Page 40 of The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere
Whatever spell Jane had fallen under snapped at his words. “I…yes, of course, I am. The Marchioness of Darlington introduced me to Miss Harley at Lord and Lady Darlington’s wedding breakfast. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Harley.”
Georgiana curtsied. “How do you do, Your Grace?”
“Lady Darlington. Ah, yes. How could I have forgotten?” It was a perfectly truthful explanation. Theyhadmet at Darlington’s wedding breakfast, but it was, at once, both the truth and a lie. It rolled off Jane’s tongue with such ease, if Benedict hadn’t already known there was some secret bubbling just beneath the surface, he might have been fooled.
“Since you’re already acquainted, then you must also know Miss Harley is one of Lady Clifford’s pupils, Jane.” Benedict led Georgiana to an enormous settee across from his sister, then dropped into a chair beside it.
“I, ah…yes, I suppose I did. We only met for a moment, but the Marchioness speaks of Miss Harley with great affection.” Jane turned to Benedict with a wan smile. “But you never answered my question. What brings you to London? The last time we spoke, you told me you were bored with the city and intended to remain at Haslemere House to dosome repairs.”
Benedict hesitated, recalling once again how Jane had made a point of encouraging him to remain in Surrey. He hadn’t been surprised at it at the time—hedidtend to get into more trouble when he was in London, after all—but now he couldn’t help but wonder if she’d known there’d be rumors about her and Draven, and was determined to keephim out of it.
“I might have done, if Surrey hadn’t proved to be as dull as a tomb.” Benedict offered his sister a careless smile, but it was as false as her bright one. “I imagine I’ll grow bored with London soon enough. You’ll have to tolerate me until then, I suppose.”
“Tolerate you? Nonsense. Freddy will be thrilled to see you. Shall we call him?” Jane didn’t wait for an answer, but crossed the room to pull the bell. She tried to hide it, but Benedict noticed her hands were shaking as shereached for it.
“Wait, Jane. Don’t call him just yet.” Benedict got to his feet, took her hand, and led her back to the settee. He was quiet for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “We’ve never kept secrets from each other, Jane. Not even when wewere children.”
Jane shrugged, but she couldn’t look at him. “No, but children’s secrets are harmless, Benedict.”
“The more harmful a secret, the more reason to share it.” Benedict pressed her hand gently between his. “I know something is amiss, Jane. I’ve known it for months, since this winter, when you and Freddy spent so much time in Surrey. I’d hoped you would have confided in me by now. You haven’t, and now I must have the truth.”
“What truth, Benedict?” Jane laughed, but the sound was as sharp and brittle as shattering glass. “I haven’t the vaguest ideawhat you mean.”
“I attended Lady Wylde’s masque ball last night.” Benedict long fingers swallowed her delicate ones. “I heard the rumors about you and Lord Draven.”
Jane stared at him, her throat working. “I—it’s gossip, Benedict. Nothing more. Surely you must know there isn’t any truth to it?”
Benedict drew in a breath. What he was going to say next would hurt both him and Jane, but it must be said. “I called on Lady Wylde this morning, Jane. She told me quite a tale about you and Lord Draven havinga secret past.”
“You spoke to Lady Wylde about this?Lady Wylde, of all people?” Jane pressed a shaking hand to her forehead. “Dear God, Benedict, whathave youdone?”
“She reminded me you met Draven six years ago, at his father’s house party. What happened at that party, Jane? Did you fall in love with Lord Draven?”
“No!” Jane cried. “I can’t…I won’t talk aboutthis with you.”
“You must, Jane. Youwill, before this gets any worse. You know Lord Draven was attacked?” One glance at her face, and Benedict had his answer. “Yes,I see you do.”
Jane flinched away from him, as if every word out of his mouth was a blow. Benedict despised hurting her, and wished with all his heart he could let this go and never speak of it again, but the only way he could help her was to have the truth from her. “Listen to me, Jane. Whatever it is, however bad it is, I’ll help you. You must know that. I’d do anything for you.”
“Benedict, please. You don’t know what you’re…you’ll only make it worse. We’re not children anymore. You can’t solve my problems by bloodying noses, or pushing my tormentors inthe fishpond.”
“The devil I can’t.” It might take a pistol or sword this time, but he’d do what he must.
“No, Benedict.” Jane snatched her hand from his, leapt to her feet, and crossed to the window. “You can’t helpme with this.”
“Draven was beaten to within an inch of his life, Jane, just days after a rumor began to circulate that you and he are having an affair.” Benedict’s voice was quiet. “An affair that began six years ago, at the same house party where a young lady named Clara Beauchamp disappeared. Something happened at that party, and six years later, people are still being hurt over it. What if you’re next?”
At mention of Clara Beauchamp, Jane’s entire body stiffened. She turned from the window to face him, her voice pleading. “Please, Benedict. I’m begging you to let this go.”
He let out a harsh laugh. “I can’t do that. You know better than to even ask it.”
Georgiana hadn’t said a single word during this exchange, but now she scrambled up from the settee and reached a hesitant hand out to Jane. “Please, Your Grace. Your brother doesn’t wish to force confidencesfrom you, but—”
Benedict turned on Georgiana, incredulous. “Yes, Ido.”
* * * *
Georgiana bit her lip as she glanced from Benedict’s angry face to Jane’sagonized one.
