Page 79 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
Remember me,
J
Once the words were blotted and the letter sealed, he felt better. He would see it posted, then call on his parents and try to build a bridge between them.
He went on foot again. He did not want to give Wareham the satisfaction of thinking he had scared John, and had any influence over John’s life.
His uncle’s town house was in Bloomsbury Square.
Jenkins, the butler, opened the door and immediately grinned. ‘Your Grace, it is good to see you.’
John had not called here since his return from Egypt, and like many of his family’s servants, Jenkins had known him since he was a boy.
Jenkins bowed and then took John’s outdoor articles.
‘Is my mother here?’
‘Lady Edward is in the drawing room with Lady Barrington, the Duchess of Arundel and Miss Marlow. Shall I introduce Your Grace?’
‘No, I will surprise her.’ And it would be a surprise.
He climbed the stairs at a jog, knowing he had an apology to make. He had unfairly hounded her at Pembroke Place.
When he reached the drawing room, the door was ajar. Pushing it open, he walked straight in. The women were huddled on the sofas near the hearth, and they turned as one, his mother, Aunt Jane, Aunt Penny and Mary.
His mother stood, blushing, as her chin lifted, as though she expected to have to defend herself. He had watched her do the same when his grandfather had visited them. John felt his stomach tighten in disgust. Was that what he had done to her, made her fear him?
‘John,’ she uttered, ‘we did not expect you.’
‘I had nothing else to do. I hope I am not intruding.’ He forced a smile and walked towards her.
She curtsied.
He took her hand and drew her up then kissed her cheek. ‘Mama.’
A hesitant smile formed on her lips but he could see forgiveness and gratitude in her eyes. She hugged him then and whispered to his ear, ‘I am glad you came.’ He was glad too. ‘You are interrupting nothing,’ she said more loudly, drawing away and keeping a hold of his hand for a moment. He sat beside her. ‘But our conversation may bore you. We are planning Mary’s come out. Will you stay for refreshments?’
He nodded, feeling another punch of guilt as he realised he ought to be sponsoring Mary because Edward had no title.
John offered up his town house for the ball, and made a promise to escort Mary to a number of events. His name would offer her opportunities Edward’s could not.
In return he received joyous gratitude from his sister and approval from his mother and his aunts.
25
Katherine lay back on the bed, her stomach churning. The morning sickness had not subsided. She had not eaten breakfast for days. It was easier to simply stay away from the table. It was a good thing then that her family paid so little attention to her; none of them had said a word about her absence.
With one hand on her stomach she thought of John’s child growing there.
There was a feeling of awe to think of a child, a part of John, developing in her womb, and yet she had no idea what to do. When she thought about what would happen, fear constricted her throat.
For days now she had been building up her courage to ask Richard for help. She knew he had helped other women in the parish find somewhere safe. But she would lose his respect and his friendship, and she would lose Phillip and her father when she left.
At the beginning of this dreadful folly, she had longed to know how her mother had felt. Now Katherine knew. Alone and ashamed. No wonder her mother had taken her own life. Katherine was her mother’s perfect legacy – frail and naïve. But she would not follow her mother to the grave. She wished the child to live and to have its mother.
A slight knock tapped her bedchamber door.
Katherine got up, ignoring the lurch of her stomach. She had dressed, in case anyone came. She sat on the window seat and picked up her mending. Then she called, ‘Come in,’ and set a smile on her face.
