The Duke's Secret Desire (Regency Romance) (Regency Lords Book 4) by Regina Darcy

Author:Regina Darcy [Darcy, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clean and Wholesome Romance
Published: 2016-07-10T04:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

“Arya! Where have you been?”

She was unused to hearing Bartholomew address her in such a peremptory tone of voice.

“I was out on an errand,” she replied evasively.

“You were told not to go out,” he reminded her. “And I know where you went.”

Arya lifted her chin defiantly. “And am I forbidden to see the members of my family?” she demanded. “You have brought me here as a captive, and now you scold me as if I were a child because I chose to go out!”

“I brought you here because your husband said you were in danger and I want to protect you!” he flung back. “Your brother is a threat to your safety and yet you met him.”

“You are the one who claims that my brother is a threat. I have no indication that this is true. Am I expected to mindlessly obey you with no proof of your accusations?”

“You met with him.”

“I did not!”

“I know that you did, Arya. Do not lie to me! I read the message. I know that you left in secret, telling none of the servants that you were leaving or where you were going. It seems that you are far more adept at deception than I realised.”

“If I am deceptive by your appraisal, who can blame me? You have accused my brother of intending to do me harm, but I have received only consideration from him since my husband’s death. Yes, you are correct and the message came from my brother. I followed the instructions in his message, but I was not taken to my brother. I met with a member of his household, who simply wanted to let me know that if I need help, my brother will be of service. He does not trust the British and he fears that some plot is afoot.”

“Does he also fear for your reputation if the rumour is true that the child you carry belongs not to your late husband but to your Indian lover?” Bartholomew demanded, goaded beyond patience by her trust in her brother and her refusal to credit him with noble motives for her safety.

Arya stared at him in disbelief. “You dare to make such an accusation against me? When have I ever given cause for such an insult? I went from my father’s palace to my husband’s bed and at no time during that journey did I ever commit any act which would have dishonoured either. I have been faithful to my duty. You should grant me that much, you with your talk of duty!”

“Arya, I’m sorry, I met with the Major General and he told me of the rumours.”

“And you gave them credence? You have known me since my marriage and have you ever seen me conduct myself in a manner which was in the least improper?”

“Arya, you must believe me when I tell you that your brother is after his own ends, not your welfare. I should not have reacted as I did, I admit that, but you were gone. What

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