Mary Blayney - [Pennistan 03] Read Online Free PDF

it.”
    “We could tell the truth, Elena.” William sat beside her.
    “That you are my nephew?” She shook her head. “If I admit that, it will open up old pain that is better forgotten.” It would hardly be moving her life forward to claim a familial attachment that neither side wanted to acknowledge.
    “Do you really think that no one will guess that the Duke of Bendas is your father?”
    “How could they? I was fourteen when I was sent away from home, all arms and legs and stick thin, nothing like I look today. Not even the servants would know me.”
    William conceded the point with a slight nod.
    “I had never been away from home, so who would recognize me? Even my name is different. Who would connect Signora Elena Verano with Lady Ellen Bendasbrook?” She turned to him with a sudden thought.
    “I can prove it. Tell me, what is Rogers doing here? Does he move among the ton now? Mrs. Harbison introduced me to him. And, William, he did not recognize me.”
    “He is allowed because he is the duke’s assistant. More than a secretary. Rogers accompanies him everywhere these days, or goes ahead of him to make sure they are prepared for his presence.”
    “Oh, I see, like a lady’s companion.”
    William laughed.
    Then a more disturbing thought occurred to her. “Does that mean the duke will be here this evening? I thought he never went out at night anymore.”
    “No, no. Do not distress yourself. Rogers told me that there were too many stairs and too big a crowd. But he attends smaller gatherings. You will have to face him sometime.”
    But not tonight, she thought with relief.
    “Did you hear me, Elena? You will have to speak to him sometime. He is your father.”
    “I have not thought of the Duke of Bendas as my father since the day he made me leave home.”
    “I am sorry.” William took her hand, patting it as if apologizing for his insistence. “But at some point you will have to decide if you want to acknowledge the duke or not.”
    “Why? Unless he does something untoward, I have no intention of so much as acknowledging his existence.” Elena paused. “William, if he was considering attending tonight, do you think he wants a reunion?”
    “Rogers is always nattering on about the duke’s legacy.” William’s expression turned so cautious that Elena was afraid of what he was going to say. “Elena, what could it hurt to allow a reconciliation?”
    “I will not allow myself to be dictated to by him, by any man, ever again. He did his best to destroy my life. He told me that I would end up in a whorehouse. I was fourteen years old, William.” She was on the verge of shouting and with a heroic effort she modulated her voice. “I was terrified.” Her eyes filled with tears. “If it were not for my godmother I might well have ended up exactly as he predicted. All because I would not sing the song he wished to hear.”
    “He has not changed.”
    “Then there is no point in even discussing a reconciliation.”
    William appeared to study the pattern in the upholstery as he debated his next words. “Elena, I must ask you something.” Still he hesitated. When Elena was about to snap at him, he began.
    “There have been a number of rumors circulating of late. Rumors about the Duke of Bendas. One is that he killed an innocent bystander in a duel. Another that he is no longer sane and should not be handling the estate. That he has attempted to acquire land in an illegal manner.” William raised his hand, interrupting himself. “That last I know is true, but very few know the whole story.”
    “I do not really care what stories are abroad.” Elena would have covered her ears if it would not have looked so childish. “I have always thought him mad. What else can you think of a man who believes anything is justified when he feels insulted, or if it will add wealth to the name? What does it have to do with me?”
    “Do you know who started these stories?” He spoke quickly and seemed to regret