“I doubt any among the aristocracy would agree. They care so damned much about lineage, about blood, about heritage. I had the disadvantage of being born out of wedlock but still had pride in my mum and the man she told me was my father. I felt worthy because of what I’d believed they’d shared. I’d always thought my father was the hero and it turns out he’s the villain.”

He hated that she was filled with such doubts. “But you’re the heroine, the one who does such good for others.”

“While I appreciate your sentiment, knowing the truth of who sired me, how could I in any way be an appropriate wife for a lord?”

“If they find the circumstances of your birth objectionable—something over which you had no control—they can go to the devil.” His words caused her to smile slightly, but it was enough to cheer him. He wanted to tell her that he was an earl and her beginnings made him only admire her all the more. But now was not the time for her to learn that he hadn’t been completely honest with her either. Not telling her he was the Rosemont of the damned letter hadn’t seemed a bad thing when he’d first met her. But now that he’d come to know her, it was difficult to find the proper time to spring the news on her. She would look upon him differently, just as he now viewed her through different eyes and realized how incredibly remarkable she was not to be anything like the maggot who sired her. “In all honesty, Fancy, you need never tell anyone.”

“Then it’s not honest, is it? There’s a deceptive quality to it. And if he’s not convicted—”

“He will be. I spoke this morning with the barrister who will be prosecuting the case. With my testimony”—along with the weight and influence of my rank—“he has little doubt Dibble will be found guilty.”

She studied him for a full minute. “While that’s a relief, I still think I should also be a witness. I don’t want Dibble to think I’m afraid of him. I want to face him, take satisfaction in bringing about his comeuppance.”

“As much as I admire you for that, why put yourself through it when there’s no reason?”

“I hate what he did to my mum. He took advantage of her, and his position gave him the power to do so. I’d like to see him gelded.”

Although he hadn’t expected her to be so vindictive, he didn’t blame her for the sentiment. “I doubt they’ll go that far, but he will be punished. Prison is not an easy existence.”