CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TEN – WHO SPEAKS THE TRUTH?

"Enough of Eliza's poison! Yes, I bought her a necklace. It was a mistake, a moment of weakness. I thought it might placate her increasingly erratic behavior. And Penelope? For God's sake, Charlotte, she's my first cousin. That 'scene' was me helping her after she sprained her ankle during a dance." He strode to the window, gripping the sill as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. "I've tried, Charlotte. I've tried to be patient, to understand your pain. But how can we move forward if you're going to doubt my every word? If the ravings of a deeply troubled woman hold more weight than my love for you?" Charlotte felt tears welling up. "It's not that simple, Richard. You hid so much from me. And Eliza, she seemed so sure, so..." "So what?" Richard turned, his eyes blazing. "So convincing? So did Alexander when he spun his tales. So did Julian when he kept his lethal secrets. Are you so eager to believe the worst of me because it's familiar? Because it's easier than trusting