Kent froze. “Lord Maltsby knows?”
She shook her head. “After your release, Lord Van Dero stopped visiting Lord Maltsby for obvious reasons. If one was found out, they didn’t want the other to be. So, Lord Van Dero began to write Lord Maltsby and revealed the truth about you. I read the missive and burned it.”
“Does he have evidence?” Kent asked.
“Apparently, your father wrote him about it,” Lucy said “so, yes, he does.”
“Then I must reach Lord Van Dero first,” Kent said. “I must make sure he says nothing.”
“Let me speak to Van Dero.” Lucy said. “I told him I wouldn’t tell you. He’ll be angry if he learns I broke that promise.”
Kent put his arms around her. “I don’t want you near that man. I don’t want you involved in this.”
“Kent, I have to do this.” She looked grief-stricken. “It has to be me. Otherwise, we risk angering him. I will tell him you will leave him out of it, and you will have to.”
The very thought of letting Lord Van Dero get away…
Kent sighed and nodded. He had more than himself to think about. “Fine, but I’m going after Lord Van Dero and, title or not, he better not get in my way.”
“Are you terribly angry with me?” Lucy asked.
“I know your heart too well, Lucy.” he said. “You do not wish me harm.”
“Never.” she whispered. Then she closed her eyes. “I’ve been so worried about telling you. So worried that you’d hate me.”
“I don’t hate you.” He stood and placed her on her feet. “I’ll allow you to go to Lord Van Dero’s, but not alone. I’ll have one of my men pose as your escort.”
“Your men?” Lucy asked.
“Don’t worry,” Kent said. “By all appearances, he’ll look like a footman. Lord Van Dero won’t see him for the deadly creature he is.”
Lucy shivered. “Are you sure I’ll be safe with him?”
Kent nodded. “When it is done, you come straight home. Do you understand?”
Lucy nodded and then touched his cheek. Her touch usually calmed him, but Kent felt was incapable of feeling anything at the moment. No anger. No sadness. Nothing. So, he was going on pure logic as the moment.
“Go ready yourself to leave.” he instructed.
She stared at him. “All right.” She fled the room.
Kent had a footman find Mr. Charles and instructed the man to watch after Lucy. Then Kent left the house.
He would see Lord Maltsby. But first, he would see someone else.
He arrived at his mother’s house less than half an hour later and the woman readily received him.
“I believe I wrote that it was Lady Lucy I wished to see.” the dowager said with a frown, making it clear he wasn’t welcome.
Kent closed the door to the sitting room and then moved to stand a few feet from his mother. “Did he mistreat you?”
“Who?” his mother asked.
“Your husband. Lord Ganden,” he asked. “Did he ever mistreat you?”
The dowager moved uncomfortably in her seat. “I don’t believe that is any of your concern…”
“It is when I am your bastard.” Kent said.
His mother’s eyes widened. “Kent, don’t say that.”
“What?” Kent asked at the first spark of anger. “Don’t say what it is you are clearly reminded of every time you look at me? That I’m a bastard and not the true heir? That I am your shame?”
His mother, rarely one to back down, continued to hold his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about—”
Kent grabbed a lamp and tossed it into the fireplace. He wasn’t actually that angry, but he wanted to get her attention. He had no more time for her games.
His mother jumped. “Kent!”
“Why name me Kent?” Kent asked. “Why give me your father’s name if you didn’t love me?”
“My mother named you.” the dowager said quietly, the truth finally coming out. “She told me I needed to play the part and pretend you were the Earl’s child.”
“And who is my father?” Kent asked.
“That is not important.” the dowager said. “I was engaged to the earl. I married the earl. He, by law, became your father.”
Kent moved and sat beside her. “You have earned my displeasure. Over and over again, you have earned a life far below what I allow you to have. Yet, I show you mercy. Therefore, you will tell me what I need to know, or my mercy ends today.”
Her eyes rounded. “You can’t…”
“Your husband left you nothing and left me almost everything, just so the world would think me his heir when he died.” Kent took her head. “He left you in my control. I think he wanted me to punish you.”
