AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sophie bit down on her lip. The only person she was truly concerned about was Nicholas. He would be furious that she left without saying good-bye. But it was for the best. With her gone, he could concentrate on his fiancée. While they might not be a true match, she still believed Justine would make him a good duchess.
“Did you inform Ancroft of your condition?”
She shook her head. “If he knew he might do something foolish and break his engagement. I cannot be responsible for that. Once I know he is married, I shall send him a letter.”
“He will never forgive you if you do.”
She blinked back the tears that had been in her eyes since she’d made her decision. “I know.”
“Stay, Sophie. Don’t leave your family and friends,” Anthony implored.
“I cannot stay and watch him marry.” Or worse, watch him die.
“Then don’t!” Anthony shouted. “Tell him about the baby and he will insist on marrying you.”
“He didn’t marry Emma’s mother,” she whispered.
“Because his father paid her off. The duke gave her a bloody fortune to leave.”
She nodded, remembering the envelope of money the duke had left for her. Guilt cut her to the quick. There was so much she should have told Nicholas. She should have told him what she really thought her lack of vision with him meant. But would that be fair to him? Her mother had always reminded her to use care when telling people about their futures. There was always a chance she could be wrong.
“Sophie, you and I could tell the world who your father is. I know Genna and Bronwyn would speak up for us. Even Lady Whitely would stand up for us if I asked her.”
“No,” she said emphatically. “I will not be the cause of you and your sisters’ ruination.”
“I don’t care about my reputation. Victoria won’t either,” he commented in a calm voice. “Genna and Bronwyn would be happy to be able to claim you as their true sister.”
“But I do care.” Sophie had to get him to leave before she weakened. The idea of leaving her family and friends was killing her. “I cannot ruin my family.”
“Sophie, the ship doesn’t leave for a few more hours. Do you want me to stay?”
She knew he only wanted to stay to continue to convince her to remain in England. “No, Anthony. Please go home to Victoria and love her for the rest of your life.”
Anthony blew out a long breath. “Very well.” He brought her back into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Stay well.”
“Thank you.”
She barely contained her tears as her brother left the cabin. Now, she would spend the next three or so weeks alone with just her maid for company. She hoped her mother received her letter informing her of Sophie’s impending arrival.
The minutes passed into hours and finally the ship departed Portsmouth. She was leaving England forever.
Nicholas waited for Jennette to either call on him or send him a note regarding Sophie. Perhaps he should attempt to call on her in person. But he knew she would not see him. It was far better to let Jennette handle this issue.
He scanned the note written by a gentleman in his employ. It appeared that Justine had a penchant for strolls on terraces. Twice more she’d been seen reentering a ball looking more than a little mussed.
Finally a knock sounded at the door. He stood ready to greet Jennette in his study. But when the door opened, he only heard the low tones of male voices.
“The Duke of Belford is here, my lord,” his butler announced from the threshold.
“Send him in,” Nicholas replied even though he could hear the slow footsteps of his father approaching. The footsteps stopped only to be followed by a loud cough.
“There you are, Nicholas.” His father finally entered Nicholas’s study.
“And to what do I owe this honor, Your Grace?”
The duke settled into the chair opposite him and looked askance at the brandy. “First a brandy.”
Nicholas sighed and then poured a brandy for both of them. After handing a snifter to his father, he sat down again. “Why are you here?”
