He snorted a laugh. “Of course, we must trust the word of a liar. He’s exactly like his father and grandfather.”
“You don’t know him!”
“I know enough!” He paused, only to suck in a breath. “He’s an ungrateful, conniving scoundrel, just like his father, and you shall never marry him.”
“Try me.” She matched his tone.
“My lord?” Lowe called from the entry hall.
“We’ll talk about him later.” He walked away, staggering a little.
She stood in the middle of the corridor, stunned and shaking now that the confrontation was over. Tristan would never lie to her. He’d promised. He wouldn’t. And he’d spent the night shivering in bed although that didn’t mean anything. The whole attack on Papa could have been orchestrated by him without him leaving his house. But she didn’t believe he was guilty.
She walked to her bedroom and sat on the bed, her legs shaking. Barking came from the hallway, and voices drifted. She sagged her shoulders, wondering what was next.
“My lady.” A maid dropped a quick curtsy. “Lady Vaughan wishes to see you.”
Oh, well. She waved a hand in agreement.
“Do you want to see her in the drawing room, my lady?”
“No, please ask Lady Vaughan to come here. I’m tired.” Effie blew out a long breath.
She didn’t have patience for Jane, but after what Papa had said about Lord Vaughan, she believed Jane might have some information.
Jane entered slowly as if walking on her tiptoes. Her hair was styled in a simple chignon, instead of the usual complicated braid. No pendants or plush silk sash adorned her plain dark gown.
Instant worry got Effie. “Is Turi all right?” She sat upright.
Jane lowered her gaze. “Yes. I didn’t come here to talk about Turi.”
“I think I know why you’re here.” She gestured at the stuffed chair.
“Are you angry with me?” Jane asked, ignoring the seat.
“No. Truly. Only tired.”
Jane perched on the chair, looking like a scolded schoolgirl. “People are saying John is helping Montcrest do some financial tricks to ruin people, and that I’m their accomplice because I was seen entering Montcrest’s house.” She sniffled. “I promise we aren’t doing anything. We would never hurt you or your family. Those rumours are lies.”
“Oh, Jane. I never thought you were attacking us.” She hugged Jane, holding her tightly.
“We would never do that. I don’t understand how people could be so cruel.”
She released her friend. “Rumours are cruel. They start like a breeze and turn into a hurricane, destroying everything in their path.”
“You’re right.” Jane let out a sob, and Effie held her hand without saying anything. Jane had already heard enough.
“I’m glad you don’t believe the rumours.” Jane wiped her eyes with a lace-trimmed handkerchief. “That taught me a lesson, didn’t it? I’ll be quiet from now on. No more meddling with gossip. I’m sorry for having been unbearable the last time we spoke.”
“Forgiven, forgotten, and I wasn’t nice, either.”
“And I hope you’ll let me help you organise your wedding.” Tears hung in Jane’s eyelashes. “I was wrong to doubt Montcrest solely on rumours. But I trust you. If you like him, then he must be a truly exceptional gentleman.”
“He is.” She hugged her friend again, laughing with her.
The best way to protect Jane was to find who was attacking Papa, and she knew how to do that.
After Jane left,Effie washed and changed, getting ready to see Tristan again. He understood financial tricks better than anyone.
