Page 37 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
Laughter bubbled in her along with tears.She swallowed both back and struggled to remain dignified, as if that were possible in this circumstance.
“You misunderstand,” she said, “and I am so very s-sorry…” She cleared her throat.“I should have spoken to you earlier, after we met at Mr.Charles Everly’s wedding.”She had sat beside Penderbrook in the carriage that day, wanting ever so much to embrace him.
She should have spoken to him earlier, or…not at all.She could still leave.
No—it was too late.She couldn’t leave Quentin thinking she was a middle-aged lady looking at him with amorous intent.The very thought made her skin crawl.
She straightened her shoulders.“Mr.Walker, the vicar who brought you up, were he and his wife good to you?”
He blinked.
“You called them uncle and aunt, did you not?”
Now a sharp look crossed his face, but he quickly schooled it.“They were both very kind.”
That relieved a burden on her heart.“They never remonstrated you about your…about your parentage?”
He blinked.“What?”A red tint bloomed on his cheeks.“They were very kind.”
“You’ve grown into a fine gentleman.”
“Thanks to my uncle and aunt.They provided me everything.”
She nodded.“Everything.Good.”
“What is this about?”
The reports to her through the years had been accurate.Quentin’s childhood had been a happy one.“They took excellent care of you.I’m so very glad.”
“My lady…” His voice rising, he stood, and so did she.“My lady, let me escort you home.You are distressed, and—”
“Penderbrook,” she said, “Quentin.I am…I am your mother.”
She flinched.Her voice had risen also.There was no telling if these walls were thick, or if the other tenants might have heard.Color swept up his neck and his hands fisted.
If she’d wished for a happy ending, this wouldn’t be it.
There was relief in the telling, yet life seemed to bleed from her, and she moved sluggishly nearer the door.
Still, she must finish what she came here to do.Reluctantly, she turned back to him.“I am aware of your gambling debt.”
That knowledge caused his high color to drain.His lips went to purple, genuinely worrying her.
“Perhaps you should sit, dear boy.”
“My lady, you should leave now,” he said, voice quaking.
“I want you to know, I mean to continue to help you.”
“I don’t need your help.”
She winced at the shouted words.“I’m sorry.I’ve bungled this.If you ever wish to know about your f-family, you have only to contact me.Otherwise, my solicitor will be in touch when I’ve secured the funds you need.”
“I know my family, my lady.And I don’t need your help.I have prospects and my income from…” He paused and his mouth dropped open.
From me.
“My dear boy.”She turned away before he could see the tears threatening.“Farewell.”
She pulled open the door and came face to face with Shaldon.
