Page 64 of The Marquess of Secrets

“Mother—” Tremain began.

“No!” she cried, standing, the tears spilling onto her pale cheeks. “All these years, you allowed us to think you a wastrel. The lies. The betrayal. Did you not think we would support you? We would have! Censure from whom, society? Hang them all! You are an heir to a duke; you can do anything you blasted well please.”

The duke stood, slipping an arm about his wife’s waist. Leaning in, he whispered, “There Cath, easy.”

Then he looked at his son. “As you can imagine, this is a complete shock. Hurt? Yes, we are. We raised you boys to think and act for yourselves, so I cannot fault you for following your own path. But you should have told us, for your mother is correct, we would have supported you in every way possible. I am gravely disappointed.”

“No!” Lydia cried.

Everyone turned to stare at her. This was not her business to interfere, but she couldn’t stay quiet.

“Your son is a true hero, not only in my eyes but to all the thousands of people he has assisted over the years. I’ve seen him at work at the terminus, for that is where we met. I was a nurse, destitute and alone. I had no one and nowhere to go. But I heard of a safe place. Where an angel of mercy doctor treated people cast aside from society.”

She gulped as emotions caused her voice to shake. “Harrison saved me. And so many others. He may say that he kept it secret to protect himself, but no man who would give much of his soul did so for that reason alone. He wanted to protect you all. I truly believe that. Society is brutal in its judgments. I know.”

Lydia looked down at her clasped hands, knowing she had gone too far. The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could halt them.

Harrison stood by her side, laying his hand on her shoulder. “You see why I am falling for this lovely woman?”

She looked up at him and smiled.

“Please forgive me. I humbly apologize for keeping this from you. I will never do such again,” Harrison said to his family. Emotion made his tone tremulous.

The duchess hurried toward Harrison and embraced him, and they both stood together for several moments. When they parted, the rest of his family came to him, accepting, forgiving, and Lydia dashed a tear from her cheek.

A loving family. Though it was only her and her father for years, witnessing the love and respect between the Hornsbys had her grieving for what she lost.

Would she ever have it again?

She locked gazes with Harrison, and he gave her such a heated look her heart skipped a beat. What the future would hold, Lydia had no idea.

Could there be one with Harrison? Dare she hope?

But one thing was certain: witnessing Harrison own up to his mistakes gave her the courage to accept hers and move forward toward a brighter future.

Chapter 18

Harrison awoke to feel a weight had been lifted from his heart and soul. He acknowledged his mistakes, asked forgiveness, and now the next phase of life lay before him. Over breakfast, he’d informed his family of his plans for a permanent clinic shelter, that he’d spoken to the earls, and he wanted his family involved with the planning.

To their credit, they acted enthusiastic about his plans. And by forgiving him for his thoughtlessness and selfishness. He’d also told of his intention to secure Lydia a position away from London—and danger. Lydia bravely gave a shortened version of her downfall, and her honesty merely opened his family’s hearts to her.

Harrison was glad; he wanted them to like her. Accept her.

After a hearty breakfast, they climbed into the carriage to take the short journey to the residential home. Spencer came with them, and Taylor rode a horse alongside the carriage, acting as bodyguard.

Did Robins locate Huntsford? Take him into custody? Harrison could only hope.

“How are your studies going, Spence?”

His brother continued to look out the window. Tremain told him earlier that Spence rarely left Philomena’s side, so the fact he volunteered to come with them was a surprise.

“Phil is my life now. I still research, but not like before. She is expecting.”

Harrison patted his brother on the knee. “Congratulations to you both!”

“Yes,” Lydia smiled. “The very best to you both.”

Spence gave them a brief smile. “Justinian and Theodora will be pleased.”