“Yes, the truth always does.” Her gaze dropped to the smouldering logs in the grate. After a few minutes, Dalton didn’t think she was going to speak to him again.
“Why are you giving Templestone huge sums of money?”
She gasped, unable to disguise her shock. “How do you know about that?”
“How is not important. I know the amounts and dates.”
She said nothing. The only sign that she had heard him was the clenching of her fingers on the head of her cane.
“I also know you had an argument in public with him.” At one time he would have relished the uncomfortable expression on her face. Now, he ached to see her suffer. “I know you’d never show any emotion in public if your life depended upon it.” He heard the compassion in his voice, and he understood why. “I’m much like you in that manner.”
She arched a brow. “I’ve always known we were alike, Dalton, but I never thought I’d ever hear you admit it.” Her mouth twitched as her gaze dropped to her hands. After a few minutes, she looked up at him. “I trust what I tell you will be kept confidential?”
He was dismayed to see what looked like pleading in her blue eyes. “If I can.”
“I must have your promise, Dalton.”
“I can’t give it, but you know that I’m discreet. After all, I’ve never told your other secret—” he hesitated, remembering “—except to Alicia, and I know your secret is safe with her.”
“Alicia?” The word was so faint, if he hadn’t seen her mouth the word he might not have heard her. Anguish crossed her face, and he wished he could take back the words.
Her gaze dropped to the huge diamond ring
on her finger. As she twisted the stone, sparkles glinted about the room. “Templestone has been blackmailing me for several years. He found out that your uncle George and I were lovers. I paid him the money he asked for, but the more he received, the more he wanted. Finally, he ordered me to marry him. I refused. He said if I refused, he would…” Her eyes brightened with what Dalton thought were tears. His throat tightened with compassion for her.
“He would what, Mother?”
Her eyes raised to meet his. “He would kill you.”
Dalton was too stunned to speak.
“When I heard that someone had shot at you and Bashshar, I told myself that it must have been an accident. A careless hunter. A poacher stealing game. But Templestone took great relish to tell me that the near miss was no accident. Only the next time they wouldn’t miss.” She swallowed, the diamond brooch at her throat glittered.
“I said I didn’t believe him. I threatened to call the constable, but I knew that eventually, as you say, the truth would come out. I couldn’t bear to have that happen, so I finally agreed to marry him.”
Dalton tried to clear the lump in his throat. “Mother, why didn’t you come to me?” The words came out before the guilt and shame tore at him. But how could she have turned to a son who had been as cold and distant as he had been?
Her regal head bowed, her shoulders slumped in despair. “No one could have helped me.”
He closed his eyes, feeling selfish and childish
in his long resentment of what his mother had done. “I’m sorry you didn’t feel you could confide that Templestone found out about you and Uncle George—”
A sound strangled deep in her throat. “It’s more than that.”
Dalton studied her, confused. “What, then?”
She grimaced, her lips pressed into a line. “He found out that your uncle George is…Olivia’s father.”
He stiffened, trying to take in the full force of her words. The memory of himself as a young lad scurrying up the staircase, rushing down the darkened hall to his mother’s suite. He opened the door and there, in bed, his wonderful uncle George, naked. He turned around and Dalton saw the shock and grief tear across the ruggedly handsome face.
“Of course. Olivia is ten and three years younger than I.”
Tears glistened down his mother’s cheeks, but she wouldn’t acknowledge them by wiping them away. “I loved George ever since I first saw him, many years before my parents contracted my marriage to his older brother—your father—the firstborn son.
“George was my one true love, Dalton. He never married, although I begged him to. Your father was a wonderful man, and I loved him, but not as I loved George. I never did anything to embarrass your father-I don’t believe he ever suspected.”
She trembled, and he wanted to go to her, comfort
her, but he realized, sadly, that she might not want comfort from him.
“I know what you saw in my bedroom that afternoon, Dalton, so many years ago, destroyed any love you have for me. But maybe…maybe, now that you’ve found happiness with Alicia, you might be able to understand…?” Her voice broke with a sob.
He wanted to say something, do something, and he realized he didn’t know how. He didn’t trust his voice to speak.
