It was Catherine’s turn to be amused. Odd how such a shift could happen. “I think not.”
“You’ll find no one better, and since you’ve been compromised—”
“I was no such thing,” Catherine replied, her tone taking on a hard edge at the woman’s bold accusation. “And you’d be wise to watch your words.”
“It’s nothing but the truth. I left you alone and—”
“On purpose. With intent to ruin my reputation and force an alliance. Why?” Catherine demanded.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Morgan shift forward. “You might as well set the record straight. Lord Bircham refused to risk the ire of the Duke of Wesley.”
“Ah yes, yourfriend.” Mrs. Burke said the word as if it had less than honorable connotations.
“My betrothed,” Catherine added, watching as the smug expression on Mrs. Burke’s face froze, then shifted to skepticism. “You offended the wrong people, Mrs. Burke. And thankfully, your intentions didn’t get very far. The Duchess of Wesley has already set the record straight, and you’ll find that your reputation is the one in question.” Catherine laid out the words carefully, watching the older woman’s reaction.
“In fact,” Catherine continued, “I think the real threat is the effect this whole situation is having on Lord Bircham’s reputation.”
Mrs. Burke swallowed, her expression hard but her earlier confidence ebbing.
Catherine moved forward. “Yes, the way you put forth the news made it sound as if he were taking advantage of my situation and finances, not very gentlemanly. Some would say he was dishonorable, even.”
Mrs. Burke’s lips pursed. “I said nothing of the sort, but that you practically begged him, that it was necessary because of your actions—” She broke off abruptly.
This admission of guilt was what they needed. And with witnesses.
Catherine leaned back in her chair. “Ah, so you admit it.”
“I never said I didn’t,” Mrs. Burke shot back.
“You need to recant your words,” Morgan added into the conversation, his voice nearly startling Catherine because her focus had been so intent on Mrs. Burke.
“No,” Mrs. Burke replied flatly. “Whatever gossip surrounds Lord Bircham will be forgotten once he marries you.”
“He’s not going to—” Catherine began.
At the same time, Morgan said, “What did you say?”
Mrs. Burke looked between the two of them, as if deciding who to answer first. It was then that Catherine realized something. She was enjoying this.
As angry and agitated as she was, Mrs. Burke was thriving on the drama of it all, the conflict. In some twisted way, it fed her soul. Revulsion swirled in Catherine’s stomach.
“It doesn’t matter what you said, because here is the truth.” Catherine’s voice was soft, but her words held a swordlike edge. She had reached the end of her patience. No rationalization. Nothing was going to get to this woman but her own weapons.
With a calculated and measured approach, Catherine stood slowly and walked toward Mrs. Burke.
The woman watched her.
“It would be a shame…” Catherine started and then circled Mrs. Burke’s chair like a hawk circling a mouse in a field, “if word were to get out regarding Lord Bircham’s birth.”
The silence that followed spoke louder than words. “You see, my grandmother is doing quite well, thank the Lord. And she noticed something very distinct about you, Mrs. Burke.”
Catherine moved to stand in front of Mrs. Burke’s chair and gave her a frown. When there was no answer, she continued, “She explained how Lady Bircham had been unable to bear children. Such a pity.” Catherine exhaled. “Yet how fortuitous that her twin sister…nearly identical…should not have the same problem. And what luck that she was residing with Lord and Lady Bircham.”
Morgan arched a brow and nodded, as if encouraging Catherine to continue.
Her confidence growing, Catherine slowed as she circled the chair once more, then bent down to eye level with Mrs. Burke and spoke softly. “But someone saw a solution, didn’t he? Because youcouldhave a child…and he needed one. But not just any child, one who could be presented as legitimate, anheir.” She lingered for a moment and then stood upright, continuing her slow circle.
“So you switched with your sister, and anyone visiting would assume the sister in a delicate condition was the twin married to the late Lord Bircham.”