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“Mother, Father,” Edward said in shock. “What are you doing here?”
“We came to see you of course,” the Duchess replied. “A rather unfortunate thing happened below on the streets. Lord Brexley was being taken away by two constables. What on Earth could that have been about?”
“He had Ariadne’s father murdered,” Edward said quietly. “He had her studio burned down and a string of other offenses.”
His mother gasped and he saw his Father’s face settle into momentary relief before he spoke again. “I told you I had nothing to do with it.”
“I realize my mistake,” Edward said. Ariadne gave him a meaningful look from the side as if to say that his apology wasn’t enough. “I shouldn’t have jumped to a conclusion.”
“And I should have cleared the air between us and…respected your wishes,” the Duke said, clearing his throat. “I hope you shall accept my apologies as well.”
Both Edward’s brows shot up in surprise. His father was apologizing to him and he looked sincere when he did that.
“I apologize for what I said earlier,” the Duke said. “You don’t have to choose between us and her. You love her and I respect that.”
“We accept you both,” his mother continued, stepping toward Ariadne who looked alarmed at the Duchess’ approach. “I know my son loves you and I want to see you as his bride.”
Edward could easily read the panic in Ariadne’s eyes so he tried to distract his mother. “I had no idea you would be stopping by.”
“Well, you hadn’t come home after what happened and we were starting to get worried about your whereabouts,” the Duchess explained.
Edward nodded. “I hadn’t meant to worry you, Mother.” He shortly explained to her what had happened that had led to Brexley’s capture ultimately.
“Oh, the poor dear,” the Duchess said, looking at Ariadne with sympathy. “I hope you’re all right.”
“I’m good, thank you,” Ariadne said. Her voice was still wobbly and it was much too soon to have a conversation like this.
“Ariadne, do you want to retire to your room?” Edward asked.
She shook her head. “No, I will make some tea for their Graces.”
“Thank you, dear,” the Duchess said gratefully. After Ariadne left, the Duchess inspected the small, mildewed room and whispered, “How do they live here?”
“This is where they have lived for all their life. I’m certain Father has filled you in on her past,” Edward said.
The Duke turned sober. “As a matter of fact, I have.”
“Lord Brexley, oh! How could he have done such terrible things?” his mother said, obviously trying to change the topic of discussion. She took out her fan and started fanning herself.
“Turns out he’s not the nice man we all thought he was,” Edward said soberly. “Even worse, they were betrayed by one of their loved ones.”
The Duchess clapped her hand to her mouth. “I can’t even imagine what she is going through. How could she even do something like that?”
“Appearances can be deceptive,” the Duke murmured. Edward knew his father was a harsh man, and at times selfish but his mother was right. He would not have actively harmed Ariadne in this manner. But hehadattempted to remove her from his life.
Ariadne came back with three cups on a small tray. She hesitated and Edward understood why. “The cups were in bad shape.” Before she could offer them to his parents, he took it off her hands and kept it away.
“My mother wants to say something to you first,” Edward said. He turned around and gave the Duchess a meaningful look.
“You have a younger sister, correct?” the Duchess asked.
Ariadne nodded. “She’s resting but I can wake her up.”
“There’s no need for that,” the Duchess said, waving a hand. “I don’t like the idea of my son’s bride living here a moment longer. I want your bags packed within the hour. You’re coming to live with us.”
“But—” Ariadne began but she was no match for his mother. “Dear, I know it’s not ideal to move in with us before the wedding, but I can’t in good faith let you remain here. You must come with us.” To make her point, she took Ariadne’s hand in hers and squeezed. Something in the gesture seemed to soften Ariadne. She nodded.
