“They know the truth of your father. I saw no reason to keep it secret when those who have married into the family might have recognized your name or you. I thought it best to avoid any awkwardness that might come about if they were taken by surprise.”
She was lost in the shadows, but he suspected if he reached across, he’d find her gloved hands knotted in her lap.
“Thea, it’ll be just a couple of hours of trimming a tree, drinking some really good wine and scotch, enjoying a delicious dinner, and then we’ll leave. If you enjoy yourself tonight, you’re welcome to join me tomorrow when I go over for a few hours to exchange gifts and have another fine meal.”
“The only other gown I have is the red one designed for seduction, although I’m not really certain there is enough ofit to qualify it as a gown. If I join you tomorrow, I’d have to wear it.”
He could tell a part of her was teasing, and another part was striving to come up with an acceptable excuse not to join him on the morrow. He didn’t want to contemplate how much less he’d enjoy the day without her there. “When are you going to show it to me?”
“I don’t know that I am. Truly, she could have used a bit more fabric. Although it is quite lovely.”
He’d like to see her in it. But then he’d also like to see her out of it. “It might not be what you want to wear tomorrow. One of the other frocks will suffice.”
“It’s so nice to have choices again. Thank you for providing the clothes.”
I could provide you with everythinghung on the tip of his tongue. But now was not the time. It might never be.
“We’re in Mayfair,” she said quietly, gazing out the window. “I know which residence belongs to the Duke of Thornley but have never been inside.”
“Where did you reside when you lived in the area?”
“If I tell you, you might be tempted to take us by it. I don’t want to see it. Returning is harder than I thought it would be.”
“We can go back to the residence if you like.”
“That would be unfair to your family. I’m certain they’re looking forward to having your presence this evening. I’ll push forward. Tonight will be a test to see if I’m ready to face the demons of my past.”
As they entered the residence, the scent of evergreen hung heavy in the air, no doubt because of all the boughs and garlands that decorated the wide sweeping stairway.
“The duke and duchess are in the parlor,” a liveried footman announced as he took Benedict’s hat and coat and her cloak.
When Benedict offered his arm, she didn’t hesitate to take it before they made their way to the huge room just off the marbled foyer. Once they entered, they stopped and simply absorbed it all. Sprigs of evergreen decorated various tables, garlands draped the mantelpiece. At the far end, on a small table, stood a fir tree.
Throughout the room, people were gathered in little groups talking. His family. Some held babies, jostling them in their arms. While she’d known how many to expect, it was a bit overwhelming to see them all. Or perhaps it was the memories of the cool and distant gatherings in her family’s parlor flooding her mind that had her feeling as though she was drowning and had her tightening her hold on his arm. Or maybe it was her fear that he’d been wrong, and they would indeed all turn their backs on her—or at least the ones who had known her father, her mother, her brothers, herself.
He rubbed his gloved hand over hers, where it rested on his arm. “All will be well.”
Looking up at him, she forced herself to smile. How many times might he have experienced the same trepidation, all because of his birth?
“You’ve arrived!” a tall, slender woman announced, quickly crossing over to them. Her red hair, cut shorter than Benedict’s, framed her face. “Just in time to help us trim the tree.”
Althea didn’t know if she’d ever seen a more welcoming smile. She had to release her hold on Benedict as the Duchess of Thornley’s arms went around him, his around her.
When they separated, she immediately took Althea’s hands, squeezed. “Althea, we’re so glad you could join us. I’m Gillie.”
“I’m very honored to have been invited, Your Grace.”
She smiled once again. “We don’t stand on formality here. I believe you know Thorne.”
The duke had come up to stand behind his wife, and without even turning, she’d known he was there. Just as anytime when Althea walked into the room, no matter how engrossed Benedict was in his book, he seemed to sense her presence and come to his feet.
“Hello, Althea. You’re looking well,” Thorne said.
She had to admit that since moving into the brothel, she was feeling better. Abundant food, warmth, and shelter had benefits, although she suspected she could attribute more of her well-being to the man standing beside her. “Thank you. You as well.”
“How do your brothers fare?”
“Well, as far as I know. I haven’t heard from them recently.”
