One Rogue at a Time by Lee Jade

Author:Lee, Jade [Lee, Jade]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2015-11-30T08:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

It was true! Everything her mother had told her was true! She was the granddaughter of the Earl of Cavener.

She looked back at Mr. Hallowsby, saw his stunned face, and everything in her grew even brighter. He doubted her. He doubted her mother. But it was true, and now, by God, she would go to London and demand to know why she’d been thrown into the wilds of Hull never to be acknowledged.

“I must copy this page,” she said.

“Well, as to that,” the vicar said, “I could write it down and affix my name to it. But my dear, if someone doubts your true heritage, you will need a solicitor to come and make an official copy.”

“Thank you, sir. I shall certainly do that should it come to it. But if you would write what you can, then I would be ever so grateful.” She gave him her best smile, which happened to be especially bright right now.

“Certainly. A pleasure,” he said with an answering grin. And off the man went carrying the record book with him.

She laughed. She couldn’t help it. It was true. She’d had her doubts. Of course she had. And there was still so much that had to be answered, but—

“Tell me everything.”

She glanced up at Mr. Hallowsby’s gruff words. His face was tight, his jaw tense.

“I have told you—”

“Bollocks, you have not. Look, this is a dangerous game you’re playing. Do you think the bloody Earl of Cavener is going to welcome you with open arms? Assuming this really is your mother’s name, he sent you off to Hull for a reason, and he might not like you coming back.”

“Assuming?” she sputtered. “Assuming! It bloody well is me mum!”

“Damn it, Bluebell, listen to me. It doesn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t you be recognized? Why haven’t you gone to a finishing school and been raised as you ought?”

“Well, that’s wot I want to know! I’m going t’ see ’im—”

“Mind your h’s,” he snapped. Then he rubbed a hand over his face. “Bloody hell.”

“And you mind your language. I’m a lady, if you recall.”

“No, I don’t recall. And you’re nothing of the sort.”

She pulled herself up to her full height and stared down her nose at him, just like she’d seen Mrs. Pursley do to her a million times. “I am indeed a lady. That’s what the book says.”

“No, the book says you’re legitimate. That’s a miracle, true enough, but it takes a great deal more to be a lady.”

“Bollocks,” she snapped back.

He gripped her arm, his fingers tightening painfully. She gasped and tried to wrench away, but he held her fast. “Let me think,” he said between clenched teeth.

“You’re ’urting me,” she said, her voice low and angry.

It took him a moment to understand her words. A moment before his eyes widened and his hand abruptly released her.

“Damnation, I’m sorry, Bluebell. But you need to let me think.”

“I need to go see my father,” she returned. Then she grinned, happiness bubbling out his name with true joy.

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