Page 69 of Finding Hope
Max excused himself to do just that. Diana gave much the same reaction as Lady Westwood had done.
“Oh, Max! I have longed for you to find someone who will make you happy.”
“As have I.” He then explained that their own mother was under guard at the Dower House and why.
Diana was shocked. “I knew she was overly besotted with Davenmere and her pride in the family’s lineage, but not once did it occur to me she would attempt to harm Hope.”
“She will no longer stand in my way.”
“I am delighted for you. Is it a secret?”
Max shook his head. “We intend to marry quickly because of Father’s condition.”
He did not care if everyone knew before the formal announcement. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops.
“Shall I make your excuses to the guests who are departing?” It was a rhetorical question.
“You are the best of sisters, Diana,” he said with a quick buss on her cheek.
Next, he went to the Duke’s chambers to make certain he would be able to receive them. He was resting peacefully in hisbed, so Max decided to wait until Hope was with him. But as he turned to leave, his father called out to him.
“Max? Did you need me for something?”
“I was only seeing how you are faring. I was going to bring Miss Whitford to visit you in a little while, if you are up to visitors.”
“Stay for a moment. It is a dead bore lying in bed all the time.”
Max chuckled. “Shall I send for your dogs to keep you company?”
His father smiled crookedly. “Would you? I think that would be just the thing.”
Max looked at the valet, who was standing nearby, and inclined his head. This conversation was better conducted in private.
“Nelson and Hector have been kept apart only so not as to disturb his Grace.”
“I am well enough now, Hartley.”
Reluctantly, and making sure Max understood that dogs were beneath the dignity of a duke’s man, the valet left to send for the pets. Max was certain much of his ire was for missing the details of the conversation.
“Does this mean you’ve finally asked Miss Whitford to be your duchess?”
“I have asked her to be my wife. I am still hoping you will outlive me,” Max said earnestly.
“Foolish boy,” he said fondly. “I’ve no desire to do that.”
“I was going to bring her here to tell you the news, so act duly surprised, if you will.”
“Of course,” the Duke agreed. He paused, and then grew solemn. “Have you heard news of the Duchess? I assume you know what happened?”
“I heard you having a great row and that she was sent to the Dower House.”
“Yes.” The Duke sighed heavily. “I am afraid your mother has become unhinged. She was talking some wild nonsense about wanting me to denounce Miss Whitford. I was afraid she would do the chit harm.”
“She very nearly succeeded. Unfortunately, I found her wandering the grounds during the ball and I have now set footmen to guarding her.”
“Stupid woman! To think she alone knows best who would suit you. What is worse, she considers herself above the redemption of any authority!”
Max did not want to upset his father, but he felt he should inform him of his intentions, in case the Duke lived longer than expected. “Your Grace, I intend to send her away from here.”
