They were half-way to the gate to the mews, when he stopped, drew her into his arms, and kissed her. “You do realize that less than a century ago they would have burned your cousin as a witch.”
She giggled, feeling giddy for the first time in years. “She would have been too smart for them to catch. I would ask how she knew, but I don’t think I wish to know the answer.”
“I agree.”
“Tell me, what type of greeting may I expect from your mother and step-father?”
Rupert waited until he and Vivian were in the carriage before answering her question. “The first thing you should know is that he is my natural father, not merely my step-father.”
“Oh my. If you would rather not tell me, I’ll understand.”
“No, you will shortly be my wife, and it is no secret to the family.” The coach started forward, and he took her hand, more for his comfort than hers. Other than Robert’s wife, Serena, who’d been there when all the details had come to light, Vivian would be the first outsider to know. “The short story is that my mother and father were in love when they were young. She became pregnant with me. He was at Oxford and had not a clue of her condition. My maternal grandfather, Lord Beaumont, discovered her situation. He and his good friend Lord Stanstead arranged a marriage between the Stansteads’ son and my mother.”
“But why not simply tell your father?”
“He was second in line to a modest barony. Stanstead’s son would never have children.” Rupert paused, trying to think of a not-so-shocking way to put it. “He preferred men.”
“I’ve read about that,” Vivian said mildly and squeezed his hand.
“It’s not as uncommon as some think. That wasn’t the worst of it. He had friends who were sick. One of them liked children.” Only his mother knew what he was about to tell Vivian next. “We spent most of our time at Stanstead, where my grandfather—” God help him, even after all Lord Stanstead had done, Rupert still thought of him as his grandfather. “When I was six, Mama and I were visiting Town, and her husband came to the town house late one evening accompanied by a friend. I woke up with the man standing over my bed. The falls of his breeches were undone.”
Vivian clasped her hand to her mouth and gasped.
“Fortunately, one of my nursemaids slept nearby, and she woke screaming. Nurse—you’ll meet her when we go to Stanstead—went after him with a fireplace poker. Mama had decided to sleep on the nursery floor, and she came running in. Her husband and his friend were made to leave, and early the next morning, we returned to Stanstead. Grandpapa sent his son overseas. A few years later we received confirmation of his death. So you see”—he grinned at Vivian—“I’m quite happy that Edward Malfrey is my father.”
“I completely understand,” Vivian said primly. “I would be as well. It is a shame you cannot acknowledge him as such.”
“I’m glad you understand.” Rupert raised their still clasped hands and kissed her knuckles. The coach came to a stop. “Don’t be frightened. I’ll be next to you the entire time.” Unfortunately his parents weren’t at their home, but visiting Serena and Robert. Rupert returned to the coach. “Berkeley Square.”
“Why are we going there?” Vivian’s voice held more than a note of panic.
“My cousin’s house is on Berkeley Square. Don’t tell me your family’s house is as well?”
“Yes. I had almost forgot. I knew the Eveshams live on Grosvenor Square, but as that was the first entertainment I’d been to, I didn’t catch the address. The last time I was at my family’s townhome was six years ago, and then only for a short while.”
“If you can remember the location, we shall drive by to see if your father’s arrived yet.”
She gave a nervous titter. “Only if I can slide down in the seat so no one can see me.”
“Just sit back. I’ll lean forward.”
“I don’t know the number, but it was directly across from Gunter’s. I remember my father complaining about the traffic.”
Using his cane, Rupert pounded on the hatch. “Drive around the square once.”
“Who is the gentleman your father picked for you to marry?”
Vivian opened her mouth, made a face, then shook her head. “This is horrible. I was so angry, I started calling him Twiddlededum.” Her fine blond brows drew together in thought. “The name began with a T and it was odd—Twiddlebury?”
Rupert slid his arm around her and chuckled. “Does Tewkesbury sound familiar?”
“That was it. Do you know him?”
“More I know of him. He gives his proxy for the Lords to friends. My grandfather knew his father, which means the man is likely in his forties. He has several children.”
“That is what my mother wrote to me. She is not at all in favor of the match.”
What more did Rupert know about the man? Dogs. “He breeds hunting dogs. My grandfather had a pair, but he only gives them to those he likes or wants something from.”
