Page 5 of Lord of Mistrust

“Then what must I do?” She could barely keep the disappointment from her voice.

“Give me time to think—I’m barely awake. Wait, is that blood on your legs?”

“Aye.”

The wounds from the shards of stone were stinging now, as were Chloe’s eyes. This journey was proving a disaster, and she knew not what to do.

“Tell me what happened.” Dela got off the bed and came forward.

Chloe related the story of her recent accident briefly, now keen to be gone from this place where she was clearly not wanted. Mayhap she could bespeak a room at the Red Lion for the night. In the morning, she’d inquire for the next boat due upriver, or see if any carriers heading toward London could take her on their wagon. But then what would she do? Return home with her tail between her legs, like a whipped cur? Impossible.

“Remove your hose.” Having given her command, Dela called for Frederick to bring warm water, a towel, and comfrey salve.

Much to Chloe’s surprise, when the items arrived, her mother ministered to her personally. “It’s the least I can do,” she murmured, as she washed the grit out of the cuts. “Please understand, I would consider taking you in if it wouldn’t ruin you, but how can you show your face anywhere if you are thought to be one of my whores? Aye, I have stout men enough to protect my ladies, but they can’t stand between you and insult, which you will surely receive.”

She sat back on her haunches, then looked Chloe in the eyes. “I would not have given you up had things been otherwise. ’Tis your father who is to blame, not I.”

“Who is he?” Despite what her mother had said, surely there was a chance he’d do something to help his daughter. “How may I find him?”

“Don’t. He’s a monster without honor, despite being a great man now. He has no compassion, no sympathy. I’ll tell you my story briefly, though it pains me to remember. I was considered very beautiful in my day, but my parents spoiled me and made me vulnerable to flattery. Your father was full of the latter, and he threw his coin about with carefree abandon. I was besotted and agreed to let him bed me, to bind him to me. Yet he refused to marry me, even when I knew I was with child. Any heirs of his had to be legitimate, he said. Deplorable knave! Now, dry your legs. I’ll find you some stockings to replace your nether hose. They’re barely fit for rags now.”

Chloe applied the towel to her calves and winced at the pink stains she was creating. At least her mother had shown a little compassion, and an intriguing tale had emerged. Mayhap Dela would accidentally let slip the name of the man who’d sired her daughter.

“How I yearned for revenge! But I couldn’t think of a way to wreak it without harming you, so I sent you off to my barren sister. Her letters assure me you’ve been well looked after.”

Chloe nodded. Her mother handed her a small earthenware pot. “Best apply the salve yourself. I don’t wish to hurt you.”

She did as she was bid. “So, what happened to you then?” How had she ended up running a bawdy house?

“I’ll not sully your innocent ears with the details. Suffice it to say that I discovered much pleasure to be had in gulling wealthy reprobates out of their money. Men are simple creatures, easily pleased, and not satisfied for long. Their lust drives them to us time and time again. Why should a woman as ill-used as me not seek revenge on men by taking advantage of their weakness?”

Ah, how ashamed Aunt Philippa must be to have a sister with such opinions! Little wonder she’d concealed the letters and the woman’s very existence.

Dela moved away and rifled in a chest. “Here are some stockings. Now—can I persuade you to put aside that ridiculous male apparel and lend you a gown or two? I have some perfectly respectable ones, you know.”

“Nay. ’Tis safer to remain a boy for the moment.” Chloe winced as she pulled the stockings over her legs and gartered them below the knee. Then she stood. She’d been given no reason to stay.

Dela frowned. “You’re leaving already?”

“I must make my plans, find a room for the night, and arrange passage for the morrow.”

Dela twined the ends of her braided belt between her fingers. “I feel I should do more for you. Forgive me. I never expected to have my daughter so suddenly thrust upon me.”

“Evidently.”

“Don’t judge me when you barely know me. I’m a pragmatic woman. I can ill afford to let my actions be dictated by emotion. Love got the better of me once—I’m loath to let that happen again.”

But this would be a very different kind of love—mother-daughter love. Chloe stared, but made no reply.

“Stay a little longer, since you went to such trouble to come. We can eat together, a proper meal. I’ll send Frederick to secure you a room. He can escort you there later if you don’t stay too long, for he’ll be needed below once the customers start arriving.” Her mother clapped her hands together and smiled. “I’m certain you yearn to tell someone about the appalling habits and person of your unwelcome suitor. Why should I not be that person?”

Indeed. Chloe could write a book on Lord Brooke’s imperfections. She chewed on her lip.

“Very well, I’ll stay awhile.”

After all, what harm could it do?

Chapter Five