“Oh, my son.” Her eyes glittered with tears. “When I lost you, my only consolation was that I had gained a daughter.”
For the first time in his life, Dalton realized how wrong he had been. He wanted to ask for forgiveness, but…
Her eyes filled with fresh tears, and when she reached out to him, he was instantly at her side. For the first time that he could remember, he held his mother in his arms. Long-held hurt and anger melted away as she sobbed against him. In its place was understanding. Understanding and love for this woman who bore him, and love for his precious Alicia—the woman who unlocked his heart and set him free.
When his mother’s weeping fell silent, he drew back. “We must decide what to do.”
She smiled, touching his face with tear-stained fingers. “Thank you, Son, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do.”
“We must protect Olivia,” Dalton said. “She must be told the truth.”
His mother’s eyes widened in horror. “You mustn’t tell her.”
“Mother, we have no choice—”
“You promised!”
He took her trembling hand. “No. I said I would be discreet. But if Templestone found out, then others might. More than likely a servant or midwife sold the secret….” He paused at his mother’s pained look, and he thought his heart would break.
“But Olivia isn’t like you, Dalton. She’s so like George, so gentle, so vulnerable.” She met his gaze, the pride back in her voice. “You have your father’s vitality, his authority.” Her mouth lifted. “Even though you have my pride.”
Dalton gently squeezed the frail fingers. “Olivia is stronger than you think. She must know the truth to keep from being hurt. You know it’s the only way.”
She raised her chin, but said nothing.
He kissed the top of her head, then crossed the room. He turned the doorknob when her strangled whisper stopped him.
“But Olivia will never forgive me.”
He glanced over his shoulder at the proud woman gripping the cane. “I can’t speak for my sister,” he said gently. “But I think she will. In the meantime, you’ll always have me.”
Through the thickening fog, Dalton’s coach tilted and bumped along the cobbles before turning down Park Lane toward his London town house. Never
had he seen his life as clearly as now. He felt like a curtain had been lifted on his soul.
Alicia. With her intuition and gentleness, she would know how to break the news to his sister in the less harmful of ways. Sweet loving Alicia. She had shown him the meaning of love. And God, how he loved her. And it was time to tell her so. He could hardly wait.
Alicia stared at the calling card. “Mr. Justin Sykes is waiting in the hall?” Surprised at the late hour, she realized that of all people, Justin would hardly be expected to follow Society’s rules of visiting married women.
“Your grace. Shall I show him in?”
She hesitated. Perhaps she should refuse, since Dalton wasn’t here. Then she remembered that her mother was in residence, and would be a suitable chaperon. Besides, she was glad to have the chance to speak to him again and apologize.
“Yes, Jamison, please show Mr. Sykes to the withdrawing room. Ask my mother to join us, then bring tea and cakes.” As the white-haired butler turned to leave, she added, “And leave the door open after you show Mr. Sykes inside the room, please.”
“Yes, your grace.”
Alicia ordered the maids to continue packing while she smoothed her skirt and went downstairs. A few moments later, the butler ushered Justin inside the formal room.
“Mr. Sykes, how kind of you to call,” she said extending her hand. His dark good looks were set
off by a beige waistcoat of finest wool, matching knee breeches and white linen that contrasted vividly with his swarthy features.
“You’re looking lovelier than I remember, if that’s possible.” Justin kissed her hand, his dark eyes twinkling.
“Do sit down. I’ve ordered tea.”
He released her and took a seat across from her chair. “I saw you, your mother and sisters shopping this afternoon on Bond Street. I took the chance to pay my respects and say goodbye before I leave for the Continent.”
“How nice of you, Mr. Sykes. We received your note a few days ago. How brave of you to help fight with Wellington.”
His mouth twitched.
“Brave
is not a word often associated with me, Duchess.”
She sensed otherwise, but didn’t contradict him. “Dalton was detained by estate business, and hadn’t planned to join us for several more days. But I’ve decided to cut my visit short. I’ll be returning to Havencrest in the morning. I hope you’ll visit us before you depart. Dalton will miss seeing you.”
