Page 54 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“You will not be joining the party, my lady?”

“No, Chambers. I plan to have one of my own.”

Hesitating only a moment over that cryptic reply, the butler bowed and left.

“This way, my lord.” She led Kinellan into the room where they’d met so abruptly three days ago.

“A room that has seen its share of interesting conversations, I’ll wager.” Kinellan headed straight to a sideboard and poured himself a drink. “I’m sorry there’s no sherry, Maria. I daresay you could use some fortification as well, what with the cold ride and the coming interview.”

“Thank you, no.” Maria twisted her hands together, still uncertain what she was actually going to say to Lord Kersey. “I believe my anger at his treachery continues to warm me just fine.”

With a chuckle, the marquess downed his drink and set the glass on the sideboard. “I’ve rarely looked so forward to a woman speaking her mind. It’s much more entertaining when one is not the target.”

The door opened and Lord Kersey entered, a broad smile on his face. His cheeks were a bright pink, from the exercise of the dancing or from his cups, was unclear. Maria would wager on the latter.

“Cousin Maria!” The jovial host headed straight for her and took her hands. “We believed you would not return for some days yet.” He glanced at Kinellan. “My lord. We weren’t exactly sure where you had gone.”

“I’ve been to London, to see Mr. Clarke.”

Kersey dropped her hands as though they had suddenly caught fire. The underlying color seemed to leech out of Kersey’s skin before her eyes, leaving hectic red blotches on his cheeks and nose. “You did?”

“Yes.” Needing to put some distance between them, Maria strolled to the fireplace. “He was quite surprised that I knew nothing about my husband’s will, or of his own visit to Kersey Hall over two weeks ago.” She turned to face the scoundrel again. “Of course, he assumed you were indeed the gentleman he mistook you for and would actually give me the letters he sent telling me of my inheritance.”

“Cousin Maria.” His now leering smile made her skin crawl. “You were still distraught over your husband’s death. I didn’t want to worry you over financial matters at a time like that.”

“The only time I felt truly distraught, my lord, was when your son tried to ravish me in the woods.” Anger bubbled up from deep within her. “I believed at the time he acted simply from lust, but now I understand the true depths of his despicable plan.” She stared into Kersey’s wide, horror-filled eyes. “Your despicable plan to have him compromise me so I would have to marry him and forfeit all my inheritance to my new husband.”

“Cousin . . . Maria.” The earl trembled, his hands shaking so badly he seemed to have developed palsy. “It was never that. Anthony has been attracted to you from the day you met. Unfortunately, he does have a reputation, well-deserved I’m sorry to say, as a rake. Gentlemen like that allow their passions to rule them.”

“I’d hardly call someone with such savage, animalistic behavior a ‘gentleman,’ my lord.” From the sideboard, where he’d poured himself another drink, Kinellan scowled at Kersey with such intensity the earl cringed. “You should have taken a horse whip to him the first time he tried to assault a woman.”

“Fortunately, I managed to escape his advances. And as I am quitting Kersey Hall this very night, I expect never to see your son or you again, unless it is at some public function.” She glared at him. “In which case I pray you, do not address me if you see me. I will not be speaking to either of you.”

“Cousin—”

“Do not call me ‘cousin.’” Fury rising, Maria darted toward him and he jumped back. “I refuse to claim kinship with someone who would try to take my inheritance from me, and by such brutal and nefarious means.”

“My lady, please calm yourself.” Worry lines had popped out on Kersey’s forehead. “Certainly we can come to some amicable agreement?”

“Agreement about what?” The man was mad if he thought she would agree to anything he proposed.

“Your inheritance, of course.” The earl twisted his hands together.

“What agreement can you possibly imagine I would come to with you about my rightful legacy?” Her words dripped venom.

“Your husband had no right to leave you . . . that legacy.” Kersey puffed out his chest. “The loss of that property could destabilize the earldom.”

“What property are you talking about?” Maria fought to keep her countenance. “How would you know what was in that will, my lord? Mr. Clarke said he did not share its contents with you.”

“I don’t know, exactly. But anything taken from the earldom will weaken both it and the Kersey heritage. Your husband—”

“My late husband was a rake and a cad and a thoroughly irresponsible man. Just like your son.” Glaring at the earl, Maria stalked toward him. “That will was possibly the one selfless thing he did in his entire life. And Mr. Clarke assures me that all the properties listed in it were not part of the entail and therefore within his legal right to bequeath to me for my maintenance and that of our child.”

“Properties?” A fine sweat had broken out on Kersey’s brow. “He left you more than one?”

A snort of amusement from Kinellan brought a smile to Maria’s lips as well. Time to leave.

“Lord Kersey, I will bid you adieu. You showed me what I believed to be kindness, but was actually a ploy to steal my future. Therefore, I am removing to London until I decide which of my properties I will be residing in permanently. Enjoy your Christmas party.” She pulled on her gloves. “Your greenery in the hallway is quite lovely. And when the party is done, if you decide to come to London to further your celebration, be sure you bespeak your lodgings beforehand. For I can assure you, the Kersey townhouse will be occupied.”