Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Eighteen ༻¨*:·.

"Mrs. Bradwell," Bright repeated thoughtfully, and then, taking him by the arm, he led him outside to the garden and towards the empty balcony where he drew him down onto a seat. "That lady is renowned for two things. One is the vastness of her husband's wealth and the other is her waspish tongue. I understand the latter is the source of your megrims."

Still, Win refused to look at him. "Mrs. Bradwell implied that I was in some manner, an instrument of retribution Lady Vanderveer was using against my aunt."

For a long moment, Bright did not say anything and then he drew a deep sigh. "So that is it."

"Is it?" Win asked, suddenly insistent. "I do wish someone would clarify it to me. I have no notion what she means."

"Allow me to explain in the absence of Lady Vanderveer, Win," Win knew that Bright was looking at him but he still averted his gaze. "When Lady Vanderveer married my father, there was an influential cabal of ladies in the royal capital who took exception to someone as high born as the Marquis of Vanderveer marrying someone so far beneath him," as he spoke, Win noticed how much he restrained anger in his voice. "They were set upon barring her from every establishment and fashionable assembly. Lady Luisa and Lady Bradwell were at the forefront of those ladies, as you might already have guessed. Most fortunately, Lady Vanderveer was taken up by those who were even more influential, so her entry to the beau monde was assured."

By the time he had finished the explanation, Win was shaking with emotion. "How foolish of me to think that I was taken up with the best of my intentions for my own sake."

"You were, be assured that you were," the marquis answered with surprising passion. "You must not in any account think ill of Lady Vanderveer. She is not so small-minded to use you against Lady Luisa. Only Mrs. Bradwell would think that. After all, it was a very long time ago."

"So was the ruination of my father. No doubt you derived a good deal of satisfaction by discomforting his sister!"

To his surprise, Bright was not angry. "Yes, I did, foolish youth that I was. I regret it now but even then, believe me, I was determined that his children would not suffer the foolishness of their elders."

"Do not seek to gammon me, my lord. I was not born yesterday and now that I know that what has been done to me was not for my sake alone but to even the old score, you may rest happy that you have succeeded very well. My aunt could not be more than unhappy with my social success."

"You are foolish if you believe that," Bright said quietly. "You only have to look at yourself in the mirror to see that Lady Vanderveer has done you the greatest kindness. You are now the Baron of Montgomery, with more influence in the court than any member of the lower court and everyone is eager to grease your boots. Is that such a great burden to bear?"

Tears began to squeeze from beneath his lids even though he fought valiantly to stop them. "You are hateful," Win whispered.

"I've always been sensible of the strength of your dislike, Win. You seem to believe that I was set upon this earth solely to become a vexation to you. I cannot do anything to change your mind, nor do I intend to try. But I beg of you, do not think ill of Lady Vanderveer or treat her differently after what you have discovered. What she has done for you is out of kindness and compassion, and nothing more. And even if she derives a small satisfaction from the situation, who can blame her? She is not a saint. Few of us are and we can all make mistakes. If you think you cannot then you are a rare creature indeed." When the tears continued to slide down Win's cheeks, the marquis ordered in a much more strident tone. "Look at me, Win." When he did not, Bright went on, "I insist that you do."

When at long last Win raised his eyes to meet his, Bright let go of a sigh of relief. "I want you to assure me that nothing will change with Lady Vanderveer over this trifle. You must believe me when I tell you that she is not using you and never has. Mrs. Bradwell's intention is to cause pain and dissension, which she has in full measure. Now, do you believe me?"