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Sophie had told her that he had to make the decision regarding Abigail, but Elizabeth refused to listen. She sank deep into her pillows and let her tears fall. She had done it to control the situation to get what she wanted. Just like her mother.
But Elizabeth knew she couldn’t let Abigail marry Will. The woman had deliberately lied to him. Elizabeth pounded the pillow in frustration.
None of it mattered any longer. After all she had done to get her way, and then discovering who her father was, she could never marry Will. He deserved far better than a woman who used her wiles to get something out of him. Her heart ached with the love she had for him.
She wanted to be the one to show him the importance of being duke. She had wanted to be the one to celebrate a victory in Parliament with him. Or visit the tenants with him.
Or watch his face when he saw his heir for the first time.
Now, because of her actions, and the actions of her mother, Elizabeth would never have those things. Instead, she would go live with Sophie until she could determine a path for her future. A bleak future, indeed.
“You were actually with that…that woman!” Abigail exclaimed once Elizabeth left the room.
“Yes,” Will answered honestly. He did not care if Abigail learned the truth. With Elizabeth’s pregnancy, they would have to be married as quickly as possible. Abigail knew no one in London, so she would not be gossiping.
“I cannot believe it. She must have tricked you into her bed.”
“Why would she have to do such a thing?”
Disbelief showed on her face. “She has red hair…and freckles!”
And was one of the most beautiful women Will had ever known. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Oh, Will, she enticed you into her bed so she could become the next duchess,” Abigail said with a slight sob. “She wanted to take you away from me.”
“Abigail, nothing happened until after you sent me that note stating you were going to marry Josiah. I had been completely faithful to you for all those years, waiting for you to realize how much I loved you.”
“Then you do still love me.” Abigail brushed away a tear. “Then everything will be fine. You can pay her money to have the baby in the country, or even in another country. I am sure we can make up a lie for her, such as she is a widow—”
“Abigail, no.” Will could not believe the woman he thought he once loved would be so heartless.
“What do you mean, no?”
“I am not about to give Elizabeth money to go have my child alone.”
Abigail shook her head with a pitiful look upon her face. “Will, you do not even know that baby is yours.”
Will clenched his fists. “Yes, I do know.”
“Oh,” she whispered.
“I am sorry, Abigail. But I am marrying Elizabeth.” Will stood and held his hand out to her. “I will see to your passage back to Virginia.”
“I cannot return. I will be a laughingstock. I have ruined all chances of a decent marriage.”
“No, you have not. People will understand that I married another,” Will replied.
Abigail thrust his hand away from her and stood. “You are a fool, William Atherton. That woman is just trying to become your duchess. She has no love for you.”
“Indeed,” Will said softly. “How is that any different from what you have been doing?”
“How dare you! I have never thought about being your duchess, only your wife. I love you, Will.” Abigail appeared to force out more tears. “I could not disobe
y my father.”
Remembering Elizabeth’s words from when he first arrived in London, he said, “If you truly loved me, your father’s wishes would not have mattered.”
She stiffened and held her head high. “When that little strumpet shows her true colors, I will be waiting for you.”
