Tears brimmed in Adelaide’s eyes as the carriage made the short journey to her front door. Reuben’s words haunted her mind. He had bent the truth before, but only as part of a larger game. A personal amusement to titillate his existence.

Why would he lie about this? He has no reason to. His mother explained that he would be expected to wed me, regardless of his doubts or misgivings about the institution of marriage. Truly, he seems eager enough. I am wearing his ring, am I not? What possible reason would he have to say such things, if they were not true? It does not seem like another of his tricks. Her mind raced wildly. If I were to discover any deceit, it would not show him in a favorable light. And yet… how can I believe that such dishonesty would come from Papa? He saw my distress when the announcement did not come. He knew of my embarrassment. Surely, he would not keep me in such a state? Surely, he would not have hidden notes from me?

The stark and painful truth hit her like a blockade of stone. There was some collusion afoot, between her father and Jasper. She was growing more certain of it by the minute.

“Are you well, my dear?” Rosemary asked softly. She was an older woman with a kind face, who had acted as the family chaperone for many years now. A steady fixture in her life, Adelaide was glad of the company.

“I am, Rosemary.”

“Was there some trouble between the two gentlemen?”

Adelaide gazed out of the window. “Truthfully, I do not know.”

“You know how young men can be when their blood is up,” she comforted. “Undoubtedly, they will be on excellent terms once more, after they have taken time to calm down.”

“I doubt they have ever been on excellent terms.”

“Not to worry, Lady Adelaide. I am certain the Duke of Bradford is merely being territorial. It is not an admirable trait in fine gentlemen, but it is to be expected. Once you are married, you may be assured that he will settle.” She took Adelaide’s hand in hers. “Your friendship with Lord Gillett will go on as before, after a period of readjustment.”

“Do you think so?” Adelaide remained unconvinced.

“Oh yes, I have seen such things often enough in my nine-and-fifty years,” she replied. “Although, it is usually overly-protective brothers who cause this kind of dissonance.”

Adelaide sighed. “I think Jasper means well.”

“As do I, Lady Adelaide.”

“He doesn’t understand.”

Rosemary shook her head. “They never do, My Lady.”

“It is easy for wealthy young men of good position,” she went on. “They do not have to fear for their future, and that of their family. They have a title, the moment they are born. Everything is given to them. Fortunate matches are preferable, but they are not necessary.”

“It is the greatest crime towards our gender, My Lady—that you, and many other ladies like you, rarely stand to inherit. A sad truth, indeed.”

“Cousin Charles shall receive everything. The Duke is my inheritance, I suppose… why can they not see that?”

Rosemary pinched her brows together. “They, My Lady?”

“I meant he—Jasper.” She thought of her father, still unable to believe that he might have intervened in the match. Indeed, she prayed she was wrong. It would mean reassessing her relationship with Reuben, but at least her father would not be exposed as a liar. A hurtful deceiver, who had allowed her to go on feeling cast aside.

They reached the house a moment later. Adelaide stepped out first, before turning to assist Rosemary. The driver was halfway off his box, ready to help, but Adelaide waved him away. The old lady was not as spry as she once was, and required help getting down from the carriage. Her hands were cold and shaky, though a warm smile spread across her face. Adelaide adored the old woman, thinking of her as a substitute grandmother. Her own had died many years before.

“Shall I remain, My Lady?” Rosemary nodded to the neighboring house. Jasper sat on the top step, looking thoroughly miserable. He must have cut through the park to reach the house before her.

“I need only a moment, Rosemary. You go inside and get warm, before you catch a chill,” she urged.

“Very well, My Lady. I will linger on the chaise in the entrance hall awhile, in case you require my assistance. The door shall stay open.”

Adelaide smiled. “Thank you, Rosemary.”

As soon as the old woman had made her way into the house, Jasper edged down the steps. He approached Adelaide sheepishly, running an anxious hand through his hair. She noticed that the cut on his cheek had healed nicely. Still, she wished he would not ride out alone. She had chided him often enough for it.

“I realize how upset you must be, Adelaide, but I urge you not to go to your father tonight. I spoke with him earlier—he is on the brink of exhaustion,” he said, wasting no time. “The Duke of Bradford is a deceitful snake. He has planted a seed of doubt in your mind as a means to stir up trouble, nothing more.”

Angry fires burned hot in her cheeks. “Do you know that for certain—that the Duke is lying?”

“I confess… I don’t.”

“Then how can you say that to me? Surely, you realize that I have to know the truth?” She balled her hands into fists. “You saw my anguish, Jasper. He saw my anguish. If he has chosen to keep letters from me… then he has enabled my distress.”

“I have made my judgement based on your father’s character, compared to that of the Duke. He is suggesting such falsehoods to drive a wedge between you and your father. I would stake my life on it.”

Adelaide shook her head. “Why would he do that? He has no reason to.”

“As a means of control, perhaps? I cannot answer that. I do not know the inner workings of Duke Bradford’s mind.”

“If I find that I have been lied to, I shall know the cause.” Her voice dripped with bitterness.

