Page 86 of The Earl She Once Saved

“No. But it is considerably more useful.”

The solicitor cleared his throat. Rafe looked toward him.

“Mr. Ellison,” the man said. “Lady Edgeworth’s solicitor.”

He offered his card.

Rafe accepted it. “You have managed her affairs?”

“What legal affairs could be managed in the Earl’s absence.”

The qualification carried enough meaning.

“And you have no certainty where my brother is?”

“Not yet.”

“But you believe he is in Ripon.”

“I believe he was seen there yesterday.”

Rafe felt Verity watching him.

Mr. Ellison bowed to her. “I shall send word the moment I learn more.”

“Thank you.”

She did not sound grateful. The solicitor took his leave. Rafe watched him descend the steps and enter the waiting carriage.

The secret was no longer his. He should have felt relief. Yet Verity learned it from rumor and a solicitor rather than from him.

He turned. She was already walking away.

“Verity.”

“I have correspondence.”

Her pace did not change. He followed her into the study. Sergeant lay before the cold hearth. Verity sank into a chair beside him and placed one hand upon his head. The dog pressed upward into her palm. Her fingers moved through the coarse fur again and again, though she did not appear aware of it.

Rafe remained near the door. “I meant to tell you.”

“When?”

He did not answer quickly enough.

Verity looked down at Sergeant. “Before or after Roland reached the house?”

“I rode out yesterday morning to confirm the letter.”

“And confirmed it.”

“Yes.”

“But said nothing.”

“I intended to meet him before—”

She turned her face toward him. “Before I knew?”