“If our quest takes us to Palin's, then I'm afraid that won't be possible,” he explained, “they have a policy against allowing women over the threshold.”
“What? How ridiculous!” she exclaimed.
He shrugged. “I did not say that I agreed with it. As a matter of fact, it is one of the reasons I declined to attend Palin's after the accident.”
“I cannot remain here doing needlepoint while you are discovering what happened to Elias!” she rasped, fiercely.
“Thank goodness you've returned. I was about to send out a search party!” Edric boomed.
Keaton pinpointed the voice to the door leading to the drawing room. He smiled over gritted teeth.
Uncle Edric seems to turn up at the oddest moments lately.
“Uncle, another unexpected visit,” he greeted.
“Yes, well, I happened to be in the area and it's a good job I was, frankly. I believe you've had a theft.”
Keaton frowned. “A theft? Of what?”
“I couldn't say, but I found your bureau broken in two. What did you keep in there?”
Keaton waved the question aside. “Has there been any signs of intruders in the house or a forced entry?” he demanded.
“Well, not that I'm aware of. There is nobody in the house allowed to enter your study except me, is there?”
Georgia opened her mouth, and Keaton heard the sharp intake of breath. He spoke quickly.
“Unless you have invited house guests, Uncle? I am told you feel like you've been running Westvale for me.”
He kept his voice light and jocular, but there was serious intent behind his comment, and he did not want Georgia mentioning Amelia. Not if Edric hadn't already realized that Amelia was here.
What am I doing? Distrusting my Uncle?
It felt as though he were hacking away at a foundation of his life. Something that held Westvale up, a keystone. But there were so many things that did not add up. The ring being hidden. The fact that his accident was only now seeming like it might not have been an accident after all...
Why did my uncle never mention another person being involved? Unless it was not an accident. It was something else entirely, and I have been lied to for years…
“I am a support only. A buttress for the edifice that is Westvale,” Edric said, humbly.
“My old friend, the Earl of Chester, related that you had presented yourself as considerably more than that,” Keaton muttered.
“Perhaps in your younger days or when you were recovering from your accident. In those days, I did a lot for Westvale, you must admit,” his uncle laughed awkwardly.
Keaton nodded. “You did indeed. And I am grateful. Immensely so. Well, Edric, on the topic of Westvale’s benefit, you will bepleased to know that my marriage to Georgia is to be extended beyond the planned thirty days.”
He felt Georgia's hand against his and let his fingers twine through hers. Her skin was soft, and her fingers slender and delicate.
“I am indeed. Most pleased,” Edric replied, somewhat uncertainly. “…Is that wise though, Your Grace?”
“Why would it not be, Lord Swinthorpe?” Georgia asked boldly.
“Because you have known each other for less than a month. This was never meant to be a genuine marriage. I wonder what has changed to so radically alter my nephew's mind. You can confirm, Your Grace, that our original plan was to annul the marriage and send your former wife back to Silverton. Until recently, that was the plan at least,” he explained bluntly.
Keaton felt his anger rise. Had he made such a monstrous plan? He knew that it had formed part of discussions. Before he had trusted Georgia. Before he had come to care for her. He felt Georgia's hand leave his own with a twitch, sensed her distance from him.
Such words must have hurt to hear. That is why Edric said it, damn him! He wants to drive her away.
“Apologize!” he snarled.