Jasper frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You have been to my father and told him of your disapproval. Deny it, I dare you.”

“Adelaide, I—”

“You are only looking out for my wellbeing?” she interjected coldly. “I have heard it all before. I do not need your protection. You are not my brother, you are my friend. You should offer support and kindness, not resistance and cruel words. Whom I choose to marry is none of your concern.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “It is when I fear you are making a poor choice. There are better men out there. You know it—you have merely chosen to settle for the first gentleman to offer marriage, because you are frightened.”

Adelaide gaped at him. “Frightened?” She could barely speak the word in case it came out barbed and dripping venom.

“Yes, frightened. You are terrified that nobody else will be drawn towards your complex beauty and your unusual, wonderful, unique charms. Those things you claim that only the Duke can appreciate. But I promise you this, Adelaide, if you marry the Duke, you will be selling every fiber of yourself far short.” He gasped as though he had been running. “There, I have said it, the very thing no one else is brave enough to say.”

Adelaide whirled around and hurried into the house. She would not let Jasper see her cry, not again. It had been embarrassing enough the other day. And yet, his words had stung her deeply. Not because they were cruel or uncalled for… but because she feared they were true.

Jasper sprinted up the steps behind her. “Adelaide, wait.”

“Do not attempt to prevent me from speaking to my own father,” she shot back, glancing at him over her shoulder. Her eyes burned with hot tears.

Rosemary stood sharply from the entrance hall chaise. “Lady Adelaide, shall I send for Daniel?” She cast a pointed look in Jasper’s direction, her rheumy eyes warning him to keep his distance.

“You do not need to call for Daniel, Rosemary,” he insisted. “Adelaide and I are in the midst of one of our disputes. There is no cause for alarm.”

“When you raise your voice to my charge, I believe there is cause for concern. Kindly control yourself, Lord Gillett. Being a friend of the family does not offer you complete amnesty within these walls, to do as you please,” Rosemary remarked coldly. Adelaide was glad of her support.

Behind her, chastened, Jasper sighed. “I apologize for my disheveled and uncouth manner, Rosemary. However, I must continue to speak with Adelaide.”

“Lady Adelaide,” Rosemary corrected.

He flashed pleading eyes at Adelaide.

“There is no need to send for Daniel,” she conceded. “You ought to retire to your chambers, whilst Jasper and I continue our dispute. I intend to ascend to my father’s study, so he shall be there to watch over me.”

Rosemary grunted. “If you are certain?”

“I am, Rosemary.”

The old lady lowered her voice, so only Adelaide could hear. “Very well, but if I hear Lord Gillett raise his voice to you again, wild horses will not stop me from calling for Daniel.”

Adelaide smiled. “Thank you.”

“I am sorry for my behavior, Rosemary. There will be no repeat,” Jasper promised, as Rosemary shot him another ice-cold glare. Indeed, Adelaide was surprised at the ire that bristled from the old woman. Ordinarily, she adored Jasper. Then again, she was a stickler for propriety; a traditionalist in many respects. It was evident she did not appreciate Jasper speaking so coarsely to a young lady.

“Behave yourself,” Adelaide warned.

“Are you so cross with my honesty that you would set old Rosemary on me?” A hint of teasing lingered in his voice, but Adelaide was in no mood for jest.

“Have you taken leave of your manners, Jasper?” she hissed. “Indeed, I hardly recognize you this evening.”

Without another word, she took to the stairs and made her way across the landing to her father’s study. She was already weary from her troubling exploits with Leah.

Indeed, that confusing conversation by the fireside had left her entirely drained. On any normal day, she would not have accompanied Leah home, but today she had made an exception. Part of her had hoped that Leah might be more forthcoming on the carriage ride, giving a clearer indication of her feelings. Sadly, they had done nothing but sit in silence the entire way. All she could do now was hope that Leah would be patient with Jasper, so romance might continue to blossom.

At least, she had hoped that prior to Jasper’s blunt admission about her match to Reuben. Now, deep in the pettiest part of her being, she tried to convince herself that she no longer cared.

She gasped as Jasper’s hand closed around her wrist, pulling her away from her father’s door. “You will unhand me,” she whispered tersely.

“You cannot trouble him now, Adelaide. Your marriage is destined to go ahead, no matter what anyone might think about it. Why risk further pain by confronting your father?”

“Because it will not go ahead, if he is withholding the dowry.”

Jasper grimaced. “I beg you to leave it be. I will speak to him myself, tomorrow, when he has had chance to rest.”

“You are the last person I should task with this enterprise, now that I am aware of the depth of your hatred for my fiancé,” she fired back, pulling hard against his strong grip. He would not release her. “Let go of me, Jasper, or I shall scream.”

“Leave this for another time,” he begged.

“Why should I?” Tears filled her eyes, her voice catching in her throat. “None of you understand the position that I am in. This cannot wait!”

Both of them turned in alarm as the study door creaked open and Ephraim appeared. His face looked haggard, prominent dark circles showing under his eyes. Adelaide had never seen him so gray and weary. Her heart almost broke, there and then.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asked softly.

