,” she quipped. “You would eat her for lunch.”

“The only one I would like to eat is you.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“If you did that, I could easily find myself in the same position.” She stilled as her words hung between them.

Dane pulled away, took her hand, and brought it to his lips as he stared into her eyes. “Nothing would please me more than if you were carrying our child.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Except you marrying me and each of us pledging our troth to one another for always.”

“Thank you,” she murmured.

He pressed a kiss to Grace’s temple, then stood. “I have business to attend to.” He pointed his finger at her playfully. “When I return, you and I should have a private conversation.”

Grace nodded and said a silent prayer. That would be her chance to confess all. “I have something to share with you also.”

As Dane swept from the room, Grace collapsed against the sofa. Dane was perfectly attuned to her and would do anything to help her and her friends. What would she do if she lost him?

It was ironic that Athena wanted to live in Cornwall. It had once been Grace’s dream, but then the irresistible Duke of Pelham swept into her life again.

Making it was doubtful she’d ever be the same again.