“They can have as much of it as they want, and wear plaid to their hearts’ content, so long as the true history is not eclipsed. Truth is always best, don’t you think?”
“It is hard to disagree with the rightness of truth, Miss MacCallum. Some history, true though it may be, is best not to dwell on, however.”
“I do not dwell. I merely honor it.”
He looked as if he wanted to say more but declined to do so. Perhaps he had decided to avoid an argument today.
“I am glad you called, Your Grace. It gives me an opportunity to tell you that I have found more proof.”
Any indication that he was experiencing an uncharacteristic lack of confidence disappeared. He did not straighten or puff up. If anything, he relaxed in that chair, his strong hands resting on the arms and his feet placed just so in order for his half-outstretched legs to convey his utter lack of concern. His pose turned that chair into a throne.
“Have you now? Am I to learn what it is?”
“I have met a man who remembers my grandfather, and that he was called the baron by those who knew him since he was a child.”
“It may have only been a reference to his manner.”
“It may have been a reference to his history.”
“Did this man who remembered him say anything about that history, to give you reason to believe that?”
She wanted to lie. Badly. She wanted to smugly announce that he had regaled her for an hour with all the details and produced a letter from his own father that revealed the entire episode. That would set this proud duke back on his heels for at least a moment or two.
“It is enough for me to be even more confident that I am pursuing a just cause,” she said instead.
“Finding this man was convenient to that cause.”
“Mr. Hume—” She tripped over her words in mid-thought.Convenient?
“I wondered if Mr. Hume had not helped you find him.”
“I hope you are not saying that because Mr. Hume was involved, you do not trust this proof as truthful. Mr. Hume is not dishonest, whatever else you may think of him.”
“Had the proof been real proof, I would have wondered about the sudden discovery of someone to provide it. However, because it is not proof at all, I will not insult Hume with that suspicion.”
Insult her too, not that he said as much. “I think that short of resurrecting from their graves those who brought my grandfather to Northumberland, and procuring their testimonies, you will not believe any proof I obtain.”
“That is not true. However, a passing reference to a man as baron, if indeed that memory is accurate after all these years, does not make him a baron’s son. If I call a man an ass due to his behavior and manner, he will not start braying.” His gaze caught and held hers. “Is Mr. Hume looking for others who might have proof? There are notices in the papers that I believe indicate he is.”
“Those aremynotices, paid for byme.”
“I am sure you will receive responses. A lot of them.”
“You are?”
“Of course. As I said, the word is out. The notices are clearly yours. There will be those who hope to profit from this, who will tell you whatever you want to hear. When it starts, let me know. I will listen with you, and make sure the liars are revealed for what they are.”
“Perhaps some won’t be liars.”
He smiled vaguely. “Perhaps. In that case, we will hear the proof together.”
She did not believe he wouldeverhearanyproof correctly. However, she would love to see his expression if someone came forward with knowledge of that time that was accurate and true. “Should I receive responses that appear they might be fruitful, I will send word to you of my meetings, so you can be present if you so choose.”
“Thank you. Now, I should take my leave before Mrs. Hume falls over. She has been stretching and leaning in our direction so long and so precariously, I doubt she can keep her seat much longer.” He stood and bowed. Then he paused and gazed down on her. “Primrose.”
“Excuse me?”
“In this light, you should wear a dress the color of primrose, I think.”
