Page 54 of An Earl's Scandalous Return
While he had known this to be a common affliction among the ton, especially in those of their rank, his father had never seemed that sort of man to him.
“I must admit that was part of it. Even if I disapprove of the way the gossips like to talk about everyone, it does not mean that I wish to encourage them to do so. And so, I feared that the marriage would hurt both our families, not just his children but my own son. I did not wish anything to get in the way of you and your future.”
He reached out for Edward’s hand.
“But at the same time, I did not realise the depth of his love for Jane. I thought it merely a passing affair and that he was losing his head for no reason. But I was wrong, and I will regret it to this day.”
Edward looked up to see a hollow look in his eyes. “You should forgive yourself, Father. For you are still here, and there is still life to live and happiness to be had.”
A little smile flickered across his father’s face. “Do you believe that too, my son?”
Edward got to his feet. He had no wish to enter into any discussion that neared Arabella and what had happened. His father only suspected pieces of it, and he didn’t want to talk about his foolishness on that score.
“I must go downstairs and go to dinner, as you instruct. Sleep well, Father,” he said, hearing a slight sigh from behind him as he left the room.
Downstairs, he entered the dining room to see that everyone had begun the first course.
“Forgive my delay,” he said, grateful to find a seat next to Alvin, where a footman helped him into his chair before serving him the soup course and filling his wine glass.
“Not at all,” Aunt Sophia said. “We thought perhaps you might wish for time with your father, but it seems he is doing well. Just a bit fatigued.”
“Indeed. It has been a trying day.” Edward looked up to see Arabella watching him, but she quickly looked away when she saw his eyes.
She looked beautiful that night, dressed in a dark mauve gown, with lovely pearl earrings and pearl necklace, and long white gloves on her arms. Everyone seemed to have dressed very well for dinner, and he was still in his afternoon clothes. He felt a little shabby, especially since everyone was bright and happy.
“But there is much cause for celebration.” He lifted his glass, trying to find his own cheerfulness when everyone around him seemed cheerful. “I want to congratulate Alvin and Jacinda for their marriage and their future wedding, which we will all be very eager to attend.” He nodded at Alvin and his wife, who beamed with happiness, making a little coil of jealousy in his belly at such joy when he wanted it for himself.
But then, he turned to Seraphina, who also looked well in a light blue gown, her cheeks flushed. “And I want to say a hearty welcome to you, Seraphina, as well as congratulations. I know that we are not family, but we are connected, and I am very happy for you and your good fortune.”
“Hear, hear,” Alvin said, and everyone was about to drink before Seraphina continued.
“Oh, I must add to this, My Lord,” Seraphina said.
“Edward,” he corrected, making her blush.
“Edward. I must say thank you to Arabella and you for all you did to help uncover the truth. Without you, I would have still been in Maidstone, believing Gregory to be my father. I would never have known that I still had family living, a brother and a sister. So, I thank you again and Arabella for taking the time to find me.” She paused, looking about to cry.
“I will drink to that,” Edward said, lifting his glass before everyone took a sip.
Now, all he had to do was figure out how to get the hell out of there before he lost his heart again.
Chapter 59
After dinner, Edward and Alvin found themselves on their own in his deceased uncle’s study. They wouldn’t usually adhere to the normal societal rule of men and women parting after the evening meal, but Aunt Sophia had insisted, wanting to show Seraphina a bit more about society.
And so, he and Alvin were in the study, which had still been meticulously clean even if it went unused. The heir to the dukedom had gone to the old duke’s cousin, who lived mostly in London, so he allowed the dowager to reside in the country house. It really was an amicable arrangement.
The study also had a fine wine selection, and Edward poured them both a glass of merlot.
“Too kind, old friend.” Alvin, who seemingly hadn’t stopped grinning since he’d arrived at the country house, took the glass gratefully before sitting down.
“Fine place, here. Your aunt is kind to take Seraphina under her wing before we all return to London as one big happy family.”
Edward slid into a chair opposite and took a sip. “Yes, Aunt Sophia is overjoyed to be asked to help. I know she gets lonely here sometimes and misses London terribly. I will remind her that she is welcome there any time in Father’s house.”
“Please do, or I shall have to invite her myself. Such good company, and, well, she has been rather good about all this scandal. I know there are not many people I’d feel comfortable telling about all this.” Alvin waved a hand in the air.
Edward smiled. “It is good to see you after so long. I’m sorry that I stayed away as long as I did.”
