“Oh, him,” Rollands replied.
She looked up at him, surprised by his tone. “I thought you liked him.”
“I am unsure of my exact thoughts on the matter at this time, my lady.”
“Is this because of yesterday? He didn’t know about my fear of Nathaniel’s study, you know.”
“Yet he man-handled you into the room by force. It was not his place.”
“You are right. It was not his place, but I cannot be angry with him. He did me a great service.”
“I wish you had let me accompany you into that room instead. It would have been less… messy.”
Lisbeth stifled a laugh. “I agree, but it was most cathartic. Was Mrs. Rollands terribly upset with us?”
“She has been in a mood for some time and has the poor maids in fear of their lives.”
“Oh dear. Should I have a word?”
“I have already spoken with her.”
“And?”
“She is now in a mood with me.” He smiled. “I am quite used to her moods, my lady.”
“Oh, but Rollands, I cannot be the cause of your marital misery.”
“I assure you her mood will pass. Do not worry. You might, however, want to worry about Lord Bellamy.”
“Why should I worry about Lord Bellamy?”
“It has come to my notice that he has not collected on any wagers.”
She gasped in surprise. “None? That cannot be!” She stood and stalked over to the window to look out at the busy street below then turned back towards her butler, a frown between her brows.
He shrugged. “Perhaps he has another reason for aiding you.”
Shock made her seek a chair. “He cannot have known why I let him in back then, that I had needed his assistance to re-enter theton. He cannot… I thought he was without funds?” None of this made any sense. How had he been living all this time without claiming his wagers? She did not want to think he was deceiving her about his financial standing. She did not want to think ill of him. Not now, not after yesterday.
“Odd, is it not?” Rollands asked. “Especially as my source tells me Lord Bellamy is racking up debts as we speak.”
“It does not make sense. Why would he continue to carry out the wagers and then not collect the money? Does he plan to pauper thetonall at once?”
“He may still be living off the money he received when he cashed in his commission.”
Yes, of course.“You are right. Perhaps he has just been too busy.”
“Too busy? To collect money?”
“There has to be a reason.” She sat back down at her desk. She needed to be still, to think why he would not have collected the money owed to him. They both looked at each other for a moment, both thinking.
“Have you considered his pride?” Rollands suggested.
“His pride? No, I had not considered it because I thought him a man who possessed neither sense nor pride.” She tapped theletter opener on the table. “I was wrong about his sense. Perhaps I am wrong about his pride as well.”
“I will look into it further. I should not have mentioned it until I knew for sure.”
“Yes, please do.” She bit down on her lip, wondering why Oliver would not have taken what was his. There must be a logical reason. Perhaps it was his pride, just as Rollands said. In that moment she decided this revelation would not ruin her night. She said to Rollands, “In the meantime I must get ready for the opera. Millicent will no doubt be already waiting for me. That will be all, thank you, Rollands.”