“Papa… are you unwell?”

Ephraim shook his head. “Not unwell, my dear. I have not slept well. A good night’s rest is all I require.”

“We did not mean to disturb you, My Lord,” Jasper chimed in.

“You did not?” Ephraim quipped. “Then why were you arguing so close to my study door?”

Adelaide hardened her resolve. “There is a matter of great importance, which will not wait until morning.”

“Then, I suppose you ought to come in.” Ephraim sighed and disappeared back inside. Adelaide followed, with Jasper bringing up the rear.

The study itself was in disarray. Books and papers were strewn everywhere. Ephraim hurried to take several bound dossiers off the desk, only to shove them unceremoniously underneath it. Suspicion and confusion pricked up inside Adelaide’s chest.

What are you hiding, Papa? You have never hidden anything from me during my entire life. There was definitely something amiss here, but she could not put her finger on what it was. Regardless, she knew it was more than just a potential lie about some stolen letters.

“What seems to be the matter, my darling?” Ephraim asked, as Adelaide and Jasper sat down in two of the leather armchairs. He perched on the armrest of another.

“I happened to speak with the Duke of Bradford a short while ago,” Adelaide ventured uncertainly. “He was in discussion with Jasper when I encountered them, on my journey back from Miss Green’s abode. He told me that he sent word to you regarding my dowry and his intentions, and you did not respond.”

Ephraim’s face crumpled.

“Can you deny it?” Adelaide pressed, her voice desperate. “Please… please, tell me it is not true.”

He turned his face away. “I cannot, my dear.”

“What?” she choked. “Why?”

“Letters came. I did not read them. I have no way of knowing if they came from the Duke or not, as I have not reviewed their contents.” Ephraim sighed as though he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Inadvertently, he may be right.”

Adelaide could not speak.

“Your father has not been himself these past few days,” Jasper murmured. “I tried to tell you.”

“But… you told him you would arrange a meeting, to discuss the dowry,” Adelaide murmured. “You told him so. I was sitting in the room with you when you said it.”

Ephraim nodded slowly. “I know, my darling.”

“Those letters might have comforted me when the announcement did not appear,” she continued. “They might have assured me that all was not lost.”

“I know.”

“Were you aware that I visited the Dowager Duchess, to be sure that my fiancé had not abandoned me?” Her anger was growing, despite the sorrow she felt towards her father. “Did you know that I did that? That I went to her, to gauge whether I would have to face the humiliation of a broken engagement?”

Tears glittered in Ephraim’s eyes. “I didn’t know. I am sorry, my sweet Adelaide.” He dropped his gaze. “The letters were not addressed to you. If I had known what they contained, I would have done everything to reassure you.”

“He was right,” Adelaide gasped over a wracking sob. “I told myself it could not be possible… but he was right.”

“Forgive me, Adelaide,” Ephraim pleaded. “I pray that you may find it in your heart to forgive me.”

“Did you know about this?” Adelaide snapped her head in Jasper’s direction.

He shook his head. “I did not.”

“He is telling the truth. He did not know about the letters,” Ephraim confirmed. “You may not believe me, but I did intend to open the letters and respond in due course. The trouble was, there was something else I needed to do first—a few measures that needed to be implemented.”

“What measures?” Her eyes narrowed.

“Do you recall the ships that Jasper told you about?”

Adelaide nodded.

“I needed them to come in before I could arrange to meet with Duke Bradford,” he explained. “Their contents are your dowry.”

She gasped. “Isn’t that an enormous risk, Papa?”

“No, my dear, trade is a safe venture. I simply needed more time.”

Her heart sank. “Well… why did you not say? I would have understood.”

“I did not wish to worry you.”

“Oh Papa…”

“I will meet with Duke Bradford tomorrow. I will meet with him and I will resolve all of this. Allow me to make amends, my darling girl. Please.” He looked into her eyes with hopeful vulnerability. “I did not mean to cause you suffering. I just… I needed more time. A simple truth, poorly executed.”

“Can you forgive me for acting so childishly?” she replied, a tear trickling down her cheek.

“There is nothing to forgive, dearest one.”

Her father was not prone to physical displays of affection, but he did not resist as she moved out of her seat and wrapped her arms around him. To her heartrending surprise, he buried his face in her shoulder and gripped her tight. His ribcage heaved only once but she understood the motion. Her strong, fearless, majestic father was crying.

In the glass door of the grandfather clock opposite, she saw Jasper’s face reflected. A pale ghost of unspoken secrets. Understanding dawned with creeping certainty. She had come here to confront her father for the truth. Now, she realized she was no closer to it than she had been before.

One fact remained. If you can deceive me once, Papa, who is to say you would not do so again? Please… let me be wrong.

A mystery lay at the heart of Adelaide’s home. To uncover what was really going on here, she needed to dig deeper. Only, she wasn’t sure she was ready to drag up the bodies of the buried lies—the ones that held the mirage of household peace together.