“It’s all a damned lie. The witch used us both. She blackmailed me into helping her get some blasted painting, promising me that I would keep the earldom, and in the end, you would be mine. I’m afraid my greed and jealousy of my cousin influenced my actions. You will not marry Jack!”
“Beau, my darling, you must not blame Jack. He is a good man who cared well for me when I was attacked by a wild boar.”
“I will thank him for that, but forgive me for not asking about your health? I have been beside myself with worry, but when you ran to me with such energy, in my joy, I forgot you’d been injured. Forgive me, my angel. If you are well to travel, we will leave at once for England.”
“But the baroness will never agree.”
Emily had stood silent witness to the lovers’ reunion. They were so caught up in their emotions that they hadn’t even acknowledged her presence.
She cleared her throat. “Cynthia, you must tell Beauford your news. You must not worry that I know your condition. I mean you no harm. Jenee confided in me, and I believe your news will be well received.”
Bright spots of red flushed Cynthia’s cheeks, and Emily hoped the girl possessed a backbone and would rise to the occasion and show strength.
Cynthia looked embarrassed, and Beauford looked concerned. “What is she talking about, Cynthia? What news have you to tell me? Is it about your injury? Are you all right?”
Cynthia cupped his cheeks. “My darling, it is wonderful news, and I hope your joy will be as great as mine.” She whispered, “I am with child.”
Emily could not help but be moved by the emotion that played across Beauford’s face. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. He was speechless, but Emily could see his eyes fill with tears. “And you would have let another man raise our child?”
“No, I was going to run away from here back to England and beg for your protection, but the attack by the beast waylaid my plan.”
“Oh, my darling, I am the worst of men to have put you through this.”
“No, sir, you are the worst of men for taking what wasn’t yours,” said Emily.
“I beg your pardon?” Beauford asked.
“If you truly mean to do right, you must give Jack back his earldom and estate and clear his name.”
“Never!”
“Would you risk your life and future in a duel? Because that is what I fear will follow if you don’t.”
“A duel?”
“Yes, I believe Jack will challenge you to one, and I cannot blame him if he does.”
“If I were to clear his name and cede to him all he has lost, I would condemn myself to ignominy.”
“Perhaps you haven’t heard the rumors that have spread throughout theton,” Emily said. “You are already disgraced, and it is only a matter of time before you are called before a tribunal of your peers and brought to judgment. It is likely you will lose the earldom in any event. Better to do the right thing and restore order.”
“But I would be penniless and unable to provide for my bride and child.”
“That is ridiculous. Cynthia stands to inherit both her uncle’s and father’s estate, which, as you know, are quite large. In fact, you would possess wealth beyond your wildest dreams.”
Beauford chuckled. “You forget, Lady Remington, that Cynthia’s aunt, the baroness, holds custody of her inheritance. If we decamp, she is sure to refuse us her blessing and challenge us in court. Cynthia has not come of age and must abide by the legal stance of her trust.”
“I have not forgotten,” Emily replied. “We are dealing with a treacherous woman with evil intent who will do whatever it takes to hold on to power and fortune. But she does not know what we know, and I have a plan to destroy her, and Cynthia’s fortune will then be yours. My husband could then assume guardianship and grant you entitlement. You will have the means to start anew and build a meaningful life. That is, if you agree to my terms.”
“Beauford, we must listen to Lady Remington. I believe she is right,” pleaded Cynthia.
Beauford studied Cynthia’s face, and Emily read the unmistakable impression of love in his eyes.
A look of resolve filled his features. “What is your plan, and what would you have me do?”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Maremma, Italy
