Page 92 of The Duke of Pain

Not twenty minutes later, they descended the stairs. They stepped into the morning room to find Gideon’s aunt and mother drinking tea. Gideon kissed his aunt’s cheek, but not his mother’s. But the duchess didn’t seem to care.

‘What is so urgent?” Gideon asked.

“Tell him, Portia,” Gideon’s aunt said.

“I am leaving for New York next month,” the duchess announced.

Gideon continued to look between his mother and aunt. “And?”

“Take a seat, Gideon,” his aunt sighed, “And you too, Olivia, my dear. Your mother is leaving for good. The divorce is not going through after all. In fact, when Whinstone, or Ellingford, or whomever he is when released, he will be meeting your mother in New York.”

“And what of the child? The baronet’s daughter?” Olivia asked incredulously.

“What about her?” the duchess sniffed. “Sanford is having his dukedom taken away, so he no longer needs an heir. I heard Sir Simon has forgiven his daughter. When she gives birth in prison, they can see the babe adopted. It’s no never mind to me.”

The words were spoken so coldly they chilled Olivia’s heart. My God, this icicle of a woman was Gideon’s mother, no wonder his childhood had been a barren wasteland.

Olivia’s first instinct about the duchess had been correct.

Leave the country?

It was the best thing that could happen to Gideon.

All Olivia wanted was for him to be at peace.

* * *

Gideon shook his head. None of this should shock him.

“As for me, I cannot stay in London or in England,” the duchess continued. “I have been duchess three-quarters of my life. The humiliation is not to be borne. Already my friends are giving me the cut direct. I cannot stay here.” His mother paused. “I could refer to myself as the dowager duchess of Watford.”

Gideon frowned. “You gave up that title when you married Ellingford. Take it to court if you wish to contest it. I will see that it never happens.”

“Cruel boy. Regardless, I cannot bear being alone. Your aunt will not come with me, so I have decided to forgive Sanford. As I told you, I love him, still. We cannot help whom we love.” The duchess met Olivia’s gaze. “You know that more than anyone, Gideon.”

“Olivia is more than Ellingford could ever hope to be, you too, for that matter. Make one more sly insult, and I will throw you out on your ear.” Gideon’s words were spoken in a deadly tone.

The duchess sniffled.

“And no tears, they ceased having any effect on me for decades,” Gideon continued. “You want to leave, then goodbye, Mother. You may have quite a wait for Ellingford.”

“I have been to see him in Essex, and I spoke with Sanford’s solicitors. His trial is in two weeks. They will claim he wasn’t in his right mind, under extraordinary stress. He will still be a duke when the sentence is passed, so the judgment will not be harsh—two or three years, perhaps. Before I depart, I shall hire a companion, and I will need your assistance selling the last of my jewels.”

“You honestly believe that when that bastard is released, and you send him money for a ticket, he will actually come to you?” Gideon scoffed.

The duchess looked up and met his gaze. “Yes. How else is he going to live? He has nothing. He needs me. My jewels?”

“No, I will not assist you. That is on you to sell.”

The duchess stood, smoothing her gown. “Then goodbye, it is. Mirella, I will await you in the carriage.”

Gideon’s mother swept from the room with her chin held high.

“My God, they deserve each other,” Gideon spat.

“Is that true? He may only get a few years?” Olivia asked.

“I have said all along, the courts favor the rich and powerful, especially those with titles. It probably won’t matter that Ellingford is about to lose the dukedom. The fact he still has it when sentenced could work to his advantage.” Gideon took her hand and squeezed it. “The world is not fair, my love. And I fear it never will be.”