Page 87 of The Viscount of Shadows

“A cemetery?” she questioned.

“Yes, Kensal Green Cemetery. Also, while recovering, I contacted Edwina Callen and hired her to complete a task for me: to locate where your mother is buried.”

“You did?”

“I gave the directions to Kennedy. He is driving us there now.”

“But why here? I thought this burial ground was for people with money?” Her point was proven as they drove by marble mausoleums and massive Gothic monuments.

“This place is seventy-six acres, and there are many sections, like one for children and one for those who cannot afford an expensive funeral and burial.”

“In other words, a section for the poor.”

“Yes. That is where your mother is buried.”

The carriage came to a stop before a large parcel of land. There were a few scattered wooden crosses, but for the most part, there was not a tombstone to be seen. Oliver assisted her from the carriage.

“In some of these plots, there is room for up to six coffins. It is how they bury the indigent,” Oliver said softly.

Claudia slipped her arm through Oliver’s as he led her over to the right side of the grounds. Tears burned hot in her eyes, and a lump formed in her throat. Since her mother died, she did not have the luxury to mourn her properly, for surviving took over every instinct.

“How startling to find, “Oliver continued, “that your mother is alone in this plot.” He stopped before a section by a pathway. “Here, on the border of the path. I contacted the cemetery and paid to have no one else put in with her. We can order a tombstone right away. Or, if you wish, we can move her to another cemetery section.”

The tears that threatened now spilled down her cheeks. “Oh, Mama,” she whispered miserably. “I am sorry I left you. Forgive me.”

Oliver pulled her close. “Under the circumstances, she understood there was no other option. It is why your mother told you to leave. My dearest Claudia.”

She cried softly against his wool coat. Then, she sighed, grabbed a handkerchief from her reticle, and dabbed at her eyes.

“The cemetery said they have a lovely plot surrounded by rosebushes and a flowering shrub. We can have your mother moved there. Would you like to see it?”

Claudia sniffled, then nodded.

“I have tasked Rett to handle this for us while we are on our honeymoon. He will be with your mother all the way. She will be placed in a proper coffin and interred at the new plot with a tombstone.”

“Nothing too elaborate,” Claudia whispered. “Mama wouldn’t like that.”

“I made an appointment with someone in the office. We can see them now, have them show us the plot, and you can pick out a stone. Just in case you wished to move your dear mother.”

Claudia gazed up at Oliver. “I do. Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Tell me again,” he whispered, tenderly stroking her tear-stained cheeks.

“I love you so much. Thank you for this.”

“Claudia, I would do anything for you. Anything. You are my life. My heart. My very soul.”

* * *

It was noon when Oliver returned home after dropping Claudia at Watford’s. She would be visiting with them until their marriage. Before he took her home, they dropped in to see the Galway sisters and told them the news of their upcoming nuptials. They heartily wished them well and informed Claudia she had a position in the agency when she returned and could decide how many hours to work.

He handed his coat and hat to Dalton. “Has my brother arisen from his room?”

“No, my lord. We sent up a breakfast tray, but it remained untouched.”

“Fix one for luncheon, for me as well. I will ring you when it can be brought up.”

“Yes, my lord.”