“No, thank you. I’ve already broken my fast.” He pointed at the coffee. “My wife won’t allow coffee in the house. She says it makes everything smell.”
Frits didn’t care one way or the other. Adeline could do as she wished after she took over the household. “I hope you enjoy it.” He waited for his lordship to begin the conversation, but after a few seconds, decided the man was waiting for him. “I would like to ask your permission to marry Lady Adeline. I believe we have a great deal in common.” Including their lack of interest in politics and Town. “And I think I could give her the life she wants and deserves.”
Watford poured another cup of coffee. “Do you love her?”
Frits wanted brandy. That was the last question he’d expected to receive, and he had managed to avoid thinking about that particular emotion. Then he remembered the kiss, and how it had changed everything he knew about kissing. “If I am not already in love with her, I am very close.”
“An honest answer.” Lord Watford regarded Frits. “That is refreshing. My wife, who has spent much more time thinking about this issue than have I, thinks the match would be a good one for both of you. I shall bow to her expertise. But the person you must convince is my daughter.” His lordship finished his coffee and rose. “I wish you good luck. I must be off.”
Frits walked his lordship to the door. He should be relieved and happy that he had permission to convince Adeline. But he still had the sword of Damocles in the form of Lady Dorie hanging over his efforts to wed his lady. On the other hand, Exeter’s plan for Lady Dorie this evening might be just what Frits needed to move his own courtship along.
* * *
Four days after the disastrous garden party, Crispin was still suffering from the broken nose Lady Adeline had given him. Thankfully, Jean and Sarah had said they would not discuss what had occurred; to do so would only harm Lady Adeline. Yet, Sarah had warned him that if she saw him without his wife, she would give him the cut direct. In other words, even if he hadn’t had a broken nose, he could not show his face in Polite Society.
Perdition!
It still seemed impossible that he had a wife and a son. Crispin wasn’t sure he wanted either of them. What the devil was he going to do with her when she did arrive? Her French had been excellent, but her English was almost nonexistent. He didn’t even know if he’d recognize her.
His father’s butler knocked on Crispin’s bedchamber door. “My lord, her ladyship has arrived. She expects to see you in her parlor in an hour.”
“Thank you.” He’d been putting off writing his father about the discovery that he had a wife. And an heir. Now he’d have to explain how it came about to his mother, who had always been much sterner than his father.
An uncomfortable prickling sensation slithered down his spine. As if spiders were attacking him.
Dear God, she knew.
But how could she know, and how had she arrived so quickly?
He shook himself to get rid of the feeling, but it clung to him and wouldn’t let go. He needed time to organize his thoughts, and an hour was not nearly long enough. Then again, she had never believed the stories he’d crafted to get himself out of trouble. His mother had always seen right through them, as if she’d witnessed him doing whatever it was he’d tried to deny.
“My lord.” His valet held the door open as footmen rolled in a bathtub. “I think the dark blue jacket and breeches.”
She must be furious. “How bad is it?”
“According to her maid, she is in rare form. They barely stopped to rest on the way here.”
When he knocked on the door of his mother’s parlor, her companion opened the door, inclining her head as he entered. His mother was seated behind an elegant, curved burl desk.
“Mama.” He bowed. “I see you are in good health.”
He sauntered forward, and as he reached one of the two delicate chairs and began to sit, she raised one blond brow. “Remain standing, Anglesey. You will not be here long.”
This was going to be every bit as unpleasant as Crispin had feared.
“You have disgraced this family. Unfortunately, I am not in the least surprised.” He winced and braced himself for the rest. “Over the years, I have argued to no avail against the lack of discipline your father allowed. He was certain you would grow out of your fecklessness. Although how he could have thought that when no one was allowed to say you nay, I have never understood.” Her gaze met his. “I see someone took issue with your behavior.” He bit his lip and resisted touching his nose. “Good for them. You have two choices.” She held up one finger. “You can go with me to meet your wife and son in Dover, and attempt to be the husband, the man, you should be. If she will have you, that is. From there, we will travel immediately to Normanby, where you will be examined by our doctor to ensure you have not contracted the pox.” For the first time he felt a surge of anger, but forced himself to remain outwardly calm. She held up a second finger. “Or you may return to the Continent.” He was about to pounce on that choice when her eyes hardened. “You will be provided an allowance that is sufficient for your needs until you come into the title. But do not think you will be allowed to run amuck once you are in Normanby. You will have a trustee who will approve all your expenditures.”
That could not be possible. “For how long?”
“For the rest of your life.” Rising, she went to the door. “You have until tomorrow morning to make your decision. If you wish to return to the Continent, you will depart immediately.”
For a few moments, Crispin couldn’t move, and when he turned he found himself alone. Alone to make the choice that would set the course for the rest of his life.
He walked slowly back to his chamber. Neither option was one he ever thought he would have to choose. One path would allow him all the freedom he wanted, but even though he’d eventually come into the title, it would be hollow. And he had seen what happened to gentlemen who had “funds sufficient” for their needs. It was never enough. The other path was a life he’d never thought to have or to want. But remaining and taking up his duties was the only way to . . . what? Be reconciled with his family, claim his rightful place? Could he do it? Did he want to do that?
* * *
The day before Adeline’s come out ball, Georgie was announced. She strode into Adeline’s parlor. “Lady Normanby has arrived in Town to try to control the scandal her son created.”
