A Rogue to Ruin (The Pretenders #3) - Darcy Burke Page 0,78
drafting the claim last week, and now that I have the information from Stonehaven, I will finish it with due haste.”
“Excellent.” Rafe slumped back against the chair.
Glover stepped into the library. “My lord, Lord and Lady Rockbourne are here.”
Rafe waved his hand toward himself. “Show them in, please.”
The butler left and a moment later, Beatrix and her husband entered. They wore matching expressions of apprehension.
“What’s wrong?” Selina asked, starting to rise.
Beatrix, who truly looked as if she could be related to Selina and to Rafe, in spite of her diminutive stature, waved her back down. “Here.” She handed a newspaper to Selina and sat down on the other side of her on the settee.
Thomas, Beatrix’s husband, stood nearby. “Rafe,” he said with a nod before giving Harry just the physical acknowledgment.
“Rafe, this says you are the resurrected Earl of Stone.” Selina looked up at him and handed him the paper. “Near the top.”
He took it from her and perused the article under the words, LOST EARL OF STONE IS ALIVE? It detailed that he and Selina were the presumed dead children of the former earl. “How did this find its way to a newspaper?”
Harry stood. “I will ask them directly.”
Selina briefly took his hand. “Thank you.” She turned her head to Beatrix. “People are going to start questioning who you are. I’m so sorry.”
Beatrix shrugged, appearing untroubled. “I am prepared for the onslaught of judgment and dismay when we inform them I am illegitimate and only pretended to be your sister to avoid being ostracized. I am also ready for the confusion and distress when some of them wonder how to treat me since I am a viscountess.” She grinned at them, and Rafe couldn’t help but respect and admire her blithe attitude.
Selina relaxed slightly. “The Beatrix I met at school over fifteen years ago would not have been so secure.” She smiled at her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you. I get all of my courage from you, dear sister. No one can stop me from thinking of you that way.”
“Nor me,” Selina said fiercely.
“I do wonder what my father will say.” Beatrix looked to Thomas. “I suppose I should warn him.”
Thomas frowned. “He doesn’t deserve that.”
“Probably not,” Beatrix said gaily. “What about you, Selina? Are you ready for the difference in the way people will treat you now?” She glanced toward Rafe. “And you?”
Selina exchanged a look with Rafe and shrugged. “I suppose.” She exhaled. “I knew it was coming. I just wanted another day or two.”
Harry faced Rafe. “I’m going to submit your claim to the Prince Regent and the attorney general tomorrow morning. However, before I finish it, I’m going to the newspaper to find out how they learned this information.” He bent and kissed Selina’s brow. “I’ll see you at home later.”
“We’ll drop her at Cavendish Square,” Beatrix offered.
Harry thanked them and left.
Rafe rose. “If you’ll excuse me, this has been a thoroughly eventful day.”
Selina also stood, as did Beatrix with her. “Rafe became betrothed today. Goodness, that will be in the newspaper soon too.” She looked at him. “When do you plan to announce it?”
“How the hell should I know?” He scrubbed his hand through his hair again. “Am I supposed to make an announcement, or will Anne?”
“Anne Pemberton?” Beatrix asked in surprise. At Selina’s affirmative response, she added, “Excellent choice. I like her very much. Though, I’m surprised she agreed to marry someone so soon after her other wedding.” She made a face of disgust before her expression transformed into a warm smile directed at Rafe. “You must have completely won her over. Congratulations, Rafe. I hope you’ll be very happy.”
Thomas cleared his throat. “I would say that Miss Pemberton’s family should make the announcement. You may wish to discuss the particulars with Lady Colton.”
Rafe didn’t want to discuss anything anymore today. He tugged gently at his cravat, but didn’t untie the knot. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m in need of a brandy. Then I’ve apparently a betrothal to announce.”
Selina came toward him and touched his arm. “I’m so glad for you.” She searched his gaze, as if trying to read if he truly was happy. “Please let me know if I can help.”
“I’m sure you can.” He kissed her cheek and departed the library.
If all went according to plan, he would be an earl and a husband before the month was out. And hopefully his uncle would be on his way to the noose.