expression, her original misgivings about him clearly reignited by her cousin’s words. Now would be the ideal time to reveal his true identity, but he was damned if he would discuss his past and the reason he used a false name in front of this weasel.
Surely Eleanor can’t believe I am involved in some way?
He fought to keep his temper under control but, before he could utter a word, Lady Rothley leapt to his defence.
‘That is a preposterous slur, James. I am surprised at you.’
‘Any more preposterous than your accusations against me?’
‘I have no doubt Mr Thomas can prove he was nowhere near Ashby Manor at the time of the fire. And he drove away the man who attacked that poor girl.’
‘He was there? At the time? What does that tell you?’ James stared triumphantly at Eleanor. ‘Ellie, have some sense, I beg of you. You cannot, surely, believe me capable of such a thing? You’ve known me all your life.’
‘I don’t believe you did anything, James. How could I? I love you.’
‘This attack,’ James said slowly, his eyes narrowing as he turned his gaze on to Matthew. ‘How did you hear of it, Ellie, if you were in...Ashton, was it, you said?’
‘Mr Thomas told us of it,’ she replied. ‘He caught up with us on the road—’ her gaze flicked to Matthew and a delicate colour stained her cheeks ‘—and then he escorted us the rest of the way to London, as protection.’
‘So you take the word of a complete stranger that a girl was attacked as she slept in the bed you were to occupy?’ James said. ‘And you do not think it odd that he conveniently appeared after the carriage overturned, and then weaved this Canterbury tale about an attack. You just believed him? Have you heard of it from any other source?’
Matthew had heard enough. He had been scarred enough by false accusations in his time. ‘The attempted murder can be verified by the magistrate in Stockport,’ he said brusquely, ‘and, although I do not know precisely when the fire occurred, I have no doubt I can prove my whereabouts if you feel the need for such proof,’ he added, looking at Eleanor.
Eleanor avoided his gaze and Matthew’s heart sank. Her cousin’s insinuations were feeding her doubts. His behaviour when he had caught up with her at Leek could scarcely have reassured her as to his motives. She had been in shock; he had seized the opportunity and kissed her. It was little comfort that he had been so very frantic, thinking she might be lying injured somewhere. The sight of her safe and well had triggered an eruption of such relief that his common sense had deserted him. He had acted on pure instinct.
It was even more lowering to view his actions when she had returned to the parlour later that night. He could find all manner of excuses for his behaviour: he was a little foxed, which lowered his resistance; she had seemed to invite his kiss; he had been vulnerable, thinking of his estranged family and craving company and closeness when she had entered the room. Not one of those excuses was worthy.
‘I don’t believe Mr Thomas was responsible any more than I think you were, James. I should hope that both Aunt Lucy and I are better judges of character than that.’
Eleanor’s declaration penetrated his reflections and his heart lifted.
‘Indeed we are.’ Lady Rothley’s black eyes glittered as she glared at James. ‘I sympathise with Eleanor’s support for you, James, but I tell you straight that I am not yet convinced of your innocence. Why have you avoided Eleanor these last few years? That alone raises my suspicions. You may rest assured Eleanor will be very well protected from now on.’
At this, James spun to face Eleanor. ‘I did not come here to be accused in such a vile manner, Eleanor. I shall be pleased to see you again whilst you are in town, but preferably without your companions.’
‘I’ll just bet you will,’ Matthew growled.
‘And as for you, sir. If I find these wild conjectures have been made public, rest assured that I shall come looking for you. And do not doubt that I shall be making my own enquiries.’
He strode from the room without a backward glance.
Eleanor, who had risen to her feet when James left, stared at the door, breasts heaving, eyes brimming.
‘I hope you are proud of yourselves,’ she said. ‘I had hoped to rekindle my friendship with James whilst I was in town, but I fear there is no chance of that now. What on earth made you accuse him so blatantly? Could you not see the shock on his face when you told him about the accident? Was that the expression of a guilty man?’
She rounded on Matthew. ‘And you, Mr Thomas. You appear to believe I am unable to take care of myself. Well, might I inform you, I have been taking very good care of myself for three years now and I intend to go on doing so for many years to come. I do not need a man to protect me or to guide me and I shall thank you, sir, to stay out of my affairs in future.’
Her hands were clenched into fists, sparks of fire lighting her tawny eyes. Lady Rothley clucked loudly and rose from her chair to go to Eleanor, taking her arm and leading her to the sofa, where she sat down next to her, taking one of those fists between her two small hands, petting and scolding in equal measures.
‘Now, now, Ellie, you must calm down, for you know you don’t mean that. I am sorry for accusing James, but I just couldn’t help myself. You must not blame us for being protective of you, for it is only because we care.’
Eleanor averted her face. ‘I cannot believe James would hurt me. You have both made up your minds and poor James will be guilty in your eyes until the real culprit is discovered,’ she said, bitterly.
Matthew ached to take her in his arms and soothe all her troubles away, to murmur in her ear that he understood how it felt to be betrayed by the people who should love you most. Her rigid posture, however, suggested it might not be easy to placate her. He cursed James Weare roundly but silently for driving the wedge of suspicion between them.
‘If it helps,’ he said, ‘I do agree that your cousin appeared genuinely shocked when we told him what had happened. All we are asking is that you take your safety seriously.’
‘I do,’ Eleanor said. ‘I promise I shall stay alert.’
She looked exhausted, never mind alert. This was clearly no time to confess his real identity. He would call back this afternoon and tell her the truth. He dare not leave it longer, for he had agreed to attend the Lexingtons’ ball with Stephen that evening and the truth would be out.
‘I shall leave you in peace,’ he said.
Eleanor held out her hand, raising haunted eyes to his.
He took her hand and, unable to resist, bent to press his lips against her sweet skin. ‘I hope to see you again very soon. Farewell.’
‘Her ladyship is in the drawing room,’ Pacey said, when Matthew called at Eleanor’s house in Upper Brook Street that afternoon. He had delayed his visit until as late in the day as possible, in the hope that Eleanor’s usual pack of admirers had been and gone.
‘Does
