Page 103 of Marry in Scandal

“Are you doubting my word again?”

“No, of course not. Then what is this secret business you’re always going away on?”

“Exactly what I said—business. I suppose I should have explained earlier, since it affects you.” He sat on the bed again. “You know I am my grandfather’s heir.”

She nodded.

“You have probably assumed that my income comes from the family estate, but it doesn’t. I decided years ago that I would earn a living for myself, separately—nothing to do with the estate. I own—personally own—several manufactories. I have interests in two mines, a canal companyand I have recently become part owner of a ship. All that takes time. I won’t take a penny from my grandfather.”

“But why? I thought you loved your grandfather.”

“I do, but I cannot justify taking money from an estate that I never visit. And when my grandfather dies, I won’t be running it—I intend to put in a manager.”

“But why? I don’t understand. If you care for your grandfather, why wouldn’t you—?”

“Just leave it, will you?” he said brusquely, and stood up. “Just accept that’s how it is.”

“Very well.” It was very strange, though, and she wanted to know more. But it would keep. She’d pushed him far enough today.

She watched him dressing, and thought again about Sylvia and the whole incident. She thought about the choice of tea shop, and where they’d each been seated. And the coincidence of Edward and that woman meeting like that. It couldn’t possibly have been accidental.

She sat up abruptly. “Edward! She planned the whole thing.”

He picked up his coat “Who did? What?”

“Sylvia—Nixon’s cousin. She’s been oh-so-innocent and misunderstood about the whole thing, but she’s shown her hand too clearly now with this mistress nonsense.” She gave him an excited look. “Sylvia cajoled me into meeting her for tea. She chose the place and the time. As for that woman, I’m certain she arranged for her to come and accost you in front of that hotel.” She broke off, frowning. “Oh, but how did she know you’d be there?”

“That fellow I went to meet never showed. I’d received a note that if I wanted to know Nixon’s whereabouts I should come to the Excelsior at two fifteen precisely and bring twenty pounds.”

“Nixon?”

He gave her a rueful smile. “Another thing I’ve kept secret from you. I’ve been trying to track down Nixon. By all accounts the villain is still in England. I have several men on the job, but most of the investigating I’m doing myself.”

“But why on earth keep that a secret from me?”

He gave her a curious look and said slowly, “I thought it might upset you, having it all stirred up again. I thought you’d probably want to forget all about it, block it from your mind.”

“Not at all. I would love Nixon to be caught and punished.” She beamed up at him. “I think it’s wonderful that you’re trying to hunt him down. I think it’s utterly heroic.”

He stiffened and glanced away. “Don’t call me that.” He stood up. “I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.”

Puzzled and a little disturbed, she watched him leave. What had just happened?

• • •

Lily told Rose and George what Sylvia had done, the mischief she’d tried to make between Lily and her husband.

“More than mischief,” George commented. “It’s a vicious little plot. What did you ever do to her to make her hate you like that, Lily?”

“Nothing,” Lily and Rose said in chorus.

“Lily has been a perfect saint toward her,” Rose declared. “I’d understand if she was trying to get back at me—I never liked her and never tried to hide it. Nobody liked Sylvia at school, but Lily was always nice to her. And Sylvia took advantage.”

“No need to go into all that,” Lily said quickly. “That’s all in the past. The main thing is that I never want to speak to her again, and I wanted you both to know. And to help me if she tries anything again.”

“The woman sounds cracked in the head,” George said. “Now, what are we going to do this morning?”

“I’m going to see how the refurbishments are coming along,” Lily said. “Anyone want to come with me?”