“That isn’t being polite,” he said. “That is cowardly.”
Purity gasped. “It does not hold that one who is reserved and well-mannered is a coward,” she said. “Simply because I lack boldness of speech and action.”
“Then tell me,” he demanded.
“Lady Varley,” she said simply, her tone brittle.
He sighed. In truth, he was a little surprised this bee had got into Purity’s bonnet again. He thought that was behind them.
“I told you she is in the past.”
“But not the distant past,” she insisted. “Much more recently, I understand. Were you or were you not alone with her in your home?” She tilted her head and observed his reaction.
The devil take him!Instantly, he realized he ought to have told her. Appearances were important in his world, and vastly more so to Purity. And this appeared bad indeed.
With Purity’s gaze upon him, Matthew could not lie, but fortunately, he didn’t need to.
“The incident was so inconsequential I did not bring it to your attention. Lady Varley came to my home with the intent of us taking up together.”
Hadn’t he told himself Purity was a smart, discerning woman?But she could not have guessed this. Emilia had to have told her. He wondered what else the witch had said.
Purity remained silent, still watching and waiting.
“I should have told you,” he said, understanding dawning on him. “Because if we are a couple, then there ought not to be secrets between us.”
She nodded.
“At least now I know why I have been banished. May we sit?”
Stiffly, she took a seat upon the sofa. Purposefully, he sat on a chair rather than beside her.
“I would not do anything to hurt you,” he vowed. “When she showed up at my door, I told her in plain, uncertain terms I was not interested, and she left.”
“Even after I told you Lord Varley had paid me a visit, you didn’t return the confidence.”
He considered his actions. “I knew it would bother you, but I can seenottelling you has bothered you more.”
“Especially because I had to hear it fromher, as if you two shared a clandestine pact.”
Her wounded tone broke his heart, and he couldn’t help rising to his feet and going over to sit beside her.
If possible, she sat even straighter and stiffer. Not caring about the propriety, he reached for her hand, which was ungloved, soft and perfect, and held it between both of his.
“Please, kitten. That woman is not worth a disagreement of this proportion. I, for one, am only grateful she is not my wife. I even feel sorry for Varley.”
She nodded, staring at their entwined hands. “I suppose I do, too.”
“Please forgive me for not telling you.” With the matter explained, Matthew thought she would agree to forgive him. He was wrong.
“I do not care for lies or half-truths,” she said, “or being kept in the dark.”
“Naturally,” he agreed. “And I won’t do it again. I promise.”
“Is there anything else you wish to disclose?” she asked.
He swallowed, his mind casting around through all the years of misbehavior.
“Could you be more specific?” he asked. “If you wish me to tell you about every poor choice I’ve made, then we might need to order the tea tray.”
