Page 64 of The Seductive Love of a Lady
‘I am to be a father.’
‘I’ll be damned. Though I suppose it was inevitable. Poor child,’ Peter joked.
Amusement choked from Drew’s throat. ‘If I get out of here, just for your humour, and because I could not have you as my groom’s man, I shall make you godfather, and if I do not get out of here, you must tell Mary it is what I wished. The child will be in the cradle of her family, but my child ought to have some memory of me.’
‘Should I share tales of you in your cups?’
Drew did not laugh this time.
Peter’s hand settled on Drew’s shoulder. ‘You have Pembroke’s and Wiltshire’s influence, you will get out.’
‘I am not certain. Kilbride has influence too.’
‘Enough!’ The guard shouted through the square opening in the door, announcing that Peter’s allotted time was up.
34
Mary leaned against the drawing room door, her ear pressed to the wood, trying to hear what was being said. But Caroline spoke too quietly.
Mary looked at John. ‘I cannot hear.’
‘You should not be listening.’
‘What if the magistrate does not believe Caroline?’
‘Then he is an idiot. The accusation is obviously not true.’
Mary had been resolute since they fetched Caroline, suppressing her fear for Andrew, facing this with courage, refusing to think they might believe Drew guilty. But… No… She could not consider it.
‘I sent a letter to Mama and asked them to come, Mary. I think you need her here.’
‘Do you think Richard will take me back to London with him, so I can see Andrew?’
John shook his head. ‘No. I doubt, with the amount of pride your husband has, he would thank us for letting you see him in such a situation. Stay here and support Lady Kilbride. That is how you may help. You are the only person she trusts. Let Uncle Richard manage this and speak for Andrew.’
But only the words Caroline spoke on the other side of the door might bring him back.
The door handle turned. Mary stepped back, as Uncle Richard opened the door.
He looked from Mary to John. ‘We have finished, and I believe Lady Kilbride would appreciate your company, Mary. John, may I dine here before I return to town?’
‘Of course,’ John answered.
Leaving John to play the obsequious role to influence the magistrate, Mary hurried to Caroline.
She was shaking terribly.
‘I am sorry you had to endure this.’ Mary slipped off her shawl and wrapped it around Caroline’s shoulders.
‘Better that than for Drew to suffer because of me.’ Her eyes swam with tears.
Mary held her, tears filling her eyes too, and for a short while they clung to each other.
Caroline broke the embrace. ‘I am sorry. I do not normally cry.’
Mary wiped her eyes and smiled. ‘I do, and there is no need to apologise.’
‘This is my fault,’ Caroline said.
