But did he want to marry her?
His instinct said yes, but also that he should not make a decision just yet.
He must have drifted off to sleep, because the next thing he knew, he was in bed alone. He acutely missed the feel of Adele’s body against his, but as he roused, he saw that she’d left a note on the pillow beside him.
It said:Thank you. I shall never forget this.–A
Hugh folded the note, got out of bed, and tucked the note into an inside pocket of the formal coat he’d been wearing when he arrived at this house. That seemed the safest place for it.
He looked out the window. The sun was high enough in the sky that Hugh guessed the time to be about seven in the morning. He was excited to be going home and looking forward to seeing his mother. He was hopeful being back in his home would help him recover his memories. But he could not overcome the sinking feeling that he would not be seeing Adeleagain, and thatthis—this moment, this week, this woman—was perhaps the memory he needed to cling to most fervently.
Chapter Twelve
Hugh entered thehouse and was at first struck by the familiarity of the front hallway. It was painted a deep olive green, with paintings in gold frames on the walls. Most of the paintings seemed to be still lifes of flowers or fruit, although Hugh paused before a portrait of a man that he recognized but could not name.
Stand up straighter, my boy. You must never let them forget who you are or where you come from.
His father. The portrait was of his father. And his father was no longer alive, which was how Hugh had come to be the duke.
Hodges cleared his throat. He clearly knew Hugh was coming, because he was calm as he allowed Hugh back in, but Ventnor, Hugh’s valet, gasped as he hurried down the stairs.
Hugh knew his valet’s name was Ventnor.
“Your Grace, what are you wearing?” Ventnor asked, smoothing the front of Hugh’s jacket.
“You are not elated to see me then?” said Hugh.
“Of course I am. It is most agreeable to see you in what appears to be good health. But these clothes are not befitting a duke of your wealth and stature.”
“I am certain you will rectify that at my nearest convenience. But first, I should like to see my mother.”
“Of course, sir. She is in the red room.”
Hugh looked down the hall. In between the paintings were a series of doors. Hugh could not remember which led to the red salon.
“I will escort you,” said Hodges. “Mr. Ventnor, perhaps you can see to His Grace’s luggage.”
“The formal suit I wore to the Rutherford ball is at the top of the trunk. It has already been laundered, so please just hang it in my closet.”
“Of course, sir,” said Ventnor. He turned on his heel and walked away.
Hugh followed Hodges to one of the doors, which he opened for Hugh. Hugh walked inside and saw an older woman in an elaborate day dress seated on a settee with needlework in her lap. She stood as soon as he walked in.
“Oh, gracious. Hugh!” She immediately crossed the room and pulled him into a hug.
This was his mother.
You look so handsome, Hugh. Soon you will be full grown and getting ready for a wedding of your own. I will undoubtedly cry. I can only pray that you visit me often while you are married. I do adore you, my son.
“Mama,” he whispered.
“I have worried about you so. Are you all right?”
“I am still missing a lot of memories, but I can already feel things coming back to me now that I am here. But I feel all right, except for the occasional dizzy spell. The doctor I consulted with says it is normal for head injuries and will go away in short order.”
“While I am not happy to hear you are still missing memories, I am elated to have you back in good health. I was so worried.”
Hugh closed his eyes for a long moment and then looked around the room.
