She wasn’t going to lie, so she ignored the question. “He lost his parents at a young age and had his identity stripped away. I can’t imagine you would contemplate denying him his birthright now.”
“It isn’t that, my dear.” His features relaxed into a mix of sympathy and sadness. “I only want what’s best for the earldom. Many, many people rely on me for their livelihood. I have responsibilities in the House of Lords. I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t question this man who has come from nowhere.”
“He didn’t come from nowhere.”
Her godfather stiffened. “Didn’t he? He appeared in Society this year, buying a very expensive house in Mayfair. Where did he come from that he has that kind of money, and why has no one met him before now? It’s all very peculiar.”
It wasn’t peculiar. He’d simply lived in another part of London. Wasn’t that what he’d told her? She realized he’d revealed very little beyond telling her about his wife. And he hadn’t shared anything about her either.
“I know this is hard for you, but he is the rightful earl. If he hadn’t been kidnapped, he would be the earl now. You gained from his loss. That’s not his fault, nor should he continue to suffer for it.”
“You’re quite defensive of him.”
“I would be of anyone in his position. Try to imagine having your very identity stolen and hidden.” She shook her head, her heart aching anew for Rafe. “It makes me incredibly sad.”
“You’ve a kind heart, Anne,” he said softly. “I haven’t decided what I will do.”
“Will you tell me if you plan to contest?” she asked.
“I will.”
How was she supposed to invite him for dinner now? Should she tell Rafe? She wouldn’t want him to be shocked if his claim was contested. But if her godfather decided not to contest, she would upset Rafe for nothing and perhaps permanently damage their relationship.
Wasn’t her godfather doing that already? How could he be a loving uncle to Rafe if he didn’t trust him?
There is much you don’t know about him.
The voice in the back of her mind was like an irritating fly buzzing about her head. She wanted to brush it away, but it was persistent and, unlike the fly, not without merit.
“My apologies, my dear,” he said with a faint smile. “You came here to pay me—and Sandon—a call. What can I do for you?”
Anne weighed whether to continue with her purpose for coming. Perhaps the act of trying to create a bridge between him and Rafe would help him come to accept the inevitable—Rafe was going to be the earl.
“I came to offer my help to you, actually,” she said brightly. “I think you and your nephew should get to know each other. You can ask him all the things you’re wondering and determine for yourself that he’ll be an excellent earl. Jane and Anthony have agreed to host a dinner. I thought”—she caught herself before calling him Lorcan again—“Sandon could join us.”
“And Deborah?”
“Ah, I hoped this first time could be just the three of you.”
He nodded. “A good instinct.” He surprised her by winking.
Anne relaxed slightly. She tried to see this situation from her godfather’s point of view. He’d inherited the earldom when he hadn’t expected to and done a wonderful job. As far as she knew, his estates were prosperous and he was an esteemed member of the Lords. It made sense that he wanted to make sure it would be in good hands.
“Come to dinner and spend time with Mr. Mallory,” she said. “You can teach him to be the earl he needs to be. He doesn’t have a father, and you are the closest thing he has.”
“As I said, you’ve a kind heart, and your speech is incredibly moving. It’s too bad you can’t become a member of Parliament.” His tone held a condescending edge that Anne had grown accustomed to in Society but that still grated her nerves.
She gave him a benign smile. “Perhaps someday that will change.” She stood. “I’ll let you know when the dinner will be. And you’ll let me know if you’re going to contest his claim?”
He rose. “I will.”
“I truly hope you don’t. I believe you’ll regret it.”
He lifted a shoulder. “I haven’t yet decided, but I must do what I think is best. That is my duty.”
Anne tried not to frown. She said goodbye, then went to fetch Jane. When they were settled in the coach, Anne recounted the meeting.
Jane sat silent, her eyes widening, as Anne detailed what her godfather had said. “Contesting the claim would be a mess. I can’t believe he’s considering it. It’s not as if his nephew’s identity is in question. He is the child of the former earl.”
Anne nodded. “Exactly. I didn’t convince him not to do it, but I hope I said enough to give him pause. Perhaps Lorcan can help persuade him.”
“Lorcan might support him,” Jane said. “He stands to lose the title too.”
Anne waved her hand. “He doesn’t care so long as he has Kilmaar.” It occurred to Anne that if Rafe didn’t marry and have children, which it seemed he didn’t want to, Lorcan would still inherit.
Jane hesitated before asking, “Will you tell Rafe?”
That question weighed heavily on Anne’s mind. “My godfather said he would inform me if he plans to contest Rafe’s claim. I’ll alert him then. I don’t want to poison any chance for a relationship between them.”
Jane made a noise in her throat. “Isn’t the earl already doing that?”
Anne nodded. “I thought the same thing. But I see the predicament—and pain—they’re both in. They have been or will be harmed. In correcting the wrong done to Rafe, my godfather will suffer.”
“You are kind to think of them both. I’m not sure I could do the same if it were Anthony.”
In truth, Anne held more sympathy for Rafe, and she would
