His Lady Mistress

198 His Lady Mistressmarrow with fear. The devastation on Verity’s face hauntedhim. His father’s quiet voice after Richard’s accident—‘If youmust fire a pistol...’ He had aimed all too well.The little framed sketch of Richard sat accusingly on hisdesk. Entwined initials blurred in front of him. Would henever learn the consequences of rash words? He had causedRichard’s accident with that foolish dare. Now his unthinkingfury had torn Verity apart.‘My lord?’He looked up and forced a greeting for the two lawyers.‘Good afternoon, Covell. And, er...?’Covell flushed. ‘My lord, this is my colleague, Mr Wimbourne.’Max nodded. ‘Will you not be seated, gentlemen?’ He indicatedchairs and sat down behind his desk.Covell cleared his throat. ‘My lord, I realise that this isquite irregular, but when Mr Wimbourne approached me—well, the matter struck me as being so serious that I thoughtit had better be laid before your lordship immediately.’Max nodded assent. ‘Very well. Go ahead.’To his surprise Mr Wimbourne spoke up. ‘I believe thatyour lordship married recently?’Suspicion flared. ‘If you are acting for Lord Faringdon—’He was interrupted. ‘Nothing could be further from myintent, but since you mention Lord Faringdon, I must assumethat you did indeed marry Miss Verity Scott, daughter of thelate Colonel William Scott?’‘Yes.’ Seduced her, married her, insulted her. Broken herheart? She had said she loved him...Wimbourne’s lips tightened. ‘Then she isn’t dead.’‘Well, of course she—I beg your pardon?’ He leaned forwardover the desk and said, very softly, ‘Please explainyourself, Mr Wimbourne.’The little man nodded. ‘I had the honour of acting for MissScott’s late grandmother, Lady Hillsden—were you aware ofthe connection?’