Thomas embraced him, and Nathaniel poured him a drink as well before they sat down again. Thomas looked well and happy and felt like a sight for sore eyes.
“After I read the paper, I came to your house only to be told you had left for the country estate. They told me of a letter that seemed rather urgent, so I offered to bring it with me.”
“Thank you,” Nathaniel said, looking down at it, and when he saw the name, his blood ran cold.
“What is it?” Thomas asked, leaning forward on the settee.
“The letter is from Lord Mortimer. I suppose I should have expected it, but I was so busy thinking about my father and everything else that I did not spend much thought on this eventuality.”
He swallowed, his heart pounding in his ears as he broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
He read the words quickly, feeling each one of them like needles in his skin. He did not care for Delilah or her past machinations, but he was still a gentleman or wished to be, at least. And now he had hurt two women and been dishonorable.
“It seems that I am to meet with Lord Mortimer about a future with his daughter after what happened at Lady Danver’s Ball, or I am to face him in a duel for the sake of his daughter's honor.”
Thomas cursed and leaned back on the settee, a pale look coming over his face. “I did not know what happened to the ball, and I never care to believe what's written in the scandal sheets. What really happened, Nathaniel?”
Rubbing a hand over his tired eyes, Nathaniel put the letter aside and shared everything with Thomas.
Thomas let out a long sigh. “What a twisted mess this is all turned out to be,” he said. “But you're right, this seems strange, as if someone orchestrated everything in order to get you to be in this situation for their benefit.”
“I promise you I did not write that note to meet Delilah. But if she still has it, she could try to present it as evidence.”
“But surely we could compare your handwriting to the note and prove it was not you who had written it.”
“That could be a flimsy argument. I had hoped that in all the distraction with Jane falling and Lord Claridge coming to save her that the moment with Delilah would be forgotten.”
“Yes, well, I—"
Thomas was interrupted by the sound of shouting from the entry hall. Both he and Thomas stood and went to the door. And when they opened it, Nathaniel's mouth dropped open when he saw none other than Jane in the doorway of his house, and the butler attempting to stop her.
Chapter 43
Jane no longer cared about appearances or her reputation, for it was all in tatters now. The butler, however, was insistent that she not be allowed into the Worwood Estate. She could see from his face that he had read the scandal sheets and was disgusted by her.
“Please, you must understand it is essential that I speak to him.”
“I am sorry, my lady, but his lordship is busy now. There is much going on at the house at the moment, and he cannot come to the door.”
Tears came to her eyes. She had plucked up enough courage to come to his home in London and when she'd been told that he was at his country estate. It had taken even more courage to bring her lady’s maid and to ride all the way there. But to be turned away at the door would be far too shameful that she could not bear it. She had to speak with him.
And then Nathaniel appeared, looking disheveled, his friend Thomas at his side.
“Jane?” he asked, rushing forward. She stepped into the house as the butler backed away.
“Forgive my sudden arrival, but I wondered if I could speak with you for a moment, my lord,” she added at the end.
She knew that she was very vulnerable, even if he had been in the wrong, and in that moment, she needed everything to go right. She needed to let that little spark of hope in her chest to fan into flame, for there was no other choice. She wouldn’t give into her terrible fate without a fight.
Looking into Nathaniel's eyes, however, she could see the kindness and affection still in them. But there was guilt too, and he reached out his hand for her.
She took it and he said, “Of course, come with me.” He threw the butler a stern look, and Mr. Fitzgerald greeted her kindly as Nathaniel took her into the sitting room and shut the door.
They stood facing each other for a few moments, breathing in and out, his hand on hers, his eyes staring into her own. He looked terrible, with dark circles under his eyes, his clothing wrinkled and disheveled, his cravat practically untied, his hair untidy, and a beard growing on his chin. But still, she could feel the love she had for him strong in her chest. It would not be moved.
“I must say I'm very glad to see you, Jane,” Nathaniel said. “Despite everything.”
She watched his throat work with a swallow, and she could tell he was nervous. Needing all the strength she could get, she pulled her hand out of his and put her hands behind her back, taking one step away. When she was close to him, her mind went fuzzy, and she needed to hear the truth straight from the horse’s mouth and focus as she did.
