Page 63 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“Indeed. And where is your son now?”
“Oh he goes between London and Derbyshire where he lives with his wife.” Lady Lanton’s mouth twisted as she said it, “And my grandson.”
“A grandson? How lovely for you. My congratulations.”
The Dowager Marchioness beamed. “Thank you.” Then she sighed, “I do hope Edward can experience the joy of a child for himself soon.”
Martha frowned, “Well, I’m sure he will?” she sought to change the subject from children, “Well then, I am glad for the change of circumstances. And grateful as well.” She gave Ava a smile. “My Ava has been something of a recluse in the last five years. It does my heart good to see her out and about.”
Ava frowned at her mother, surprised at her words. She had never heard her mother express such sentiments before. “I did not know you felt that way.”
“Well, there is not a thing you could have done about it if you did know. All it would have done is to give you something else to feel guilty about.”
Ava jumped in startlement. “I did not know I was so transparent,” she said wryly.
“I am your mother. Of course, I knew how you felt.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Well in any case,” Lady Lanton cut in, “it is out in the open now.”
Martha turned to look at her with a firm nod. “Yes, it is.”
Ava did not know how to feel about all these revelations. She had lived the last five years with a lot of assumptions that were now being turned on their head. She reached for her mother and embraced her as tightly as she could.
“I love you, Mama,” she murmured in her mother’s ear.
“I love you too.” Martha replied.
Lady Lanton had clapped her hands. “Well, well, isn’t that a sight to see? Misunderstandings cleared up with a little conversation.” She got to her feet rather abruptly. “You know what? I am going to borrow a leaf from your book. My son and I need to talk.”
Ava quirked an eyebrow. “Are you going to go and see him?” she asked in surprise, knowing how much Lady Lanton loved to complain about her daughter-in-law.
“Yes. I want my grandson to grow up knowing his grandmother, and I have left it too long to make sure of that.” She headed for the door. “I am off to pack my things. Will you call for my carriage?”
Ava shot to her feet. “Of course. I shall also have the cook prepare something for your journey.”
Lady Lanton paused at the door and smiled. “Thank you very much, Ava, for your hospitality.”
Ava smiled. “You are welcome anytime. Please do kiss your grandson for us.”
Ava pulled the needle out resentfully, paying very little attention to the embroidery that she was making.
He should have been here to say goodbye to his aunt.
She felt so angry with Edward, even as she knew that her anger was stemming from fear. He had not so much as sent a note since he went to London, and she was worried sick.
What if he has been thrown in Newgate Prison right now? Will I ever know what happened to him?
A knock on the door had her looking up with a frown. Notley peeked into the room, looking uncertain. “Your Grace, there is a carriage approaching. I do believe it is His Grace’s.”
Ava shot to her feet. “Are you sure?”
Notley continued to frown as he shook his head. “Not really. It is a black carriage that looks like his, however. The likelihood is high.”
“We will go and make sure!” She flung down her embroidery and headed for the door, shooing the butler before her. “Go on then. I shall be right behind you.”
