point.” He grinned at her. “The clerk did remember the fellow who posted one letter. He’d never seen a letter to a duke before.”
“I would be beside myself over that very worry,” she said. “But once I’d put my mind to it, I wouldn’t wait months, as you said. I would wish it to be finished as soon as possible. This person must have a very strong constitution, and a very strong desire to cause trouble. Every few months he’s sent another letter to infuriate you all even more, as if he didn’t wish you to think he’d gone away and forgotten. Like a cat letting a mouse run away, only to pounce on it again.”
He looked at her in surprise. “That’s true. Perhaps money isn’t the villain’s object at all. Perhaps he just wants to ruin my father—or rather, me and my brothers. No one ever questioned Durham’s right to his title. He could have had ten wives and still held the dukedom. Even had he not already died, nothing the blackmailer did could displace him,” he went on, slowly putting facts in order. “My mother died years ago, so is also beyond the reach of any harm. Charlie, Edward, and I are the ones who shall suffer—who are suffering. I can’t think of anyone who would wish that on us, except Father’s cousin Augustus, who stands next in line for the title if Charlie is denied it. And if Augustus is behind this plot, he’s got no need at all of poking at us like caged bears. He can petition the Crown for the title and sweep it out from beneath us.” He fell silent for a moment, trying to comprehend it. “So someone wishes to torment us at leisure. It would certainly explain the letters and their drawn-out timing. The demand for money that was never repeated. And so far, no public denunciation. All the blackmailer has done is turn my family upside down.”
“How did the rumors begin if he hasn’t denounced you?”
“My brother Edward told his fiancée.”
Kate’s face darkened, and for a moment she looked rather fierce. “His fiancée gossiped about your family troubles?”
“No,” he said, surprisingly pleased by her outrage. “Her father sold the story to a gossip rag because he’d squandered his fortune at the gaming tables. He had staved off ruin on his daughter’s expectations. If Edward were to be disinherited, he wouldn’t be wealthy enough to save them.”
“How appalling,” she exclaimed.
“Edward’s well rid of her,” Gerard said frankly. “He thought he loved her, which is why he trusted her, but she obviously didn’t return the feeling.”
She stared at him. “Yes,” she murmured after a pause. “If she didn’t love him enough to keep his secret, he’s well rid of her.”
He pulled her into his arms, tucking her against his chest, and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “And now you must keep it secret also. I don’t want anyone to know what I’m searching for. If this fellow learns I’m in Bath looking for him, he’ll be on guard.”
“I won’t say a word,” she promised.
“Especially not to Lady Darby and Mrs. Woodforde.”
She smiled in acknowledgment. “Especially not, although they are very dear ladies.”
“Granted.” He rested his cheek on her temple. He’d thought it was a kindness not to burden Kate with his worries, but it felt surprisingly good to talk it over with her. “You made excellent points about the minister and his clerk. I find it unlikely they would be behind this, but it’s not impossible.”
“If you’re having difficulties finding the letter writer, it does no harm to look in different directions, just to be sure.”
He sighed. “My father didn’t even recall the clerk’s name. And there may well be a hundred William Ogilvies in Somerset, to say nothing of all England.”
“It’s not that common a name. Surely a few inquiries wouldn’t hurt.”
“Not at all.”
“Then I shall keep my ears alert for any mention of the name.”
He smiled again at her loyal determination to help. It was rather endearing to think of her as his champion. “If you hear word of him, let me know at once.”
“I will.” She nodded firmly. “One way or another we’ll find the wretch behind this.”
We. Now it wasn’t only for his sake; he had her reputation and happiness to protect as well. Gerard held her tight, and said a quick prayer he would be worthy of her trust and confidence. “One way or another.”
Chapter 18
Much to Kate’s delight, Cora Fitzwilliam sent an invitation to go