Disappointment clouded his face. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. I’ll be sailing at first light.” He shrugged. “Tell Dalton I’m sorry to have missed him. But I’m very pleased to have the chance to see you again.”
He leaned back, taking in her appearance. “Well, is my best friend treating you well? Remember, just one word from you, and I’ll beat the man bloody.”
She laughed, enjoying the friendly banter between them. “Yes, we’re quite happy, Mr. Sykes.”
“I’m sure that he is.” The smile that started in his eyes spread to his face.
She glanced nervously at the open door. She hoped her mother might not interrupt them before Alicia had a chance to apologize. “I was hoping to have a few private words with you, Mr. Sykes. You see, there’s something that’s troubling me.”
“Of course. Your wish is my command.”
“I’m offering an apology, not a request. You see, I’d like to tell you I’m so very sorry for the way I misjudged you.”
He cocked a brow as though surprised. “I beg your pardon?” Then his mouth quirked with unrepressed amusement, and he shrugged. “Ah, you have nothing to apologize for—”
“Oh, but I do. You see, I never gave a thought to how maligned you were the night we were erroneously reputed to have…” She glanced away for a moment before meeting his gaze. “I think you know.”
Justin nodded, his face serious. “But you have done nothing for which to apologize,” he said softly. “Under the shocking circumstances, your behavior to me was as any young lady of quality would react.” He regarded her with searching intent. “But only a woman with your kind heart would think to care for my feelings. True, the charge was unfounded, and to be privy to the downfall of a young, innocent maid was a burden I found quite distressing, even for such a rake as myself.”
When he stood and reached for her hand, she rose and came beside him.
“I’m most thankful that your name was cleared and the matter finally set straight,” he said, her hand in his.
She smiled. “Yes, for both of us.”
He gave her a courtly bow. “I must be leaving, Duchess. I am expected for a late supper with several of the officers who’ll be sailing with me. I’m so very glad we had this opportunity.”
The smile he gave her was dazzling, and she could only wonder how many young ladies’ hearts would be broken when they learned he was leaving for war. “For what it’s worth, Mr. Sykes, I believe you rather enjoy your reputation as a rake.” She smiled at his huff of laughter.
He looked as if he were seriously weighing the idea. She chuckled. “You quite enjoy thumbing your nose at the ton. But I don’t think you’re as naughty as you try to make people believe.”
“You don’t?”
Shaking her head, Alicia continued. “No, I’m quite sure of it, Mr. Sykes. I sense you have a very kind heart, too. I think that’s why my husband values you so highly as a friend.”
“Perhaps it is
you
who brings out the good in me, Alicia. You do that to Dalton.” It was the first time he had used her given name—a bold stroke. She watched him measure her for a moment, and she realized that the intimacy was born of their new, mutual friendship.
“Since we’re confessing secrets,” he said, his
voice low, “I have an apology to convey to you, as well.”
“Really, Mr. Sykes?”
“Hmm. When Dalton said he was getting married, I must admit that I didn’t take him too seriously. But after talking with you and seeing the change in Dalton, I know that he truly loves you.”
She turned away.
You’re terribly mistaken
, she wanted to cry out. “You know nothing of what you speak, Mr. Sykes.”
He placed his hands gently on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “You don’t believe Dalton loves you?”
Yes, I want to believe you, but I can’t
. “I don’t wish to discuss this with you, please.”
His hands dropped to his sides. “Of course, I’m sorry.” He stared at her, then as if to restore their earlier mood, he winked, his mouth lifting in a teasing smile. “I warned you that I was a rake. Completely incorrigible.”
She couldn’t help return the smile. Tilting her head, she looked at him. “I thought I brought out the best in you?”
“Just think what my worst must be!”
She laughed. “Touché, Mr. Sykes.”
Justin took her hands in his. “If I return from the war, I hope I find a woman like you to share my life.”
For a split second, she saw her own fear for his future mirrored in his eyes. Her throat tightened with emotion. “Of course you’ll return to England, Mr. Sykes,” she said with confidence. “And you’ll
find love waiting for you when you least expect it.” She touched his cheek, her eyes suddenly stinging with the threat of tears. “Return to us safe and sound. May God keep you in the palm of His hand.”