Page 61 of His One and Only Lady

Wordlessly, she handed over the letter. Soon, everyone would know the contents in any event.

Her stomach churning, she folded her arms across her middle and waited for him to read it. When he finished, he refolded the letter with a serious expression and lifted the paper in the air.

“He’s below, Purity. Your uncle, the Marquess of Ballister, is below.”

You cannot imagine my relief in knowing Violetta and the babe are recovering. I would’ve come to offer my assistance if I didn’t have a house full of guests. Once they depart, Herbert and I shall waste no time in journeying to Trenthurst House.

Please advise Theran for me that the puppy he selected for Bernadine will be ready to leave her mother, and we will bring the pup for Bernadine’s birthday present.

~Melvelia Hawtrey, Countess of Mumford,

in a letter to her sister, Mrs. Celena Rutland

Trenthurst House Drawing Room

Five Minutes Later

Theran remained with Purity as she made her way to the drawing room, instinctively understanding she needed him for support. Yesterday, she’d been viciously slandered, and today, she had discovered she wasn’t alone in the world. That in fact, she was niece to a wealthy and powerful peer.

A part of Theran was terrified she’d pack her belongings today and embrace the incredible opportunity fate had given her. Another part of him rejoiced that her uncle had found her.

He also cursed himself as ten kinds of a fool for not declaring himself in the gamekeeper’s cottage. At least then, Purity would know he loved her and wanted to make her his wife.

What must she think of him?

Of what had transpired between them?

As they neared the drawing room, she gave him a weak smile and squared her shoulders. “Into the den of lions.”

Brave darling.

“Not a bit of it. Ballister is a splendid chap. Honorable, kind, a faithful husband and loving father.”

She chuckled and shook her head. “I was jesting, Theran.”

Grasping her hand, he lifted it to his mouth and pressed a fervent kiss on her fingertips.

He must tell her. Now.

“Now may not be the time, and God knows it’s not the place. Nor is this how I would’ve chosen to tell you.” Theran glanced at the closed door. “But I want you to know before we go inside that I love you, Purity.”

Crystal tears glistened in her eyes, and she opened her mouth.

He put a finger to her lips.

“Not now. Don’t say anything now.” He kissed her forehead, breathing in her essence. “Wait until you hear what your uncle has to say.”

After a long moment, she gave a shallow nod.

He knocked on the door and ushered her in when Jordan bid them enter.

Purity paused a few steps in the drawing room.

Paul Beckwith, the Marquess of Ballister, and his younger brother, Toliver, sat in armchairs adjacent to the pair of settees. His wife, Ellise, and Toliver’s wife, Therese, shared one settee while Mother occupied her usual place on the other. Jordan stood beside the unlit fireplace.

All trained their gazes on Purity.

At her entrance, her uncles rose.