Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Perry summoned Mrs. Higgins, impressed with his ability to make his way to the cord and tug on it himself without stumbling or holding on to any piece of furniture. His strength was greatly improving.
His thoughts were clear and decisive.
He was not above being deceptive to achieve his means.
Mrs. Higgins entered the room a few minutes after being summoned, a tray of broth and toast neatly laid out, with hot tea to temper his appetite. Perry ate everything offered, determined to regain his energy and bring back his robust health.
“Thank you, Mrs. Higgins. I am feeling much restored today. Would I be able to eat more substantial food for my next meal? I must rebuild my strength and cease taking advantage of Fermoy’s great hospitality. There is much to do at Bodmin after all, and I am eager to be on my way.”
“Certainly, my lord,” she said. “The doctor recommended a light diet to start. It gladdens me that you are developing an appetite. A strong man such as yourself requires a hearty diet.”
Perry stood and made his way to the table where the food was laid out.
The housekeeper’s eyes widened when she saw the ease with which he was now moving. To be sitting for a meal was indeed a great achievement after weeks in bed.
“I have a question for you,” Perry began, using his lightest, most non-threatening tone. “A young girl came to visit me this morning. She was such a delight, and I seem to have forgotten her name. Could you please tell me about the young girl who lives on the estate?”
Mrs. Higgins flushed noticeably, a small gasp her initial response. She moved around the room, tidying up and closing the curtains for the evening.
“Oh, dear, my lord. I… Uh… I’m not sure what you mean,” the housekeeper stuttered, suddenly focused on pulling up the bed linens and changing them while Perry was taking his meal.
“I should freshen this bed for you, my lord. Won’t that be nice to have a clean bed for the night?
I’ll need more linens. I will return shortly.
” Mrs. Higgins collected the bundle of soiled linens in her arms and made her way to the door.
Perry cleared his throat, his patience gone. “I asked a question and would like an answer, please. Who is the young girl who lives on the estate?” He moved to close the distance between them, and the woman cowered slightly.
Releasing a trembling breath, Mrs. Higgins clutched the linens tightly to her chest, the armor protecting her from Perry’s inquiry.
“I cannot say, my lord,” she admitted as she turned to face him.
“You cannot say, or you will not say?”
The housekeeper’s breath came faster as she blinked rapidly. She shook her head silently. “I must fetch Miss Charlotte. Will you excuse me, my lord?”
Perry suspected that if he kept the woman any longer, she would fall into a swoon, so he let her go. Mrs. Higgins rushed off to find her mistress.
Sinking his teeth into the dry toast, he mused about what clever responses Charlotte would come up with this time.
She was proving to be quite adept at keeping secrets.
Resolute, Perry was determined to squeeze every last secret from her lips, even if that meant asking difficult questions.
They were past the bounds of propriety. He already knew what he wanted the outcome to be if the situation was as he suspected.
Peregrine Spencer was a man of honor.
As an earl, he had the means to make things right and give the child and her mother the most comfortable life. He could hardly be reproached for wanting that.
He swallowed his broth, wishing it were a delicious glass of French merlot.
Oh, how he would enjoy the more solid delicacies available from the cook as soon as possible.
The devil could take the doctor’s recommendations.
It was time to stop treating him like he was at death’s door.
Part of him wondered if Mrs. Higgins would require smelling salts if he asked her for a drink.
The housekeeper was already overcome by his last request.
Perry snorted as he dutifully swallowed the rest of his healing broth. Leaning back in his chair, he tightened the tie of his robe and crossed his legs at the ankles, waiting for someone to appear as his inquiry sent the entire house into an uproar. He twined his fingers over his lap and waited.
Would Charlotte tell him the truth?
Surely, their previous friendship would make it her duty to be honest. They had both been pawns in his father’s game. It was time for the truth to be set free. She could not deny what he already knew in his heart to be true.
The soft shuffle of feet and the clinking of glasses as someone approached his room was his only hint that a visitor would at last put him out of his misery.
His breath lodged in his throat as Charlotte appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly mussed and the color high in her cheeks. Perry steeled himself with a bracing breath, determined to find answers. Only the truth would suffice.
Charlotte swept into the room, placing the tray with two wine glasses on the table.
His breath caught as he took in her light blue muslin gown, which curved tantalizingly in the front. Even when upset with him, she was a temptation. She set one glass before him and one in the empty spot he assumed she would occupy.
His mouth watered at the sight of her. Her lips were rosy and her breathing rapid. She was stunning when stressed.
Raising a brow, she indicated the glass with a silent question. Perry nodded.
After serving the deep burgundy wine, Charlotte sat carefully in the chair, adjusting her skirts in a distracted way that charmed Perry, while also showing him exactly how much she did not want to be having this conversation.
“I see you have been keeping more secrets, madam.”
With a sigh, Charlotte picked up the glass and drained it by half. As he watched her place it back on the table, Perry enjoyed a taste of his own rich glass of heady burgundy.
“I have not entirely been truthful,” she confessed. “That, I will admit.”
Perry cocked a brow, encouraging her to continue, and was dismayed with how she minimized the importance of what she was about to reveal. His heart was racing at the possibility of his suspicions being confirmed. He was terrified. He was elated.
“I’m not quite sure how to begin,” she spoke in a quiet, almost frightened voice. “I am afraid.” Her gaze was bracing, vulnerable. Perry had no time for any more dithering.
“You can start by telling me about my daughter.”