Page 26 of Claiming His Lost Duchess
“Georgina, please. I have already made up my mind,” Joan said tiredly.
“You cannot be serious! Why would you ever believe that this was a wise decision to make? Lord Highcastle would have been a much better suitor for you! This choice… There is nothing a Scottish Duke has to offer. His reputation is as bad as it could be — and he is the talk of the town, in more ways than one. People even say that he has killed numerous men. You cannot truly believe that he would make a good husband — a good father even, to Sophia. Think of your child!” Georgina hissed, frustrated.
Joan saw no use in arguing with her cousin because she had concluded that they were on opposing sides and would remain there for however long this topic was relevant. Her main focus was on Sophia, who appeared excited by the hustle and bustle that had overrun the estate while preparations were being made for the wedding.
Her health has improved greatly, and it was quite clear she was enchanted with her new home, eager to explore every nook and cranny as long as she could. However, Joan was finding it hard to let her do just that, fearfully holding her daughter closer each chance she could because she feared the next embrace might be her last.
The Duke had stayed away most of the time, occasionally coming to Joan’s room to ask if she had settled well and enquire about Sophia’s health. Other than that, he made no move to make any demands of Joan, and it all made her so uneasy.
With a deep breath, Joan turned away from her reflection, putting on a smile as she beckoned Sophia closer. When thegirl had gotten to where she stood, Joan leaned downward to hold onto her hands, smiling at how her daughter’s fingers immediately clung to hers.
“My treasure, I understand that this all must be so confusing to you. I am sorry that I couldn’t have eased you into our future slowly. Everything I have done — all I have ever wanted to do came from a place of love. I love you so much and I only want what’s best for you.”
Sophia smiled, her eyes sparkling as she said, “I love you too, Mama!”
Joan grinned, her warm heart melting away some of the tension beneath her skin.
“I love you too, petal. I have something to tell you. And I need you to pay close attention to me while I say it. Can you do that?” she asked.
Sophia nodded eagerly, and Joan began to wonder how she was meant to face a truth she had hoped for years that she would never have to speak. The longer she stared at Sophia, the more she could reconcile pieces of her daughter’s features with those of her father’s. It was beyond the color of her hair, but also the focused frown that settled over her brow — a look Joan had seen Graham wearing once when she had sneakily peered through the slightly ajar door of his study. Even her smile reminded Joan of the charming expression he had flaunted those nights ago at the ball.
If there were so many parts of her daughter that were born from her father, how could Joan be so certain that there was enough of her in their child? Enough for her to be able to hold onto Sophia if need be?
“You see… You have asked me before who your papa was. I believe it’s time to tell you about him. Your father is the Duke of Rutledge, who owns this house.”
“Wha — what?” Georgina sputtered, her gaze wild with confusion and fury.
Joan could tell she was doing what she could to keep herself calm, and she knew she had to keep herself from getting distracted enough to stop speaking.
“We had to live apart from him for a while, and that was why you were not able to meet him before. But now he is here, and we will be living together,” she concluded, hoping that her vague explanation would somehow suffice.
Sophia’s face lit up immediately.
“I have a papa! And he has hair like mine! And we get to stay here? With him?”
Her excitement was easy to mimic, but guilt still gnawed at Joan as she nodded with a smile.
“Yes, darling. We will. Is that all right?”
Sophia nodded, causing her curls to bounce lightly, as though they were sharing in her joy.
“I’m so happy, Mama! We get to live in a big house and we get to see Papa every day!” Sophia babbled, her cheeks flushed with happiness.
Seeing her look so pleased distressed Joan greatly, but she still did her best to keep her emotions in check for the sake of her daughter.
“Good. I am glad that you think so,” Joan nodded with a smile that felt too heavy for her lips to carry for too long.
She stood straight, her hand still holding one of Sophia’s, and she turned to meet her cousin’s furious stare.
“Is that true? Is he really her father?” Georgina demanded.
Joan nodded, tightening her grip on her child. Georgina looked as though she would burst at any minute.
“How could you be so —”
A knock at the door interrupted her, and Joan was thankful for it, not seeking to get into another pointless argument.
She went to open the door, comforted by the sight of her lady’s maid, Penelope, who had been assigned to Joan at the Duke’sorders. The younger woman had been instrumental in Joan’s adaptation to the estate, making life easier with her quick response and helpful spirit.
