There was nothing she could say to undo the damage years of discord caused between them. As Winnie left her home, she could do nothing but hope that one day she and her sister managed to see eye to eye. Although, inside she already knew this would never happen.
Chapter 17
The carriage stopped outside a townhouse in the middle of Mayfair. It was a grand home—Seth had not exaggerated. There were four stories, beautiful wrought-iron balconies in front of several windows, and not a single one was bricked up. It was clear that Seth’s father had not feared the window tax as so many other nobles did.
She walked up the stone steps and stopped in front of a heavy blue door. The door knocker was made of brass and in the shape of a dolphin, unusual as door knockers went. She wrapped her hand around it, feeling the coolness of the brass against the inside of her hand, and knocked twice. Almost immediately, the door swung open, and the young man stood before her, a bright smile on his face.
For one instant, she was confused—it was evident at once that he was related to Seth. He had the same heart-shaped mouth as Lady Rose and the same bright blue eyes as Seth. And yet, his demeanor was nothing like either of them. Neither was his attire.
He wore a simple pair of trousers and an oversized white shirt tucked into the trousers and over them a simple green waistcoat. His hair, blond and wavy, hung down to his shoulders, and he stepped aside.
“You must be Miss Winnifred Keating. A message came but a half an hour ago with a letter from my cousin telling me to expect you.” He glanced past her at Mary.
“And you must be the chaperone to ensure that our meeting does not produce any scandal.” As he said the words, he shook his hands in mock fear before winking at them both.
“Heaven forwent, we wouldn’t want a scandal. Not another one, anyhow. As you may know, my mere existence is a scandal.” He stepped aside and motioned for the two women to enter. His flow of words took her by surprise.
“I am Winnifred Keating. It is nice to meet you….” She realized that she didn’t know what to call him. He did not have a noble title, but she was not sure what his last name was, either. He was illegitimate, after all. But hadn’t Seth said his father claimed him?
“Cedric Dunn. My father, His Grace’s uncle, has seen fit to allow me to use his name. But please, you may call me Cedric.”
She followed him down a narrow hall and he motioned toward a small drawing room to the right. As she entered, Cedric turned to Mary.
“If you like, please take the servants’ stairs down. You will come upon Mrs. Holcomb; she is my cook, maid, and general companion. She will be glad to provide you with anything you might require during this visit.”
Mary made her way to the staircase while Cedric followed Winnifred into the room, where he plopped somewhat ungracefully into an enormous armchair.
“Oh, I suppose I should’ve asked you if you wanted anything. Would you care for some tea or perhaps ale? I am sure you are used to much finer things, alas, while I am resident in this grand home, I have neither the fortune nor the title to go along with a place like this. Thus, ale or tea without sugar, it is.”
There was a certain amount of bitterness in his voice, Winnifred could not deny it. She studied the man quietly. The more time she spent with him, the less he reminded her of Seth and Lady Rose—there was a familiarity, yes, she had been right. However, the way he spoke and carried himself told of a very different upbringing and a very different character.
“I do not desire any refreshments, but I thank you, Cedric. I was surprised to learn that Lady Rose and His Grace had a cousin who lives very close to their home.”
He sneered. “I am not flabbergasted to hear it. My cousins do not like to acknowledge me. Nor do they call me with any regularity. Lady Rose more often than His Grace. Not that I expected it. I suppose I am fortunate that their father has been so kind to me and allowed me occupancy of these premises, as well as a very modest monthly living.”
“Have you always been quite close to the late Duke?”
The young man shook his head and cast his eyes at a painting above the fireplace. It showed two young men. It was clear that the taller broad-shouldered one was Seth’s father, for he looked just like his sons.
“My uncle was long embarrassed by my existence. He did not take an interest in me until after my cousin David passed away.” He drew his eyebrows together as he considered Winnifred. “Are you aware, I suppose, of my cousin’s death?”
Winnifred folded her hands in her lap and nodded. “I am.”
“Very well then, I do not need to explain that part. My cousin’s death drove a wedge between my uncle and my cousin. I think there was always a part of my uncle that blamed my cousin, but he did so in a silent manner. I know that after David passed away, my uncle showed more of an interest in me. My father had passed away by that time as well.”
I wonder if some of the animosity between Seth and his cousin is due to this. His father turned away from Seth after David’s death and instead turned to this young man. Perhaps there was more to this than Seth told me. But then, I cannot blame him. What a terrible, tragic life Seth has led. And I did not even know until now how I’ve misjudged him.
“—you here today?”
Her eyes widened as she hadn’t realized he was speaking to her.
“I am sorry, I was lost in thought.”
He smiled kindly at her. He seemed a perfectly amiable fellow.
“I’ve come here to speak to you about Lady Rose. You indicated that while she did not visit with regularity, she occasionally did?”
“She did at least until quite recently. I’ve asked her to intercede on my behalf with my cousin and… Anyhow. It does not matter. This is why you are here? Lady Rose?”
