Page 112 of The Earl She Once Saved

“A woman may care for a man and still be safe in it.”

“I have tried that.”

“With Roland.”

“With a Thornlow.”

Verity looked toward Sergeant. The dog had placed his head upon his paws, but his eyes followed every movement she made.

“I will not be made a fool of twice,” she vowed. “I need to know whether there is anything else.”

Win’s brows drew together. “Anything else?”

“Letters from Roland, arrangements between them, some proof of what they discussed in Ripon.”

“You should ask him.”

“I did ask him. He told me only what he could no longer hide.”

Win’s unease deepened. “What do you intend to do?”

Verity looked at her.

Understanding entered Win’s face. “No, you cannot possibly mean that.”

“I have not asked yet.”

Win frowned. “You need not.”

“His room is at the end of the west passage.”

“I know where his room is.”

“And right now, he is downstairs with Mr. Bellamy,” Verity mused.

“No.”

“I need only a few minutes.”

“My lady, you cannot search a gentleman’s room.”

“He searched through my life before he ever came here,” Verity reminded her. “He knew the debts, the tenants, the condition of the estate. He knew Roland had returned.”

“That is not the same.”

“No. He was invited to know those things. I was not given the same courtesy.”

Win folded her arms, shaking her head. “You will regret it.”

“I already regret trusting him.”

The words came too sharply. Sergeant lifted his head.

Win looked toward the dog, then back at Verity. “If you find nothing, you will have wronged him.”

“And if I find something?”

“Then you will wish you had not.”