Man And Wife At Dawn

She did, in more ways than the obvious. "Yes."                       

"He says he knows you, and claims to have had you compromised." Her father continued. "Is this true?" Beth couldn't answer.

Her father's words cut her deeply. What could she say? That it was true? That what she thought was to remain a secret had seen the light of day? She would never be able to overcome the shame it would bring her and her family. It might about kill her parents, not after they had made an alliance on her behalf with Mr. Richmond.

She could not refuse either, Lord Carlisle was right in the room, he would expose her lie immediately.

"Bethany?" Her father's voice startled her. She looked up, shaking slightly. "You are my child, and not minding status and wealth, I would believe you over him." He sat forward and dropped his voice. "Tell me, are his words true?"