Heartened by the thought, Charlotte straightened her spine. Taking a bite from her cake, she chewed thoughtfully. Perry still seemed to be the good man she had known, though he was upset with her for keeping away from society. His father had deceived him about the situation to gain his compliance; that much was clear. The duke had taken care of her and Aurelia, indifferent once it became clear that Charlotte had birthed a daughter. But the older Spencer man hadn’t informed Perry of the pregnancy at all. She couldn’t resent Perry for not seeking her out. He had been denied access to Charlotte once the pregnancy was discovered. Her own father had been complicit to a certain extent and never revealed that Perry had come to him. Had he kept the information a secret to ensure she went through with her wedding to Viscount Dewberry, only for her to be rejected later? Her father reassured her that taking the payment from the elder Duke of Bridgewaterwas the best they could expect for a terrible predicament, and she agreed. By that time, her pregnancy was too advanced to be hidden or passed off as another man’s.
A sick sensation swirled in her stomach as she realized that perhaps the situation hadn’t been as simple as she once thought. She foolishly assumed Perry did not care for her. Information was carefully hidden from them both.
Such an interference changed everything.
If their parents conspired to keep them apart, then the possibility of Perry harboring affection for her still existed.
“If his lordship loved you once, perhaps he could be convinced to do so again. ‘Twould be for the best, miss. For him to make things right after all this time. You deserve a good life as much as sweet Aurelia. There is always the chance that you will benefit from the revelation. He is unmarried, titled andveryhandsome,” Aamina mused, a small smile teasing her lips as she wiggled in her seat with giddy enthusiasm.
Butterflies came to life in Charlotte’s abdomen.
Marriage?
Was that even something she wanted?
To be a man’s property?
Lifting the delicate porcelain cup inlaid with gold, Charlotte sipped her now lukewarm tea. Whichever road she traveled in her mind, she ended up confused. How was she to predict exactly how he would react if he discovered the truth about Aurelia?
There was a risk she could lose everything.
And the possibility that she could have so much more.
Chapter Twenty
Perry summoned Mrs. Higgins, impressed with his ability to make his way to the cord and tug on it himself without stumbling or holding on to any piece of furniture. His strength was greatly improving.
His thoughts were clear and decisive.
He was not above being deceptive to achieve his means.
Mrs. Higgins entered the room a few minutes after being summoned, a tray of broth and toast neatly laid out, with hot tea to temper his appetite. Perry ate everything offered, determined to regain his energy and bring back his robust health.
“Thank you, Mrs. Higgins. I am feeling much restored today. Would I be able to eat more substantial food for my next meal? I must rebuild my strength and cease taking advantage of Fermoy’s great hospitality. There is much to do at Bodmin after all, and I am eager to be on my way.”
“Certainly, my lord,” she said. “The doctor recommended a light diet to start. It gladdens me that you are developing an appetite. A strong man such as yourself requires a hearty diet.”
Perry stood and made his way to the table where the food was laid out.
The housekeeper’s eyes widened when she saw the ease with which he was now moving. To be sitting for a meal was indeed a great achievement after weeks in bed.
“I have a question for you,” Perry began, using his lightest, most non-threatening tone. “A young girl came to visit me this morning. She was such a delight, and I seem to have forgotten her name. Could you please tell me about the young girl who lives on the estate?”
Mrs. Higgins flushed noticeably, a small gasp her initial response. She moved around the room, tidying up and closing the curtains for the evening.
“Oh, dear, my lord. I… Uh… I’m not sure what you mean,” the housekeeper stuttered, suddenly focused on pulling up the bed linens and changing them while Perry was taking his meal. “I should freshen this bed for you, my lord. Won’t that be nice to have a clean bed for the night? I’ll need more linens. I will return shortly.” Mrs. Higgins collected the bundle of soiled linens in her arms and made her way to the door.
Perry cleared his throat, his patience gone. “I asked a question and would like an answer, please. Who is the young girl who lives on the estate?” He moved to close the distance between them, and the woman cowered slightly.
Releasing a trembling breath, Mrs. Higgins clutched the linens tightly to her chest, the armor protecting her from Perry’s inquiry.
“I cannot say, my lord,” she admitted as she turned to face him.
“You cannot say, oryou will not say?”
The housekeeper’s breath came faster as she blinked rapidly. She shook her head silently. “I must fetch Miss Charlotte. Will you excuse me, my lord?”
Perry suspected that if he kept the woman any longer, she would fall into a swoon, so he let her go. Mrs. Higgins rushed off to find her mistress.