His mother tried to yank her hand away, but Kent didn’t let her.
“Who is my father?” Kent whispered. “If I have to ask again, when I leave this house, you leave this house.”
“What does that mean?” his mother asked.
“It means you’ll be on your own. I’ll close your accounts and leave you with nothing but the clothes on your back.”
His mother looked ready to say something that wouldn’t be the answer he sought, and he almost prayed she’d give him reason to toss her out. Then the dowager narrowed her gaze. “He was a servant.”
“Who?” Kent asked.
“Mr. Barton.” his mother whispered.
Kent’s mind went blank again. “Mr. Barton? Mrs. Barton’s husband.” The man had been his father’s valet.
“We met when I met your father.” the dowager said. “He was kind to me and far more interesting than his master.”
“Never mind that he was married,” Kent said “and Mrs. Barton has been nothing but kind to me. She can’t know the truth.”
“Oh, but she does.” His mother made a face. “Such a saint, that woman. She likely only cared for you because she knew it would anger me.”
In his mother’s mind, the world revolved around her.
Kent stood. “I’m glad you pushed me away. At least, I’m nothing like you.”
“You think you’re better than me?” she snapped.
“No.” he confessed. “But I already have enough to deal with. I don’t need the addition of your hatred.” He started to leave.
“You can’t tell Colby.” she said, coming to her feet. “He can’t know what I’ve done.”
He looked back at her. “Colby has been in the dark about everything, and I no longer believe it good for him.”
“He’s just my… Colby. Please.” his mother asked.
What had she been about to say? Her boy? Her son?
“One last question.” Kent said. “Did you have anything to do with my kidnapping?”
His mother looked surprised. “No.”
Was she telling him the truth? He’d likely never know.
“However…” His mother’s face was relaxed. “I was asked by a certain gentleman who would miss you if you were gone. I’m sure you can guess my reply.”
Kent held onto the door to keep from crumbling to the floor and to keep himself from breaking anything else. There was no point. He’d likely become destructive in order to gain her attention, but now he knew that to gain his mother’s attention had nearly been a death sentence.
“Goodbye, Lady Ganden.” He closed the door silently behind him.
And again, that feeling of emptiness consumed him and left him with nothing.
Where was the pain? Where was the anger? His body was in a state it had never been in before. His mind wiped of everything he knew. And he thought it the most peaceful state of existence he’d ever felt.
∫ ∫ ∫
5 2
* * *
Lord Gregory Van Dero met Lucy in his garden. He was heavy on the cane once more and Lucy, unable to help herself, stood to help. But then she froze.
Gregory Van Dero was not alone.
Lord Maltsby came out of the house, grinning at the sight of Lucy. “I had no clu
e you’d come here. Is Lord Ganden here as well?”
Lucy’s throat felt thick. She could hardly speak. Her pulse pounded loudly in her ears. A hand came to rest on her back, and she spun around to meet Mr. Charles’ eyes. Kent’s man.
“Are you all right, my lady?” Mr. Charles asked. His eyes were a cold gray. His posture and manner were that of a soldier.
Lucy had almost feared him when he’d shown her to her carriage. Yet, now, she was more than thankful for his presence. If Kent trusted him then she would as well. Staring into those cold eyes calmed her. Mr. Charles may have been posing as a footman, but there was no mistaking the man was lethal.
Lucy took a breath. She was dealing with so much at the moment. She’d finally told Kent how she felt about him. He’d reacted well, but after she’d confessed what she knew about his mother, he’d been odd. She hoped upon her return they would be able to find their way back to the comfortable place they’d been before this dreadful day had begun.
She cleared her throat before she turned to Van Dero and Maltsby. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
Mr. Charles dropped his hand and then took a step back.
Lucy squared her shoulders. “My husband is not here. I’ve come to speak to Lord Van Dero alone.”
