Page 67 of It's All About the Duke
“Only for Lord Henry. You’ll probably meet him at the first ball. I hear he’s now a perfect gentleman when he takes a young lady for a ride in the park. And neither of us make mention of the incident when we meet. He bows, kisses my hand, and says hello every time he sees me.”
“And Lady Sara? Did she have any ill effects from the rumor?”
“None at all. From the first mention of the rumor she and I thought the intent of it was to worry poor Griffin. And it did concern him tremendously. Hawk and Rath,too. In fact, Hawk was so concerned he helped his sister make a match before her debut started so she wouldn’t be set upon by mischief-makers wanting to ruin her Season.”
So the rakes had been worried but the twin sisters had not. Marlena couldn’t help but feel a little prick of triumph for Veronica and the other ladies who’d been embarrassed by the secret admirer letters. She was also impressed by Lady Vera and glad she had enough wits about herself to take care of the misbehaving Lord Henry. However, Marlena only said, “I’m glad to hear the rumors didn’t disturb you greatly.”
“If what I believe is true, whoever started the rumor should be quite satisfied with himself because the trio of rakes have been worried and probably will remain so until I marry. They would all love to know who was behind it.”
“Why?” Marlena asked cautiously, thinking of the kind and gentle Mr. Bramwell. “It was so long ago.”
“Well, you know it’s said there are two things a man will wait forever for.”
“No,” Marlena said even though she was fearful of the answer.
“Love and revenge.”
Marlena moistened her lips. Even if she was found out, she’d have to be very careful that Mr. Bramwell was never implicated.
“You look disturbed, Miss Fast. Are you thinking there may be retribution against you this Season because you are now Rath’s ward?”
“Me?” Marlena smiled and tried to relax. “No. That never entered my mind.”
“Good, because I would hate for your Season to be troubled.”
Guilt flooded Marlena. Lady Vera was truly concerned about her. And yes, the rumor would indeed hurt Marlena’s Season—not for the reasons Lady Vera was thinking, but because of Marlena herself. She could never admit her role as Miss Truth, and because of that, she couldn’t let Rath know how she felt about him.
“It won’t be,” Marlena fibbed.
“I don’t know if you are aware,” Lady Vera continued, “but Miss Honora Truth has a book out. Have you read it?”
Welcoming the chance to change the subject even if it was about her book, Marlena said, “Yes, I have.”
“Quite entertaining, don’t you think?”
Marlena nodded honestly as another wave of guilt washed over her. Lady Vera letting her know the rakes had worried about their sisters welfare had helped Marlena know that Veronica had received a measure of revenge for the secret admirer letter but Marlena wasn’t sure the price she’d paid was worth it.
“I only wish I knew the woman. Or man.”
Marlena blinked rapidly. “A man?”
“Yes, some believe the scandal sheet and the book are actually written by one of the men who works at the publishing house. Whoever she or he or they are, I wish I knew them. With two Seasons behind me, I could certainly add a lot to the writings in the book.”
That caught Marlena’s interest, and she asked. “Such as?”
“He could be a rake if he looks at you from across the room and smiles at you, but never approaches you.”
“Oh, my. Yes, that is a very good one.”
Lady Vera leaned closer to Marlena. “He could be a rake if he pursues you even when your father has told him to stay away.”
“I like that one, too, and I’m sure that’s true,” Marlena said, wishing she’d had Lady Vera’s help to write the book.
“How about this one,” Lady Vera said excitedly. “He could be a rake if he smiles when you slap him for kissing you.”
“That one is wonderful!”
“Now you tell me one.”
