“Do you think perhaps he wished to distance you from all of that in order to…” Evan stopped, but Marjorie begged him to continue, “in order to spare you from your mother’s fate?”
“I must admit, I’d never thought of it that way,” she finally answered softly. “I only thought it was his disappointment that Harriet and I were not the sons who would have inherited all of his hard work.”
“I think all of us may have been too hard on a man who has grown both desperate and weary of the drudgery he has created for himself. If it pleases you, I would like to speak with him on your behalf.”
“My Lord, that would please me to no end!” Marjorie replied, smiling through her tears. “But in truth, I know not where he is.”
“Then our first adventure will be to go after him… today!”
* * *
“My dear, Lady Marjorie! Please come in!” Lady Lanercost said excitedly from the doorway when the carriage arrived.
“Is there anyone who does not already know the daily comings and goings of my life?” Marjorie muttered to Evan as they stepped out of the carriage. “Surely she was not expecting me?”
“There is little doubt that no one has anything better to do than to speculate about one as wonderful as yourself,” he replied. “But I also may have sent a rider ahead of us to inform her of our arrival.”
“Oddly, that actually makes me feel better. I’d hate to believe that my agenda each day was the talk of society!”
Marjorie stepped down and into the waiting embrace of the older woman. Lady Lanercost stepped back and took Marjorie’s hands, extending her arms and inspecting her closely.
“I think you’re healing quite nicely! I’ve been so worried about your health!” she said, smiling with the most genuine look of affection. “And Lady Harriet is here! My son, you didn’t mention I would get to visit with Lady Harriet as well!”
“My apologies, Mother. I only thought to mention the one betrothed instead of the one who got away from me!” Evan turned to Harriet and grinned, letting her know there was no ill-will over her rejection of him. For her part, Harriet blushed slightly but returned his smile.
“Thank you for receiving us today, My Lady, and on such short notice,” Marjorie began, but the older woman waved off her greeting.
“Nonsense! I open my doors to you at any time! It is always a delight to see you!” She linked her arm through Marjorie’s and then through Harriet’s, all but ignoring her son as she turned them towards the house. “But now tell me what news I might have accidentally stumbled upon without meaning to.”
Marjorie looked over her shoulder at Evan, who only shrugged.
“I’m sorry, My Lady, but I’m at a loss. What news could you mean?” she asked, confused.
“I’ve heard that my son was at times supposed to marry Lady Catherine, but then he was not. Then I heard that he was to marry Lady Harriet here, but then he was not. Finally, I heard the most welcome news of all…” She stopped and turned to look at Marjorie. “He was to marry you. And if that also proves false, you may dig my grave right here in the courtyard because my heart will not be able to withstand a pain so piercing!”
Marjorie did not know how to answer, but Evan replied on her behalf.
“Well, let me go see if Donohue has enough shovels for all of us to dig—”
“My Lord! How can you say something so terrible to your mother?” Marjorie demanded before falling into a fit of laughter. Lady Lanercost pouted at her son for a moment before embracing Marjorie.
“Think nothing of his insolent behavior, my dear. I’ve grown quite accustomed to the brutal jokes he heaps upon me! But I’m so pleased!”
“Are you really?” Marjorie asked, knowing she was inviting criticism by asking.
“Yes, I truly am,” Lady Lanercost replied. “As you know, my son does not need my permission as he’s come into his inheritance, but I’m pleased that he respects me so as to seek my approval. And my dear, I completely approve!”
* * *
“Your Grace, I beg your pardon for interrupting, but you have an unexpected visitor,” the butler said, extending a tray for the Duke to take a card. The Duke looked it over and frowned.
“At this time of night? What could possibly be so urgent and worth this kind of intrusion?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I do not know. Shall I inform that you are already upstairs for the evening?”
“No, that’s quite all right. I’ve known this moment would come and I might as well get it over with.” The Duke stood up from his chair and allowed the butler to help him with his coat.
Emerging from his private study, the Duke of Fenworth crossed the great entrance hall, his steps echoing loudly across the polished marble floors of the darkened room. He approached a figure who turned as he came near, a phony expression of happiness plastered onto the overly made up face.
