“It was a misunderstanding at first.” I glanced between her and the duchess. “Your email never made it here, and I wasn’t able to explain who I was during the first meeting. It was only for three days until you got here, and the duchess was in London, so—”
The duchess glared at me. “You thought you could leave it to her to explain.”
“With all due respect, that was not my choice and—”
“You have been lying to me ever since you arrived here. You’ve lied to me, my family, my staff.” She took a step back. “In my home.”
“I tried to tell you when I arrived, but—”
“And she’s been seeing Hugo.” A flash of a smug smile appeared on Nancy’s face as she stepped closer to the duchess, but it was quickly replaced with a mask of concern. “Ma’am, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to have to be the one to tell you that information.”
The duchess glanced down and whispered my name, then looked at Hugo. “You knew?”
He inhaled sharply. “Yes, I knew, but—”
“And you allowed her to lie to me?”
“I—”
“I cannot believe you, Hugo. Of all the things, I abhor liars, and you allowed this woman to do that to me for almost two weeks. Worse, you pursued a relationship with her and lied to me about it!”
“Mum—”
“What is even the truth here?”
“For the love of God, Anna.” Evelyn walked into the library preceded by her signature click-clack of her cane. “Why don’t you shut up and let someone talk? You might just find the answers you’re looking for.”
Oh, no.
Not Evelyn.
This was going from bad to worse.
She turned to me, and there was a warmth in her eyes that made my knees tremble.
She wasn’t angry at me.
“Go on, dear. Now is the time for truth, is it not?” she said kindly.
I nodded. It was.
“Soph?” Camilla flattened her hand against her chest. “I don’t understand.”
I took a deep breath and steeled myself ready to explain. From the very beginning. Everything.
But I wasn’t allowed.
“I would like you leave my house,” the duchess said. “Whoever you are and whatever you’re doing here, get out. And do not come back.”
Helena took a step towards her, but I turned to her.
“It’s fine. I should go. You and Hugo know everything anyway.” I touched her arm and collected my phone and keys from the table, then walked towards the door, only pausing close to Camilla. “Everything you need is either on the table or at the cottage.”
“Soph, I need you to explain.” Cam grabbed my hand. “I don’t understand what’s happening.”
I shook her off and continued walking.
“For goodness’ sake, Anna,” Evelyn snapped. “Allow the girl to explain herself!”