Page 13 of My Lord, My Rogue
“My sister is right. Please let her know. However, we are not here to dabble in Society—and I am hoping we can escape the Season here. We came to see Oliver and Honora and spend Christmastide with them. Social engagements dominate our days, and we want very much to focus on our family.”
Benjamin had noticed his friend smiling at the boy before Oliver left the room. “It was quite a shock to see Lady Honora . . . Aster,” he added quickly, “out riding yesterday morn. At first, I thought it was a ghost.”Perhaps we can get a few more answers to what has happened here. I want to see her parent’s reactions.
Lifting her chin, Lady Violet looked him in the eye. “My lord, I feared for my niece’s life and that of her unborn child. If anyone is to blame, it is me. I had seen and heard enough of his outbursts toward Honora to know Lord Aster did not value her. Her parents were not party to the deception.”
Benjamin was about to speak up; however, the earl was looking at Lancaster, so he waited.
“Your Grace,” the earl said, moving closer to the two men, “I would hope that we can spend some time in my study before you take your leave. There is much I would like to say, and I realize there is much you would like to know.”
“I would appreciate that, my lord,” the duke replied. His voice held no hint of anger. “I would like to have the full story, as it may serve as a balm to my ego. I have already told Lady . . . Aster that I have forgiven her.”
“You are a real gem, Your Grace,” Lady Violet said.
Honora stepped forward. “Adam . . .Your Grace . . . thank you for this. You cannot imagine how I have chastised myself for what I did. I cannot offer excuses—there obviously are no excuses for my behavior. However, I cannot regret Oliver . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“What a handsome young man. You dote on him, and he on you,” Lancaster offered with a sincere smile. “I cannot escape the obvious. There will be some awkwardness between us. Yet, I feel that your friend, Evie . . . my wife, will want to have you and Oliver in our life. ’Tis unimaginable that she would want otherwise.”
“Thank you. You cannot imagine how much that one statement lifts my heart.” She glanced at her mother, who gave a slight incline of her head. “May I pour the tea? Cook has created a light repast she felt you would enjoy. I believe she mentioned it was a favorite of your family.”
“That sounds wonderful. It must be plum cake!” Lancaster said excitedly as a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I have not had that in an age.”
The earl laughed. “The very thing! I am afraid I was up early and volunteered for a tasting. I cannot think it will disappoint you.”
“Cook loves to bake, and this visit gave her justification. Obviously, we have not entertained in some time. Except for the small cakes and biscuits she makes for Oliver, she gets little excuse.”
“With Christmastide upon us in less than a sennight, she should be able to remedy that loss!” Benjamin could feel his own mouth salivating in anticipation. His own cook had not put herself out with baked goods. She did the bare minimum. If you asked for it, she made it. Otherwise, no.
“Lord Willington, how long will you be in Bath?” Lady Radcliff asked.
“My mother has opened her townhouse and plans on entertaining. I have promised to spend the holiday, and I expect with Queen Charlotte’s appearance, I will have to enjoy more than a few of the Season’s events.”
“What about you, Your Grace?” she inquired.
“My wife is about to give birth. I cut my attendance at Parliament short and plan to leave soon for Lancashire. It will be our first,” he answered enthusiastically.
“I had not heard that Her Grace was expecting.” She clasped her hands together and looked down. “I apologize. ’Tis just that with our own Honora isolated, thus, we have taken little part in Society—a lapse in judgment could have been costly for her.”
Benjamin looked at the duke and then at the room. “I take it that the only people that know of her still being alive are in this room.”
The earl nodded. “That is true. We have kept a tight wrap on this. We can discuss that more fully, but essentially, Aster did not leave an heir—as far as anyone knew,” he explained. “The dowager marchioness was most disappointed when we did not give her son the dowry already promised to you, Your Grace, and we are racing to get guardianship papers filed to thwart any effort she may entertain once word of Oliver’s and Honora’s existence gets out. And as you know, when more than one person knows a secret, the odds increase that more will know it, whether or not you want that to be.”
“I had not given thought to Oliver’s guardianship. How can we help?” Benjamin spoke up.
“I plan to file papers this week with the Court of Chancery. My hope would be that the former Marquess did not already set up a guardianship for any male or female issues in the event of his death. Honora’s experience with that family already does not bode well for her ability to continue to care for her son, should they realize his existence.
“Perhaps I can lend a hand here. I have some pull with the regent. He was most fond of my father, and if I am at liberty to explain the situation, I feel sure he will understand. It could increase the odds in your favor,” Lancaster offered.
“You would do that . . . considering?” The earl smiled in appreciation.
“Gentlemen, this talk is doing nothing toward getting a sizeable portion of the plum cake into the stomachs. Cook will be sorely disappointed. Might we defer this talk until after a cup of tea and a portion of cake?” the countess asked demurely.
“You are right, of course, my dear. Your Grace, Lord Willington, let us meet for a few minutes in my study shortly and we can continue this discussion,” the earl returned.
Benjamin looked across the room and noticed Lady Violet sitting with a half-smile on her face. He could not describe it as a smirk. It looked more like she knew something no one else was privy to.What in the world could that be?The woman had helped to hide her niece—and from a duke, no less. She could know and do anything, he realized. He glanced in Lady Honora’s direction. Drat it all. He found it difficult to acknowledge her as Lady Aster. The name left a distaste in his mouth, which had little to do with the lady and all to do with her scoundrel husband. He noticed she had relaxed a great deal since their arrival.
“Ladies, I wonder if you would allow us to take our leave. I would like to discuss some business.”
“Certainly, Lord Radcliff. I would like to hear more about my little grandnephew from his mother and grandmama,” Lady Violet responded cheerfully.
