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“You’re a fine, compassionate man, Pierce. Did it ever occur to you that this blessing won’t be snatched away? That perhaps, after the life you’ve just described, you truly deserve some happiness?” The clergyman cleared h
is throat. “I’m not privy to all the details of your past. But I am witnessing your present and, hopefully, your future. And yes, as I said, you are indeed lucky. Daphne’s love belongs to you and that is a gift more precious than money can buy. But Daphne is equally lucky. Because, whether you perceive it or not, your love belongs to her as well.”
As if to accentuate the fact, Daphne’s laughter drifted in from the butler’s pantry, permeating Pierce’s heart like a warm summer breeze.
Warily, he nodded. “I can’t argue with what I know to be true. Nevertheless, the reality is overwhelming. I’ve relied only upon myself for thirty years. I’m going to need some time to adjust.”
“As I recall, you have until death do you part.”
“So we do.” For a long moment Pierce was silent. Then he met the vicar’s gaze. “I understand now why Daphne cares so much about you. You’re an extraordinary man.”
“I return the compliment.”
Again, silence.
“You’ve something else on your mind,” Chambers stated quietly. “Feel free to speak it.”
“Very well. You’ve known Daphne’s father a long time. Do you think he’ll honor our agreement?”
“You’re worried.”
“I have reason to be.”
“Evidently, you know Harwick as well as I do.”
“Too well,” was the bitter reply. “And his lack of retaliation is making me very nervous.”
“Perhaps having unencumbered access to his funds is enough vengeance for him.”
Pierce gave a harsh laugh. “Hardly. Tragmore’s vengeance would be to see me in hell.”
“Then he’s destined to be disappointed. Your hell is in the past. You won’t see another.”
A slight smile, followed by a measured look. “Vicar, I presume you’ve known the marchioness for many years, as well.”
“Elizabeth? Yes. Many years.”
“Then perhaps you can shed light on another concern of mine. Do you think Daphne’s mother has the strength to pursue a divorce?”
Chambers looked sad rather than startled. “Perhaps once my answer might have been yes. But now? After one and twenty years of torment? I seriously doubt it.” He stared at the tablecloth. “Am I to presume you’ve given thought to aiding Elizabeth in severing her ties with Harwick?”
“I have. Great thought.”
“And your grounds? Extreme cruelty?”
“Given the physical violence she’s endured, yes, without question. But I wouldn’t stop with the Church. I’d demand an Act of Parliament, granting the marchioness a legal divorce.”
Now the vicar did start. “I assumed you meant divorce a mensa et a thoro, a Church-granted separation to protect Elizabeth from Harwick’s cruelty. But a legal divorce? That is unheard of.”
“Unusual, Vicar, but not unheard of.” Pierce’s jaw set in staunch determination. “The separation you’ve just described has ramifications I refuse to abide. Elizabeth would be safe, yes, but she’d also be permanently alone, unable to remarry. Worse than that, Daphne would be rendered illegitimate.”
“You’d have to take your suit to the House of Lords.”
“To a Court of the Common Law and the House of Lords,” Pierce corrected. “I’m prepared to do both. Surely you can understand why. I’ve endured thirty years as a bastard, Vicar. I’d sell my soul before allowing Daphne to bear the brand of illegitimacy. The only way I have of protecting her is to secure, not only a religious, but a legal divorce for her mother.”
The vicar drew a slow, inward breath. “I, of all people, yearn for Elizabeth’s happiness. But a Parliamentary grant is rare enough for a man to obtain. Elizabeth is a woman. That makes your goal next to impossible, even with unlimited wealth and influence.”
“As I told you earlier, I’m an exceptional gambler, one who has taken on far more insurmountable odds than these and won. As for wealth and influence, I have more than enough of both. I can make this divorce happen, I assure you. But not unless Daphne’s mother truly wants it, wants it badly enough to let me fight for her freedom.”
