The Disappearing Duchess by Anne Herries Read Free Book Online Page B

one another’s lives.’
    ‘I told you that when you asked me to wed you, Justin.’
    ‘I believed I knew you,’ he said and a tiny nerve flicked at his temple. ‘Now I know that I was wrong. I think we must both work at this, Lucinda. I did not mean to be so harsh earlier. Had I not cared for you, it would not have been such a shock to learn that you were not what I thought you.’
    ‘Yes, I understand you must feel disgust and anger,’ she said, but kept her head high. ‘I have apologised for not telling you—but I am as I was. I did nothing to encourage that man’s attack, I promise you.’
    ‘You will give me his name?’
    ‘What do you intend to do?’ She was startled, her eyes on his face.
    ‘He may well be your blackmailer—had you not thought of him?’
    ‘No,’ Lucinda whispered, putting a hand to her throat. ‘I have not thought about who wrote the note.’
    ‘You have not wondered?’ Justin looked puzzled. ‘Surely you must realise that whomever it was will most likely try again. Next time I insist that you bring the letter to me.’
    ‘Yes,’ she said, not daring to meet his eyes. ‘But it was not signed.’
    ‘No, it would not be—but sometimes there is a clue. Was it well written or badly formed?’
    ‘Oh, I had not thought…well written, I think. Yes, the letters were clear and there were no spelling or grammar mistakes.’
    ‘Then it makes it more likely that it was either your father’s friend himself—or perhaps the doctor who assisted at the birth. Who else would know your secret, Lucinda?’
    ‘Grandmama, my parents and the doctor—also my grandmother’s servants. They knew what had happened, I am sure.’
    ‘Yes, they must, but most servants could not write a letter of that quality. I think it narrows the options a little.’
    ‘Unless…Grandmama had friends. She may have told someone in confidence.’ Lucinda raised her eyes to his. ‘Why is it important?’
    ‘Because I must be ready in case whomever it is tries again. You will not pay, Lucinda. You will have nothingto do with this person, whomever it may be. I shall deal with the problem, do you hear me?’
    ‘Yes, of course.’
    ‘Very well. We shall not speak of this again unless we must.’ He moved towards her. For a moment she thought he meant to touch her or kiss her, but instead he picked up a perfume bottle from the dressing table and held it to his nose. ‘This is such a haunting scent. I kept smelling it when you were away and it brought you closer. I am glad to have you back, Lucinda.’
    She swallowed hard. ‘Thank you for accepting me.’
    ‘You are my wife. What else should I do?’
    The expression in his eyes caused Lucinda’s heart to race. For a moment she thought he would take her into his arms and kiss her. Had he done so she would have clung to him, returned his kisses and then confessed her secret, but the look faded. He inclined his head to her, then turned and walked away without touching her or speaking further.
    Lucinda stared at the door for some moments after he closed it behind him. She almost wished that he had raged at her. His quiet, controlled anger was hard to bear. She could not blame him, because she’d brought it on herself, but it still hurt. Justin had been so courteous towards her, so careful and caring of her feelings and her comfort. Where had that charming, gentle, teasing gentleman gone? Would she ever see him again—or had her thoughtless deceit destroyed him?
    Sitting on the edge of the bed, she discovered thatshe could no longer hold back her tears. They trickled unheeded down her cheeks for some minutes, then she wiped them away. She would not waste time feeling sorry for herself.
    She must think about the future. If she was to keep her daughter and hide the secret from Justin, it would mean taking Alice into her confidence. Her maid was honest and would help her by taking messages to her daughter and making excuses for her absence when she went to visit the