Page 33 of Unmasking the Earl

“But of course, in the light of what you say, I’ll let her down gently. Cassie, I mean. I collect you are not from these parts, my lord,” Carnforth went on cheerfully. “Scotland, is it?”

Ned gathered his wits. “Yes. But I spend most of my time on my Yorkshire estates. I say, I’d heard—and I hope you won’t take this amiss—that Lady Lucy had some connection with another gentleman.”

“You mean Captain Wycherley? True, she had a bit of an obsession with him at one time. He’s very charming to the fair sex.”

Ned gave him a puzzled look. “You seem to bear him no ill will.”

“Why on earth should I? The rules of fair play do not apply in love and war, as the poet said. I’m confident she’ll get over him. He’ll never marry her, it’s a fact. But I will.”

Ned’s head was spinning. The man was an utter fool. How could he even consider marrying someone of Lady Lucy’s tattered reputation? Especially when she still had feelings for another man. Quite strong feelings. More than once, Ned had needed to block his ears against the sounds of Lady Lucy screaming her pleasure up in Wycherley’s bedchamber. Mr. Carnforth would be getting well-used goods.

Ned asked, “Does that not worry you, at all?”

“I suppose it does, but I’m quite in love, so I won’t let that get in my way. I must forgive her peccadilloes if I am to win her.”

Ned could only feel wonderment at this peculiar attitude. He would find it impossible to forgive such wanton behavior in someone he loved. Hell, he’d been intensely bothered by much less deplorable actions in a woman he’d only just met.

“You have a great heart, sir,” he concluded. But couldn’t help adding, “I don’t want to interfere in your business, but it concerns me that you might not know all the truth about Lady Lucy.”

Carnforth seemed a decent enough chap, if obtuse. It would be a shame if he ended up leg-shackled to a notorious light-skirt for the rest of his life.

“Is there something I should know?” Carnforth asked.

“I have it on good authority,” said Ned, “that she was at Captain Wycherley’s home very recently. And I don’t think they were just taking tea.”

“Ah,” said the other man, almost philosophically. “She has not got over him yet. But she will, in time.”

Ned was astonished. “You’re not bothered by that?”

“Of course I am. I shall speak to her about it, yes. But in the end, I will have to forgive her.”

The man was too damned forgiving. Or possibly spineless. Anger speared through Ned. How could Cassie have become so besotted with such a sap?

“I could not forgive so easily,” he ventured.

“But if I don’t forgive her, we will just fight and make each other miserable.” Carnforth shrugged, and allowed, “I wager I’d get a bit more cross if she cuckolds me after we’re married.”

“I should think so!” Ned concurred. He would loathe anyone to cuckold him—he’d seen the damage it could do to a man. His former friend, Hal, Lord Ansford, had become a recluse because of his late wife’s loose behavior.

Carnforth added, “Until then, I daresay I can live with it. We’re all human, and we all have to compromise in the end, don’t we? Being angry, bitter, or full of hate is quite wearing on body and soul. I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Ned was so taken aback by the entire assertion, he had no response to give.

“I believe it’s starting to clear. Are you going my way? We might share my umbrella.”

“I am not, but thank you,” replied Ned, holding out his hand. Juggling with his umbrella and his parcel, Carnforth shook with him, then put up his umbrella and departed with a bow and a grin.

“I won’t forget to keep quiet about meeting you!” he called over his shoulder, then headed off to the other side of the street.

Ned stared after him for some time. What an extraordinary conversation. What very novel views on love and forgiveness. If he’d been Carnforth, he’d have wanted to call out Wycherley for continuing to dally with Lady Lucy. And he’d have thought up a suitable punishment for the lady, as well. But would he have forgiven her?

Still pondering the question, he replaced his damp hat on his head and set off for what he very much hoped would be the last phase of his long quest.

When he found Georgiana, along with proof that Wycherley was responsible for whatever fate had taken her from her loving family, there would be no room for forgiveness.

None.

Chapter Sixteen