Lord Van Dero hobbled closer. “Does Lord Ganden know you are here?” His usual warm smile was missing. He’d warned her about sharing his dealing with Lord Maltsby with her husband.
“Yes.” Lucy confessed. “But my husband has decided to not make you his enemy.” she said quickly. “He will take no actions against you.”
“Hmm.” Van Dero said.
Lucy had no clue what that meant, and she didn’t think it to be good.
Maltsby’s eyes dropped to Lucy’s hands. Realizing she was twisting them around, she stopped the action immediately.
“Actually,” Maltsby said. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Lucy. I would no longer like for us to be enemies. In fact, it would please me if you would consider me a friend.”
Friend?
She narrowed her eyes and started at Maltsby’s face. It was hard to see whether the man was sincere. Then she decided it didn’t matter. This man had made himself not only Lucy’s enemy, but Kent and George’s.
“My husband has gone to your house to speak with you.” Lucy said. “I’m sure if you leave quickly enough, you can say whatever it is you need to say to him.”
“Lucy.” Maltsby’s tone and his face looked full of remorse. “I know I’ve hurt you and George, but I would like to make amends.” He stopped closer and when he reached out, Lucy stepped back.
Mr. Charles moved forward. “I’m afraid can’t allow you to touch the lady, my lord.”
Lord Maltsby glared at the soldier. “Who are you?”
“Mr. Charles.” Her pretend footman bowed. “I’ve been ordered by Lord Ganden to protect his wife.”
“I mean her no harm.” Maltsby said with great indignation.
“You’re getting off point.” Lord Van Dero called from the chair one of his footmen had brought out for him. Clearly, Van Dero was aware of whatever it was Maltsby had to say.
“Yes.” Lord Maltsby narrowed his eyes at Mr. Charles before turning to Lucy. “I made a mistake. I…the way I treated you and George…it was deplorable.” His mouth pinched and Lucy wondered if he was in true pain. “Please, forgive me.”
She swallowed. “I don’t know what to say.” She didn’t know how to even deal with Maltsby right now. She was used to being on guard, but he’d yet to call her Harlot or say something equally vile.
Maltsby reached out again, but a glance at Mr. Charles had him taking his hand back. His eyes suddenly seemed wet. “I read Jessica’s journal. Twice. Some parts I read over and over again. The happiness and the pain. And now when I think on it…I feel nothing but shame for my every action. You were right. Jessica would despise me if she could see what I’ve become.”
Lucy looked away. She could not take the bitter expression on Maltsby’s face. She told herself to not be swayed by his emotions.
“I wish to make amends with George, if I may.” Maltsby went on. “I’ve said some terrible things to him. I wish to take those things back. I believe Jessica would wish me to, don’t you?”
Lucy was struggling against to speak, which was fine since she still wasn’t at all sure what to say. What would Jessica want?
“I’ll have to think about it, my lord.” Lucy decided. “Also, I’ll speak to my husband.”
“What is there to think about?” Lord Maltsby reached out and, this time, his hand was snagged by Mr. Charles, who bent it back until Lord Maltsby let out a yelp.
“My lord.” Mr. Charles said. “Please refrain from touching the lady.” Using that hand, he pushed Mr. Maltsby back.
Maltby stumbled. Then his eyes went wild. He glared at Mr. Charles. “You dare touch me? I’ll have you punished for this. You have no idea who I am.”
Mr. Charles said nothing. His face said nothing either. He simply stared at Maltsby, unmoved like a statue.
Lucy curled her arms against herself.
“Lord Maltsby.” Lord Van Dero called. “Perhaps, it was too soon for this conversation. You’ve been free but a few hours. Go rest.”
Maltsby looked livid. “I’ll rest when I—”
“Now, Lord Maltsby.” Lord Van Dero said.
Was Lord Maltsby residing with Lord Van Dero? Maybe it was for Maltsby’s own protection.
Maltsby looked at the man and then nodded. “Yes, you’re right.” He was still clenching his hand when he looked at Lucy. “I hope we may resume this conversation another time.” He bowed and then rushed from the garden.
