Page 11 of The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

“And you were grief-stricken for a time, I was told.”

She paused before answering, again unusual. “Yes, I secluded myself for a time, out of respect for Lord Carrington’s passing.”

“And then the gossip began.”

Bowing her head, she nodded.

“Was there anything that might have precipitated it? Other than simply your betrothal?” There must’ve been some reason for the gossip to start, although the ton’s tongues might wag if a dog died.

With a deep sigh, the lady raised her head, her mouth set in stern lines. “About a month after his lordship died, I became…ill. A slight indisposition only, and one that had occurred before.” Now she avoided his eyes, and her cheeks grew rosy red. “I remained in bed for several days. We believe one of the maids told this to a neighbor’s servant and that is how the tale of a child began. A story that is far, far from the truth, but has nevertheless been believed from that day to this.”

“I see.” Nathan did see how such an indisposition, coming at that particular time, could be construed as a miscarriage. And there would be no way to refute it, save denials. Which would not be believed. The prevailing lax climate that unofficially condoned couples acting married when they were not would be cited as the norm, and the guilt of the lady would be automatically assumed. “Was there anything else?”

She paused then nodded. “I was not with Lord Carrington at his death bed, but people who were there said that he continually asked about…a child. His child.”

Nathan closed his eyes briefly then asked in what he hoped was a normal tone of voice, “What do you make of that, Miss Burrowes?”

“All I can think is that the illness caused him to speak wildly.” Defiantly, she met his gaze. “I can only tell you that I bore him none.”

A disturbing development to say the least. No wonder the lady’s reputation had remained in ruins.

“So now that you know the truth, my lord, what do you intend to do?” Her tone affirmed that she believed he could do nothing.

Likely, she was correct. He’d sought her version of the facts simply to corroborate what Haversham had told him, and to hear it from her own lips, in the hope that he would discover her innocent. But did he believe her tale?

“Thank you so much for your candid words, Miss Burrowes. I know it was not easy for you to relive this episode in your life.”

“On the contrary, Lord Ainsley, I have relived it almost every day of my life since the gossip began. It no longer upsets me as it used to.” She set her jaw, giving her a fierce countenance. “I hope my story has illuminated the situation, although if you are like most people, you must make up your own mind as to my guilt or innocence.”

With a swift nod, he raised the ribbons to start the team. She was absolutely correct. He would need to consider her words, play them against Haversham’s account, and decide which version seemed more likely. And then act upon that decision.