Page 57 of The Wicked Duke's Convenient Bride
No one spoke, and the only sound was Tabitha sniffling into her father’s handkerchief. If someone had told her that she might someday be weeping on her parents’ settee and lamenting that the Duke of Hillsburgh did not love her, Tabitha felt that she would have laughed. The idea sounded so absurd, even though it was her reality.
“If that is what you want,” Lord Mayhew said. “I am a lord, but I am your father first. I will abide by your wishes.”
Tabitha stifled a sob and nodded. Her tears had glued her hair to the sides of her face, and she felt utterly wretched. Tabitha’s father gazed gently at her, looking nearly as lost as she was. Maybe it was her tears. To her knowledge, Tabitha had never wept in her father’s presence, and certainly not so heavily as this.
“If anything, I think it might be best for me to live on our country estate for a while,” Tabitha said. “While I am there, I can mend as well as I might. Certainly, I am in no condition to entertain guests or attend balls, and I cannot return to Matthew’s townhouse. I am sure that Her Grace will be living there with him.
Tabitha had the wayward thought that the Duchess of Hillsburgh might have already chosen to return to her old chambers; Tabitha had not altered them much. And if Tabitha did return to the townhouse, where would she spend her time anyway? She would feel like an unwelcome relation, like a spinster left with nothing to do except depend on her family’s charity for survival.
“That may be for the best,” her mother said. “The country is quiet and peaceful, and Tabitha will have time to rest and recuperate. I am sure that Her Grace’s appearance was equally startling to you, and you have not quite realized it yet because you are so reasonably consumed with what the Duke of Hillsburgh may do.”
“That will also allow His Grace time to decide what he is to do,” Lord Mayhew said. “I will remain in London to receive his decision. I am sure he will seek us out once he has decided what course of action he wishes to take.”
Tabitha felt like she already knew, but she said nothing. The conversation seemed like it was running in circles, and they kept returning to the same point. Despite what Tabitha’s heart told her, the facts were that Matthew had made no decision yet, and wherever she was, Tabitha would be in agony waiting for him. At least she could be away from the gossip and prying eyes of the city if she stayed in the country.
“I will come with you,” Bridgette said. “I am sure my parents will not be vexed by my joining you, especially given the situation.”
Tabitha forced a smile. “But you have your own suitor, Bridgette. I cannot ask you to leave him for me.”
“Of course you can,” Bridgette said. “You are my dearest friend, and I will always choose you before anyone else. I promise.”
“Well,” Lady Mayhew said. “It is settled, then. I shall have the bags packed at once, and we will leave for the country. I know it does not feel like it right now, but all will be well, Tabby.”
Tabitha nodded, although she did not believe her mother’s words. Her parents and Bridgette were offering what comfort they could, and Tabitha fought to look as though she appreciated it. For all their love and support, however, she did not think that she had ever felt so alone.
Chapter 26
Matthew sat in his study; his mother perched primly in a nearby chair. The room’s other occupants were Nicholas Jones, Matthew’s favoured solicitor, and his clerk, Mark. Although Jones was an experienced man and an expert in all legal matters, he had not—as it happened—ever handled a situation quite like this one. It seemed that wives did not often return from the dead. “This will ensure that everything is in order,” Jones said. “I do not foresee the courts disagreeing in this matter, Your Grace. It is quite apparent that the Duchess of Hillsburgh abandoned your marriage, and no one would contest a divorce.”
“I appreciate your reassurance, Jones,” Matthew said, “but I want to be certain about every aspect of this situation. I have a new wife, after all.”
He had not spoken to Tabitha since Rosemary’s arrival, but he had received word that she had chosen to stay at her parents’ townhouse. Matthew knew that he would need to speak to her soon, for she was surely as conflicted and confused by the matter as he, but he did not wish to do that until he knew that Rosemary was undeniably and irrevocably out of their lives. Having the mystery of Rosemary’s disappearance solved at last was strange. It had all ended so suddenly and quietly; he had not heard a word from her since she had left the townhouse.
Geoffrey, Matthew’s butler, entered the room. “Your Grace, Lady Haywood has arrived.”
That was Rosemary’s great-aunt. “She is here?” Matthew asked.
He had sent a letter to Lady Haywood, enquiring after Elaine’s well-being, and Matthew had anticipated a response to come soon. Matthew had not, however, expected that the lady herself would arrive.
“She is, indeed. She has requested to speak with you at once, Your Grace.”
“Please,” Matthew said, gesturing to the room.
Geoffrey left and returned moments later with a woman who bore such a resemblance to Rosemary that it nearly took Matthew’s breath away. This woman was at least sixty years old, and her black hair was streaked with silver. Her eyes were dark, like Rosemary’s, and something about the shape of her face was similar. “Your Grace,” she said, curtseying.
“Lady Haywood,” Matthew greeted. “I did not expect your arrival.”
“Given the matter at hand, I felt it would be better for us to speak in person,” Lady Haywood said.
“Please, be seated,” Matthew said. “I believe that I am nearly finished with business here.”
“Indeed,” Jones said, gathering his papers. “I believe I have everything I need here. If there is anything else, I will send Mark to you.”
The clerk nodded.
“Excellent,” Matthew said.
The two men departed, and Matthew turned his attention to Lady Haywood. “My mother,” he said belatedly. “The Dowager Duchess of Hillsburgh.”
