Page 19 of The Virgin Duchess

Charlotte’s voice came from just past the woman, and he looked over the resident’s shoulder to see his wife holding a child’s hand. The child looked to be about nine or ten, and the Duchess was utterly shocked to see him.

“Frederick?” The other woman said, her brow furrowing before it abruptly relaxed, and an air of hope crossed her face. “You told your husband about us?”

He could hear that lifted intonation that suggested the womanwantedCharlotte to have told him.Intriguing, indeed.

Looking between the two of them, Charlotte’s expression didn’t go unnoticed either. She looked pained, forced on the spot to make a decision. After a moment, she patted the child’s hand with a gentle smile and stepped forward.

Nodding, Charlotte put her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I did. It is possible that Frederick can help. Though, I will admit I am surprised to see him here.”

“Please,” The woman’s voice was distinctly higher, excitement lacing it, “come in, Your Grace.”

Frederick nodded respectfully and stepped inside. Down the short hall that stretched away from the front entrance, Charlotte stood waiting for him. When the door closed behind him, he was led by his wife to a tiny kitchen at the back of the small home. It was exceptionally modest, as he expected. As soon as they were inside, the older woman sat down at the table. She looked exhausted.

“Frederick, I’d like you to me Ms. Cordelia Wood and her daughter, Kitty. My half-sister.”

His wife eyed him sternly, waiting for his reaction. Frederick swallowed, dropping his eyes to the young child for a moment. She looked quite similar to her half-sister, and he nodded slowly, putting the pieces together.

The woman must have been her father’s mistress. This is where Charlotte has been going.

When all Frederick did was smile, holding the space for Charlotte to fill in the blanks, she relaxed some.

“Cordelia was involved with my father. She was our maid.” The women exchanged glances, holding so much silent remorse that it made Frederick’s chest pinch. “My father…had a way about himself. I’d like to say that it was just Cordelia, but that would be a lie.”

“Charlotte,” Cordelia held her hand, offering a sympathetic smile, “don’t beat yourself up. You were not the cause of my sorrowful luck. And I take plenty of responsibility for that myself, as well.”

Pulling out the fourth chair from the table, the only one left unoccupied, Frederick sat down.

“What happened?”

He let his tone ring gently, tilting his head as he made sure to put forth a look of genuine curiosity, not some fascination that he would use for gossip.

Cordelia looked over at Kitty. “He was a charming man, swindled me right out of my virtue, and I paid the price for it. I learned I was pregnant only after Kitty was born. I’d never looked to interfere with his life, but living alone with the truth was too great a task for me. I told Charlotte and Magnus about the situation. And His Grace agreed to provide assistance for me and Kitty while remaining quiet about the truth.”

He looked over toward his wife, squinting slightly as he silently told her he understood her late-night escapades now.

“I see.” Frederick held out his hand. “Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Cordelia.”

Smiling at the young girl, he extended it again. “And you, Kitty. You look quite like your older sister.”

Palpable relief washed over Charlotte, loudly enough that Frederick could practically hear her muscles unclench. Cordelia also appeared to relax before yanking a handkerchief from her apron pocket and coughing into it.

“And it seems you are unwell, Cordelia.” Frederick turned to Charlotte. “Is this why you left so quickly?”

She nodded. “I got word that influenza had taken Cordelia again, and I knew how badly it had been for her the last time. I didn’t want her to remain feverish.”

“Hmm, very true. It does not do well to stay so for long. Perhaps I can have my physician come over to take a look at you. He can provide enhanced care and see to Kitty’s health as well.”

Cordelia’s jaw dropped slightly as a little gasp whispered out. “Truly? You would do that for us?”

“Of course. What kind of gentleman would I be if I were to let you suffer? You areextendedfamily. I will do whatever I can to help.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Cordelia looked beyond thrilled, but when Frederick glanced at Charlotte, her expression poorly hid a deep fury burning in her eyes. Her brows were knitted together with concern, and it took Cordelia putting her hand on Charlotte’s arm for his wife’s countenance to soften.

Why on earth is she upset? Shouldn’t she be happy that a physician is coming?

There were more than a few remaining questions, and Frederick didn’t want either of them to be in the house for much longer. Influenza could be quite contagious, and they were not taking the proper precautions.

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