Page 12 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
Hugh and Mary exchanged a brief glance. “Maggie, our sweet girl, we are pleased to hear you say that. I am certain that Robert would not wish for you to spend the rest of your life mourning him. You have done everything to respect his memory; now, the best you can do to honor it is to gently close that chapter,” said Hugh.
Mary rose from her chair and came to sit by her daughter’s side. “Just remember you have every right to find new happiness. No one would think ill of you if you did.”
Maggie clasped her hands together, fighting back the tears. Her parents were right. The decision to move on with her life hadn’t been easy, but for the first time in a long time, there was a sense of hope in her heart. She just needed to close this final door, get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Robert’s death, and then she could move on.
“Thank you. I appreciate your faith in letting me go. You can trust that I won’t be doing anything rash like James and running off to Cornwall to get married.”
Mary placed a tender kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “Of course, you wouldn’t do something like that. Maggie Radley, you are a sensible young woman. I am sure Captain Denford is already counting his blessings that he asked you to come.”
Maggie mustered the best saintly smile she could for her mother. “I expect he is.”
She rose from her chair. “I had better go and see what clothes and items I shall need for the journey. Coventry will be cold, and I expect warm woolens will be a necessity. Oh, and I think it would be a good idea if I went and stayed at Strathmore House tonight. That way I will be in town and ready to take the early coach in the morning.”
“You know you always have a place at your aunt and uncle’s home,” replied Hugh. The Duke and Duchess of Strathmore had an easy attitude when it came to members of the extended Radley family. Anyone who arrived at the door of Strathmore House asking for a bed was welcomed with open arms.
Leaving her parents to finish their breakfast, Maggie headed upstairs. Her mood was subdued. She had only won the first part of the battle.
On her way, she stopped and asked a footman to retrieve one of her father’s sensible travel bags. It would be perfect to take with her. As she reached the top of the landing and turned for her bedroom, Claire popped her head out of her own room.
“How did it go?”
“They agreed to let me go to Coventry with Captain Denford. My side of the bargain is that I have to give up the mourning clothes and rejoin society upon my return.”
Claire beckoned Maggie over. “That’s wonderful news. But why the long face? I thought you would be delighted.”
Maggie checked the hallway for servants, then leaned in. “Because I haven’t yet told Captain Denford that I am going with him.”
What the dashing officer was going to say when she arrived on his doorstep bright and early on Thursday morning and announced that she was going to be his travelling companion was anyone’s guess.
Claire grinned. “The apple doesn’t seem to fall far from the tree in this family. James ran off with Leah. Papa basically kidnapped Mama and took her to Scotland. And now you are going to be running off into the wilds of Northamptonshire with a betrothed man. I will have to put some serious thought into my own wedding scandal.”
“Claire, I think this family could do with a respite from the whispers. And the exorbitant cost of a bishop’s license. The best thing you and I can do for our parents is to have nice quiet weddings with the banns properly read. And absolutely not a hint of scandal,” Maggie said, but her mind was abuzz.
What would Captain Denford’s long-time fiancée say when she discovered he was travelling in the company of another woman?
And just why is she his long-time fiancée?
People didn’t tend to delay the journey to the altar once they had made known their intention to marry. Who was holding back on setting a date and why?
She shook her head as she headed to her room. In undertaking this journey, she had a serious task to complete. Her focus was on getting to the bottom of the mystery of Robert. There wouldn’t be time for silly games or falling in love.
Captain Denford’s fiancée had absolutely nothing to worry about.
Chapter Nine
“Maggie Radley, my favorite niece.”
She endured the warm, bear-like hug of her uncle Ewan, the Duke of Strathmore. Every time she visited Strathmore House, he greeted her this way. She suspected he said the same to all her female cousins, but it was fun to indulge him.
“It is good to see you. Thank you for letting me stay at such short notice. It’s been too long since I visited here,” she replied.
Ewan released her from his hold. “According to your father, it’s been too long for many things for you. I hope you are planning on rejoining society soon.”
She caught the familiar undercurrent to his words.You are too young to spend your life grieving for a man whom you knew for a short period of time.
With the coach for Coventry leaving early in the morning, it made sense to stay the night in town. Maggie had arrived at the elegant mansion on Park Lane, just in time for supper.
Her aunt, Lady Caroline Radley, appeared in the doorway of the dining room, a smile lighting her face as she caught sight of Maggie. “Maggie, what a delight. The head butler just informed me that you were here. Are you staying long?”
