Page 112 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
Wilhelmina chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Dominic and I love your column, Lady Silverquill,” Marianne said. “I wish there will be more issues. It is refreshing to see you put some people in their place while helping others.”
“I almost suspected it was her,” Dominic admitted. “But I suppose wit does run in the family.”
“It didn’t start with wit,” Wilhelmina explained sadly. “I became Lady Silverquill out of necessity. Dowagers do not receive generous allowances, and I was afraid things would take a turn for the worse if Robert’s heir finds a wife.”
“You could’ve always come to us,” Marianne said with a gentle frown.
Wilhelmina nodded, “I know. But I wanted to do it on my own. To make something of myself.”
Daniel snorted. “Are you surprised? She’s been saying that she’s wanted to ‘make something of herself’ since she could read.”
Wilhelmina sent him a warm glance.
“Proud of you,” Daniel mouthed as he raised his glass at her.
Elizabeth made a sympathetic sound. “By the way, I heard that Lady Farnmont left England in disgrace,” she said quietly. “The ton is now pretending that she never existed.”
“Cowards,” Daniel grunted.
“That’s the ton for you,” Marianne scoffed. “It’s astounding how they used to shun us and now consider us their betters.”
“Yes. They can’t do anything to you now,” Wilhelmina murmured.
Dessert followed. Everyone was quiet for a while, savoring the company of family and friends. Small talk was exchanged between seatmates. Wilhelmina knew that she had to make her next announcement. However, she had to steady her breathing first.
“We have one more announcement,” Gerard declared, standing up this time.
“Oh, is it another charity auction?” Marianne asked.
Wilhelmina shook her head, a grin breaking across her face. “No. It is not that. We have a baby on the way.”
A hush fell over the table. And then, the eruption of joy: congratulations, laughter, claps, and embraces. Victoria thumped the table, Alasdair hugged Gerard, and Hector flung himself into Wilhelmina’s arms, squealing with delight.
“To new beginnings!” Daniel toasted, lifting his glass. The rest echoed in hearty agreement. Hector nestled against Wilhelmina, whispering, “Can I teach the baby speeches fromThe Tempest?”
“Only the good bits,” she whispered, stroking his hair.
That was good enough for the boy. He retreated to his table, muttering about becoming a big brother.
Soon, their carriage was rumbling through quiet streets once more. It was time to go home.
Wilhelmina, Gerard, and Hector were still basking in the happy news.
“You were very brave today,” Hector praised, sounding like a grown man. “You told them you are Lady Silverquill. You told them about the baby.”
“It’s easier to be brave when you know you are loved,” Wilhelmina said, stroking his hair. “It’s also easier to do it with family and friends.”
By the time they reached Talleystone House, Hector was already asleep. Gerard lifted him carefully and carried him to his room before tucking him into his bed.
In Wilhelmina’s room, they changed into their nightclothes. She could only brush her hair a little; she had a magnificent but tiring day.
“Hector was right. You were brave today,” Gerard said, voice low, rough with emotion. “You glowed—in the theater, at your sister’s house… everywhere.”
“So did you,” Wilhelmina murmured, her fingers brushing against his. “You looked… at ease. Happy.”
“It’s good to have people you can trust and rely on,” he said simply.
