Page 33 of Watching the Earl

“Indeed, I have. It is like salt in the wound.”

Tamworth frowned. “How so?”

“I spent years destroying everything my father built, including the family name, only to now value that above all else. Then, to help make that happen, I married a woman who has every connection I could ask for to further bolster my standing. Something I did little to deserve.”

“You married her. That was an honorable act. Imagine, with her family, what would have become of her?”

Philip cringed. He had no doubt that she would have been locked away somewhere or sent to live with some old, distant relative in Scotland. But if marrying her was to be his punishment for failing his father, gaining a better reputation and connections didn’t feel appropriate. “Yes, I did marry her. I now have a wife. Does it take long to adjust to having one?”

Tamworth grinned. “It took me no time at all, as Sophie is my partner in everything, but every marriage is different. I will tell you that Lady Durham has much more knowledge and understanding than the average lady, so I suggest you discover all she has to offer before deciding on the best arrangement.”

“If you’re hinting that I should take you up on the offer of the townhouse in London, I’ve already decided to do so. I don’t think I have a choice with all these people expecting to call on her.” Philip gestured to the dozen or so people still milling about the dining room preparing to leave.

“I will thank you, then, as that frees up funds for Sophie’s parlor.”

“I thought your lord’s suite was still unfinished.”

“It is, and I like it that way. I much prefer spending the nights with my wife. Speaking of that, did you talk to Lady Durham about tonight?”

Philip rubbed the back of his neck, in no hurry to answer the question. Tamworth’s constant reference to Lady Georgina as Lady Durham made him think of his mother. In addition to that, he had no idea what he planned to do about the wedding night. It wasn’t as if she was a virgin, which was a relief, yet there was the issue of her past experience to compete with. “I have not, but I have learned that she harbors no tender feelings for the man who ruined her. Do you know who it is?”

“I do, but I think she should tell you if you wish to know.”

Did he want to know? “On one hand, it doesn’t matter. On the other hand, I don’t like being ignorant while that man is well aware I have married her. My greatest concern is protecting the family name. I will have to think upon it more.” His gaze moved to his wife, who was accepting a gift from Tamworth’s wife. It looked like a large book wrapped in brown paper. His guess would be a book on birds. He didn’t have time to contemplate it further before his mother approached him.

“Philip, I hope you’re pleased with the wedding and celebration.”

“Indeed I am. It was much more than I expected. Thank you.”

“Well, I can’t have my only son’s marriage be a small affair. Though I admit, it was your wife’s friends that truly made it all so easy.” His mother looked at Tamworth. “Lady Tamworth was especially helpful, my lord.”

Tamworth acknowledged the compliment with a nod.

Philip’s mother lowered her voice. “Are her parents so ill that they could not come?”

He looked at Tamworth then back to his mother. “No, they are not. If you must know, they could not wait to be rid of their last child. From what she has told me, she has felt unwanted in her own home.”

His mother clasped her hands to her chest. “The poor thing. She’s so full of caring and wants to do well. At least now, we can be her new family. We can show her what it is like to be loved. And to that end, I will hasten the rest of your well-wishers out, so that you may start your lives together…alone.”

“You’re not staying?”

“Of course not. Your sister and I are going to stay at the school so many of the ladies attend. There is quite a contingent overnighting there this evening before returning to Town tomorrow. Your sister couldn’t resist such an invitation, and honestly, neither could I. Though apparently the duke and duchess will be staying at the school longer. From what I understand, someone is expecting a baby, and the duchess, of all people, plans to deliver it!” She patted his arm. “It’s best this way, so you two can be alone. I remember your father’s and my first few days together.”

His mother’s smile was gentle as she seemed to look back into the past. It was just another reminder of how he’d failed her as well. “Very well. I wish you a pleasant stay, then.”

She blinked as if she’d forgotten what they spoke of, but then she smiled. “You shall have this house to yourselves within the half-hour, just see if you don’t.” And with that, she sashayed toward the closest guest.

“You didn’t tell your mother the truth of your marriage?”

He frowned at Tamworth. “No. I have disappointed her in too many ways as it is. It is better that she think it a match I wished for.”

“You did wish for it.”

“Yes, but not for the same reasons she wished for it. There’s no need to bother her with the details, as then I would have to admit I’d almost lost everything.”

“I understand. I will now gather my lovely wife and take my leave. I’m hopeful that your next few days are all you hope them to be.” Tamworth clapped him on the shoulder then meandered toward his wife.

That left Philip with the question of what he wanted the next few days to be. He looked across the room to his wife, who had taken a seat and now spoke to the lady in the wheeled chair, Georgina’s hands moving about as she talked. She was definitely an asset and pleasant to gaze upon. That her parents didn’t see her finer attributes irritated him, but it was to his benefit.