Page 93 of How to Ruin a Rake

Allegra picked up her letters and followed him into the study.

He shut the door very firmly behind him and turned to look at her. “You promised me you wouldn’t inform my father of our current situation.”

“Yes, I did promise you, and I haven’t done so.” Allegra raised her chin.

“Then why is he coming to visit me?”

“Perhaps he simply wishes to see how we are getting on,” Allegra said. “He is your father, after all.”

“My father has never cared what I do as long as I don’t embarrass the family.” Max held up the letter. “He says that rumors of unrest and turmoil at Blanchard Hall have reached him.”

“Rumors?” Allegra asked. “Rest assured that if I had written to him, I would have told him the truth. It seems far more likely that he’s heard some gossip, but where from, I cannot imagine. Have you written to Stephen at any point?”

“Only about superficial matters.”

“Perhaps your bank alerted the duke to the dire state of your accounts,” Allegra suggested.

“That might be true.” Max grimaced.

“Then your accusation about me breaking my promise might be unjustified.” Allegra stared at him. “I thought—” She pressed her lips together. “I need to get on; please excuse me.”

She went toward the door, but he was blocking her path.

“You thought what?”

“That we’d established a modicum of trust between us,” Allegra said. “But it appears I was mistaken.”

He reached out and caught her hand as she tried to go past him. “I’m not used to being able to trust people.”

“Then I suggest that is an issue of yours and not of mine.” Allegra met his gaze. “I promised you I would be a loyal wife, and I don’t appreciate your accusations.”

She eased out of his grip and continued to the door.

“Allegra …”

She went through to the hall and paused, taking a deep breath. Every time she began thinking they were making progress together, Max reminded her that their marriage was based on very shaky ground indeed. Why should he trust that her loyalties rested solely with him, when she’d openly admitted that she’d married him to save the reputation of her family? In truth, the fact that they’d even learned to live together in such harmony in such difficult circumstances was a testament to his commitment to her.

Allegra turned around and went back into the study. Max was staring out of the window, his hands clasped behind his back. He didn’t turn when she approached him.

“I shouldn’t have taken offense,” Allegra said somewhat stiffly.

“Please don’t apologize.” He still wouldn’t look at her. “The fault was mine. I was too quick to lay the blame on you, and you’re correct, that is entirely down to me.”

“Then we’re all right, then?”

He turned around. “Yes, of course.” His smile was polite. “Now, shall I round up a team of strong men and start bringing the furniture in from the barn?”

Of course, the duke arrived at the height of the chaos, when there was furniture in the hall, the corridors, and even stacked outside. Max was in his shirtsleeves, shouting advice at two of his grooms as they maneuvered a chest of drawers up the staircase toward the main bedrooms. Max was quite surprised to turn around and find his father suddenly at his elbow.

“Your grace!” Max said. “We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“What in God’s name is going on?” the duke inquired. “Are you clearing the whole house?”

“It’s a long story,” Max said. “Would you care to come into the kitchen for some refreshments while I find Allegra?”

“The kitchen?” His father looked as if he’d suggested they congregate in the sewer.

“Or the study?” Max led the duke toward that room, which was at least in good order. “I’ll ask one of the maids to bring you some tea.” He left his father in the study and ran toward the kitchen.