Page 71 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
“I know I do.” Alethea relaxed back into her monopodium armchair and raised a teacup to her mouth. “When I taught at the foundling home, I often thought of how ill Society treats children.” She paused and cut him a look. “Did you ever get around to visiting it?”
Finlay looked down at his lap. “I did, actually,” was all he said. He’d tell her at another time how much the visit had changed his life.
His sister and Darington peppered him with questions for several minutes, and Finlay found himself impressed with the depth of their knowledge of current issues despite the fact they’d been abroad. It was obvious Alethea’s passion for social reforms had been spurred by her time in St. Lucia, and whether by coincidence or love for his wife, Darington was sympathetic with her viewpoints. Finlay was also relieved to know he’d have a strong ally in the House of Lords.
Alethea studied him over her teacup. “Is there anything we can do to assist you with your campaign?”
Stretching his legs out in front of him, Finlay toyed with the cup in his hands. “Well, since you asked…Lord Matthews believed it would be helpful if I hosted a dinner or ball. Would you be willing to serve as my hostess?”
The sound she made could only be described as a squeal. “I’d be delighted! And why don’t we have it here at Darington Terrace?” Alethea looked to her husband, who was already considering her with a bemused smile. “We’d discussed throwing a ball to introduce ourselves to theton, but we can do that by hosting a gathering for you.”
“Superb idea, my dear. Two birds and all that.”
After more discussion about possible dates, as well as particulars for the guest list, Alethea sighed. “Goodness, Fin, I’m so very proud of you. You’re building a life for yourself that fits your interests and exploits your strengths.” She hesitated, then rushed to add, “Plus, it’s free of Father’s long shadow. You have definitely become your own man.”
Uncomfortable emotions clogged his throat, and he raised his cup to his mouth to hide his expression. He was unable to formulate a response, but he knew his sister didn’t expect one.
The twins were silent, each feigning interest in their tea or the selection of cakes on the tray, while they corralled their emotions. Darington, to his credit, went on consuming his lunch as if completely oblivious to the sentiments pulsing in the air.
Finlay experienced a jolt of surprise, therefore, when the duke was the first to speak. “We also have news to share,” he said, as he rose to his feet.
Darington laid a hand on Alethea’s shoulder, and she tipped her head back and flashed him a smile. A grin, really. A cat-who-got-the-cream sort of grin.
Placing her cup and saucer on the delicate side table next to her, she patted the corners of her mouth with a napkin before knotting her hands in her lap. “I’m increasing.”
“Err…what?” Finlay mumbled, his jaw going slack.
Darington laughed, the sound merry and light. “We’re expecting a child, Firthwell. You’re to be an uncle.”
“A child.” A feeling much like joy bubbled inside him. “But that’s wonderful!”
“We think so, too,” Alethea said, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he swooped her up in his arms and swung her in a circle, whooping in delight.
“Ho, have a care,” Darington cautioned, but Alethea huffed at his concern.
“I’m fine. The baby is well protected. If anything, he or she is enjoying the sound of their uncle’s laugh.”
Darington scowled but said nothing else. Nevertheless, he hovered close by like an overprotective nanny.
After releasing his sister, Finlay shook his head in wonder. Alethea was to be a mother. She had so much love to give, and he was thrilled she had a chance to lavish it on a child of her own. She’d be everything their own mother had not been able to be to them.
He cleared his throat. “I don’t wish to ruin the happy mood, but I brought something as well.”
As he reached into his coat he met Alethea’s questioning gaze. “I was sorting through some of Mother’s items that were still in her bedroom.” He shook his head. “I’m not sure why I was even in there, but for some reason I was. And I found this.” He stuck his hand in a pocket and found it empty.
He tried another pocket. Empty. And another one. They were all empty.
It was gone.
Finlay felt lightheaded. A sweat broke out over his skin, and he gripped the back of a chair for support.
“Fin, whatever is the matter?” Alethea’s voice was raised.
He looked up, locking gazes with his sister before slowly sliding it to meet Darington’s.
The duke frowned. “What did you lose?”
