is supposed to be returned but I doubt Lord Morton will receive any of it. From what I ascertained, most of it has already been spent. Lord Morton could press for it in court but it would add to the already brewing scandal.”
“You think the scandal will break now?” she asked anxiously.
“It is inevitable, my love,” Dez said. “Lord Jergens won’t be able to pay his debts again and when his former wife appears in society as Lady Alice once again, the tongues of the ton will wag. He will never be able to find a bride and I am afraid she will not be able to find a husband.”
“Even though she is not at fault?” Anna demanded.
“Polite Society is cruel to women,” he said. “I know that she will always have a friend in you, however.” Looking to Haggard, he asked, “Any progress on the other matters?”
She knew he referred to Lady Eastman and Miss Stone, who still remained at Gollingham.
“I cannot find the doctors who examined them and judged them to be insane,” the runner shared.
“If that’s the case, then do you think there is hope of them being able to leave Gollingham?” she asked hopefully.
“It is early yet, my lady,” Haggard said. “Both your husband and Lord Morton have told me to keep on it.”
“Thank you for bringing us the good news, Haggard,” Dez said.
The agent took his leave and she threw her arms about her husband, soundly kissing him.
“This calls for a celebration,” she said.
“Is that a wicked glint in your eyes, Lady Torrington?” he asked playfully.
“I don’t know, Lord Torrington. Is it?” she responded coyly.
He pulled her to him for a searing kiss. Anna had thought she would never get her fill of him but ever since she learned she was with child, she seemed to be even more frisky when it came to bedding her husband.
“Would you like to retire for an afternoon nap, my lady?”
She yawned. “I do feel rather tired. Perhaps a nap would be just the thing.”
Dez pulled her to her feet and gave her a lingering kiss. “Then nap you shall. And I will supervise you in this endeavor.”
They crossed the room and before they could exit it, Johnson opened the door.
“What is it, Johnson?” Dez asked.
The servant frowned. “There is a Mr. Jefferson here to see you, my lord.”
“Jefferson? I don’t recall knowing any Jefferson.”
Johnson handed over the card he carried, distaste on his face. “He said you would say that.”
Anna glanced down and saw the name Jefferson. Underneath it was the name of the largest newspaper circulating in London.
“A reporter? Whatever could he want?” she asked, her heart speeding up, especially as she saw the worry reflected in Dez’s eyes.
“I will see him,” he informed Johnson, whose brows arched for a moment. “Bring him up.”
When the butler left, Dez said, “Go to our bedchamber. I will—”
“I will not!” she protested. “If this is about me—and Gollingham—then I have a right to hear and be a part of the discussion.”
He sighed. “You are right. I only wished to protect you.”
“And you have,” she reassured him. “But remember, Dez, we are in this together. Our vows spoke to that.”
He kissed her softly. “You are so wise, my dear countess.”
Johnson announced their visitor and Mr. Jefferson came toward them. He was tall and thin and had inquisitive brown eyes.
“Good afternoon, Lord Torrington. Lady Torrington. I am Mr. Jefferson, a journalist investigating Gollingham Asylum.” He looked to Anna. “You are looking well, my lady, for having been a recent patient of the facility.”
Dez took a step toward the man, partially shielding her. “You go too far, Jefferson.”
“I don’t go far enough, my lord,” the reporter countered. “You and Lord Shelton were successful in removing Lady Torrington from the place. I am trying to do the same for other women.”
“We should hear him out,” she said. “Won’t you have a seat, Mr. Jefferson?”
Anna indicated a chair and the journalist took it while she and Dez seated themselves by one another. She knew members of Polite Society never chose to meet with reporters but she was curious about what this man was up to.
“What is the scope and nature of your investigation, Mr. Jefferson?” she asked.
He looked at her frankly. “Thank you for even seeing me, my lady. My lord. I doubted you would but since you didn’t refuse, I believe you to be more openminded than most members of Polite Society.” He took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. “I am not