The Scandalous Lyon by Maggi Andersen

Author:Maggi Andersen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-03-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Beverly’s somewhat garbled account of her circumstances faded with the last gasp of her breath. She smoothed the skirts of her primrose-spotted muslin and gazed anxiously at Jason, who, while sipping a glass of wine, had not interrupted her beyond an encouraging nod of his head. Although she had glossed over Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s dastardly plot to entrap him, the implication was clear, and, added to the unsavory business surrounding her father, he must be shocked. Indeed, she wondered why he hadn’t excused himself and left. But he was still seated there, regarding her thoughtfully over the glass, and she did feel a little easier for having unburdened herself. She could now meet his gaze with honesty.

His eyes smiled reassuringly into hers, sparking a need in her she tried to ignore. “I can understand your mother’s concern to see you safe, Miss Crabtree, with this affair hanging over your father,” he said with what she considered courteous disregard to the dire circumstances he’d almost been caught up in. “What I don’t understand is your grandfather’s reluctance to help you.”

“We haven’t sought Grandpapa’s help,” Beverly admitted.

He leaned forward and picked up a biscuit. “Why not?”

“Grandpapa was furious when Mama defied him and married my father,” Beverly said. “Once he learns about my father, he would consider his objection to the marriage to be justified.”

She watched him bite into the biscuit. Had she lost his friendship? He could do nothing to help her. And why should he try? Her nape prickled at having the horror of her circumstances laid bare before him. She felt very much alone. Providing a small measure of relief to her, at least his lordship now knew the truth. No one could pull the wool over his eyes, not even devious Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

She took a sip of her cooling tea. “So, you see, my lord, there is nothing anyone can do. When Mama returns to London, I shall beg her to take me home to Horsham.”

“I appreciate you confiding in me.” Putting down his wine glass, he rested his hands on his knees. “The way I see it, Miss Crabtree, we can do one of two things.”

Bewildered, she lifted her eyebrows. “We?”

“This is not something you can undertake alone. The first option would be to seek my brother, the Duke of Shewsbury’s, assistance.”

“Oh, no! That would not serve at all.” Beverly’s voice grew faint when the image of that splendid figure she’d seen in the club swam before her eyes. So composed, cool, and unapproachable.

“Or, we can appeal to your grandfather. I prefer the second option.”

The prospect was every bit as terrifying as facing the duke. If she did that without her mother’s permission, Mama would be astonished and certainly displeased. And how might it be accomplished? “Grandpapa rarely visits London. Mama says he prefers country life.” Beverly recalled the strong, upright figure she had met in Brighton. His ruddy complexion and powerful shoulders spoke of many hours spent in the saddle riding about his lands. “He wouldn’t consent to see me in any case.

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