Lucy was surprised at the power the duke seemed to have over Maltsby. Had she been a fool to tell Kent that he faced no danger from Van Dero? What choice did they have?
After a steadying breath, Lucy turned to the man in question.
“Don’t mind Maltsby. It might take him some time before he remembers what life is like outside of a cage. I imagine it is the same with your husband?”
“Don’t ever compare Ganden to that man.” Lucy said quickly and more harshly than she’d wished.
Maltsby had suffered nowhere near as greatly as Kent had. There had been no chains on the banker when Lucy had gone to visit.
Van Dero’s eyes flashed with surprise. “My apologies. Perhaps, I overstepped.” He began to cough.
Lucy turned to his footman. “I believe his lordship can use some tea.”
The footman left and Lucy moved to sit on the stone bench that was close to Lord Van Dero’s own chair. They stared at one another. Lucy held her body stiff in order to hide her trembling. She felt as though she were facing a judge.
Then Van Dero sighed greatly. His shoulders lifted and fell. Then he settled and stared at her. “Tell your husband I’ll keep what I know from Lord Maltby or anyone else if he leaves me alone.”
“He will.” Lucy said quickly.
Van Dero nodded then turned as tea was brought out. “Stay for a cup?”
“Just one,” she decided. For Kent and George’s safety, she’d do anything.
∫ ∫ ∫
5 3
* * *
Kent was home when Lucy returned. At seeing him, she wanted to do nothing more than run into his arms, but something about his posture didn’t seem welcoming. He almost looked surprised to see her, which was odd. Where else would she be?
Ignoring the instinct to stay away, she moved across the room and placed her hands on his chest. “Kent, I’ve so much to tell you.”
“Oh?” He grabbed her hands and set her back a little before letting her go. The move was done in a way that made it seem as though he didn’t mean to push her away, but Lucy knew that was exactly what he’d done. It was far from the reaction she wanted.
“What did Van Dero say?” Kent looked past her and toward Mr. Charles.
“Lord Maltsby was there.” Mr. Charles said.
Kent looked down at Lu
cy. “You spoke with him? What did you say?”
“I didn’t know he’d be there.” she said defensively and was entirely unsure why she felt the need to defend herself. Kent did look angry, but was he? “I couldn’t ignore his presence.”
Perhaps, he was simply drained. The day had been a dreadful one. In time, he’d relax. They’d return to how they were.
Kent turned to Mr. Charles. “I’ll speak with you later.”
Mr. Charles closed the door as he left.
“What happened?” Kent asked her at the click of the door.
She swallowed. She was feeling slightly intimidated. “I—”
Kent cut her off. “Van Dero told Maltsby about me, didn’t he?” Kent moved away. “At this point, everyone will know the truth.” His voice was defeated.
“Not necessarily.” She moved toward him, again ignoring her instinct to stay away. “Lord Van Dero said he would not share your secret with Lord Maltsby. I believe he will keep it as protection for himself.”
Kent turned and leaned against the wall. Then he crossed his arms. It was definitely a sign he didn’t want to be touched. “What did Maltsby want?”
“He wants…” Lucy wasn’t entirely sure. “He wanted to apologize and wishes to make amends. Jessica’s journal seemed to have gotten to him. I likely should have given it to him years ago.”
“No.” Kent said. “He’s likely lying. He’s up to something. This is not about amends. He’s not allowed to see George.”
Lucy frowned. She’d had hours to think about it. “I believe we should let him apologize to George at the very least. Perhaps by letter at first. George does suffer still from the belief that his father hates him. I don’t wish for him to go through life with such a burden.”
“You mean like me?” Kent asked. “Do you not approve of how I turned out?”
Lucy was too confounded to respond at first. “Kent, this isn’t about you.”
“Of course, it isn’t.” Kent muttered as he once again put some distance between them. “Maltsby is after something. He can’t be trusted.” He moved to the fire and stared into the flame. “No one can.”
Dread of The Earl (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 25
