“Is that your middle name?”
“Well, yes, but why—”
“But most people refer to you as William, do they not?”
He could keep the secret from her no longer. Nodding, he folded his arms. “I don’t know who told you, but indeed, I am Lord William Dorsey.”
Scowling, she shook her head. “I cannot fathom why you would want to lie to me – to everyone you’ve met since you’ve been here, but I can assure you, the game you played with my heart will not be forgotten.”
She moved toward her horse, and he followed.
“Forgive me if I offended you in any way. That was not my intent.”
She threw a glare at him over her shoulder. “And what exactly was your intent?”
Sighing heavily, he frowned. “I didn’t want women to think I was in the marriage market.”
“Truly, my lord, you went through a lot of deceiving to get that point across, when all you had to do was be honest when talking to women.”
He took her arm, stopping her, but once again, she pulled away from him.
“I beg you, please forgive me.” His chest clenched, not liking the sadness buried deep in her expression.
“I shall promise to consider it.”
“I’ll cherish that promise. However, for now, I would beg you to keep my secret. I don’t want people to know I live in the manor yet.”
“If you insist.” She lifted her chin, stubbornly.
“Will you tell me how you know my identity?”
“I actually didn’t know, but I suspected. There were small hints along the way.” She narrowed her gaze on him. “Were you aware that your aunt enjoys talking about her favorite nephews? Last night, when I’d asked her if you looked like the earl, she was more than willing to give me your description. Of course, it wasn’t until today – when my head finally cleared – that I finally started putting the pieces of your deceitful puzzle together.”
His mind grew blank, and his heart hammered. No wonder she’d been so irritable. And yet, she too, had been keeping a secret from him about her only wanting Collin because of his money. Part of him wanted to blame her for not being honest with him about her true purpose with landing a wealthy husband, and yet... he was the one who had started the game of dishonesty. Perhaps he shouldn’t be so hard on her.
“It would appear I am the bigger fool now.”
“Indeed, you are.”
She moved to her horse and prepared to mount, but he touched her arm, stopping her. “Before you leave, will you promise me something?”
“My lord, I would rather not promiseyouanything.”
He frowned. “Just keep my secret for a few days longer. I assure you, it won’t be long before the real Lord William returns to Hanover Hall.”
Laughter bubbled up in her throat. She quickly mounted and adjusted the reins in her hands. “I fear, my lord, that there would be no reason to tell anyone your secret. Everyone knows that I don’t like to gossip. Remember?”
She kicked the horse and rode off before he could stop her again. Irritation made him fist his hands by his sides. Not often did he meet women who could turn the tables on him, but it appeared that Miss Benson was playing him at his own game.
Well, he’d have to ensure she didn’t win.
