Page 129 of The Earl She Once Saved

Roland kept one hand near the small of her back. He praised her to anyone who approached.

Verity had saved Edgeworth.

Verity had managed admirably through the difficult years.

Verity was the finest wife a man could possess.

Possess.

Rafe heard the word even when Roland did not speak it.

Then came the story of exile. False friends had betrayed him. Enemies had slandered his name. Circumstances beyond any man’s control had prevented his return.

The county wanted to believe him.

Rafe watched the desire move through the room. Roland’s version asked little of them. They could welcome the charming earl home, admire the faithful countess and forget every ugly whisper of fraud.

Already, men who had refused Verity credit laughed at Roland’s remarks. Women who had avoided her in shops pressed her hands and congratulated her upon her husband’s miraculous return.

Aunt Cordelia moved among them, radiant with relief. She drew uncertain guests forward, supplied every silence, and repeated Roland’s account wherever doubt remained. The scandal she had feared for five years was being transformed into romance before her eyes.

At the edge of the ballroom, Win oversaw the supper tables. Ezra had already found his way to her side. He leaned upon his cane while she adjusted a tray of glasses. Whatever he said made her give him a reproving look. He answered with a smile meant only for her.

Together, they formed a still point in all the noise. Rafe envied them.

“Your relief must be considerable.” Celestine appeared beside him.

Her gown was pale green, embroidered with silver leaves. Candlelight shone in her fair hair. She looked pleased with the room and more pleased to have found him alone.

“My relief?” Rafe asked.

“At discovering your brother safe.”

“Ah … yes.”

Celestine waited for more. Rafe found nothing to give her.

She turned toward Roland and Verity. “They are remarkably well matched.”

His gaze followed hers. Roland bent to speak near Verity’s ear. She did not turn toward him.

“Yes,” Rafe supplied, because some answer was required.

“Lady Edgeworth appears quite transformed.”

He frowned. “She has not changed.”

Celestine glanced at him. “No?”

“No.”

Verity looked across the room. Her gaze met his for one suspended moment. Then it moved to Celestine beside him. Something shuttered in her face.

Celestine continued speaking. She mentioned Thursday’s dinner and her mother’s pleasure at his acceptance. Her words settled around him with the easy assumption that he belonged at her side for the evening. Rafe answered when silence required it, but his attention had already slipped past her.

Roland led Verity toward another group. She smiled when addressed, but the expression never reached her eyes. His hand touched her elbow, directing her. Verity’s shoulders stiffened.

Celestine was still speaking when Rafe realized he had stopped hearing her.