He would chase Charlotte to the ends of the earth. Her return to his life had renewed some sense of purpose and given him the motivation to start living again. To leave the bed. To abandon his previous scandalous pursuits and start building a life he actually wanted. Though she seemed hesitant, resistant even, Perry was confident he could change her mind. She was afraid of the scandal, but he had spent enough of his life acting according to the dictates of society. He and his siblings had been at their father’s mercy for their first marriages. Now it was time to make his own choices. If she feared a scandal when she reappeared in society, they would weather that storm as a couple. He would do anything to show herthey belonged together. How could he live with himself, having ruined her, then abandoned her? If she needed convincing, he would get to work. Something about Charlotte called to him, and perhaps she was feeling the same attraction. Surely, the same desire to live that spurred him on when he found her wasn’t one-sided. He wanted her to have a full life as well.
If he could convince her to return to the city, he would persuade her to consider him as a suitor. A proper courtship under the eyes of thetonwould do much to redeem her reputation in society as a discarded fiancée. The mystery of her long absence would be tantalizing. His sister, Louisa, could help him spread the correct message through the gossip channels. Her mere presence would convince people that she was in good health once again. Marriage to an earl would boost public opinion of her even more. He understood her reluctance to return with no prospects, as she would be trounced in the gossip columns.
But returning to an eager suitor?
On a solid path to marriage? In a love match?
Thetonwould be enamored. She would be the darling of society, as she deserved to be.
Perry would spin an enchanting tale of second chances and lost love returned that would make the elder ladies of highbrow society swoon. The details of their earlier courtship would be kept a tight-lipped secret.
It wouldn’t take long for her to be back on the right side of people’s opinion.
This would be his chance to repair the damage he may have caused in the past by interfering with her engagement. Perhaps her illness had been a symptom of her misery at the idea of marrying the old Viscount Dewberry. Perhaps their love had tormented her with the same all-consuming longing that had plagued him for years.
Once he recovered and they returned to town, separately of course, he would speak to her father. Baron Percy would have toapprove. Though they didn’t need his permission, his blessing would be welcome. Perry would make sure they received it. This time, no deception or secrets would be allowed to stand in his way.
His heart refused to accept the alternative.
With a grunt, Perry pushed himself off the bed.
The pain in his arm lessened a bit each day. His energy returned as he ate more solid food and moved about with intention. Shuffling to the window, Perry relied less on the bedposts for balance. He was pleased at how much easier the action was than yesterday. He was gaining strength and stamina.
How glorious to enjoy a sunny reward.
Perry unlatched the window and pushed it open. The warm air after the constant rain that had kept them locked in was divine. Inhaling the fresh perfume of flowers drifting from the garden below, he closed his eyes to savor the sweetness.
Summer in the English countryside was heaven.
A delicate sound diverted his attention and his eyes flicked open with a start. He had to lean forward to see, since it came from a distance away. If he blinked, he would have missed them.
Soft giggles floated up to his window, the sound a balm to his heart.
A child.
The young girl was skipping happily down a path, coming from the direction of the village. A smile tugged at the sides of his mouth as he watched her before she disappeared on the other side of the manor house. Perry’s mouth dropped open as he observed from afar, devouring each detail of the child’s appearance.
Warm golden tones in the light brown hair bouncing on her shoulders.
Bright eyes and an easy laugh.
She was adorable.
Perry’s brow furrowed as he attempted to understand whose child would be wandering about the estate, a stout nurse ambling in her wake. If the child had a nurse, she must be from a goodfamily. She looked to be about nine or ten years old? Surely, he was mistaken. Leaning against the window for support, a dreadful knot gathered in Peregrine’s chest. A servant’s child or one from the village would not have her own nurse. Who was she?
He wondered whether Charlotte would even tell him. It would be no trouble for her to keep more secrets from him. They were her main source of protection. Her entire life at Fermoy was built on secrets and deception.
Would a member of Charlotte’s extended family have sent a child away to the country to visit her aunt? A niece or a nephew, perhaps? It seemed unlikely the girl would come alone. Perhaps one of the servants could clarify the situation for him. He was baffled.
There were no children at his family’s estate nearby. None had been born to their family as of yet.
With a resigned sigh, Perry left the open window and returned to the bed.
Perhaps he was more tired than he thought. His thoughts were in a jumble. There had been no signs of a child on the estate, though Perry hadn’t explored the other wings of the house. The only thing that would make sense was the impossible.
Was it possible?
Perry’s eyes widened, and he sat abruptly in bed. He shook his head at the path of his own foolish thoughts. Of course, the girl could not be Charlotte’s. Such a secret would bring utter devastation to his very soul.
