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“Did Papa travel with you?” Ainsley asked.
“No, I brought only Biddle.”
Biddle was Mamma’s longtime dresser and was devoted to her mistress but less than enamored with Ainsley. Biddle made a point of quietly conveying that whenever possible.
“Thank God,” her mother added in a bitter tone when Ainsley didn’t respond. “Your father is quite distraught over this business, so I felt it best he remain in London given his weak heart. I see now that I was right to insist on that.”
Ainsley struggled not to overreact. “It truly wasn’t necessary for you to come all this way, Mamma. You could have just replied to my letter.”
“You would not have listened. I had no choice but to come here to talk you out of making an inexplicably stupid and selfish decision. Before it is too late, I might add. Leonard’s patience will not last forever.”
“I don’t give a hang about Leonard’s bloody patience, Mamma. Herapedme. Do you actually understand that?”
Her mother flinched. “I beg you to refrain from using such extreme language. It’s neither appropriate nor accurate.”
“Not when it describesexactlywhat happened?”
Mamma waved a hand. “It was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and for your sake I’m sorry for that. But there is no cause to exaggerate, nor is it helpful in the present situation.”
“There was no misunderstanding. I’m not going to marry Cringlewood and that’s the end of it.”
When her mother studied her with a narrowed, intent gaze, the hairs lifted on the back of Ainsley’s neck.
“Even though Leonard is the father of your child?” Mamma asked.
“I . . . I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she managed.
“I am not stupid, child. I saw her. That baby looks exactly like you did.”
Ainsley rose and stumbled over to sit beside her mother, grabbing her gloved hand. “You can’t tell anyone, Mamma. Youcan’t.”
“Of course I cannot tell anyone. It’s too late to even acknowledge her.” Mamma dragged her hand free, as if repelled by her own daughter’s touch. “I should have known when you didn’t put up more of a fight about having to spend the winter with that wretched aunt of yours. I should have known something was wrong.”
Ainsley forced herself to ignore the hurt of her mother’s rejection. Right now, all that mattered was keeping Tira safe. “No one suspects, though? Not Papa, or anyone else?”
“No, thank God. Your father already feels entirely betrayed by your actions. If he knew about this, it would kill him.”
“I’ve done nothing to betray him or anyone else,” Ainsley retorted. “I’m only doing what is right for me and for my daughter. My actions are entirely appropriate under the circumstances.”
Her mother’s mouth twisted with disapproval. “Appropriate? There is nothing appropriate about allowing your fiancé to get you with child and then refusing to marry him. That is the exact opposite of appropriate.”
“I did notallowhim to do anything. Cringlewood forced himself on me. He’s a pig.”
“Leonard is a peer of the realm and a distinguished man,” her mother flashed. “Yes, he behaved in a manner unbecoming a gentleman, but that does not entitle you to act like a trollop in return.”
For several moments, Ainsley felt paralyzed. But she finally stiffened her spine and found her voice. “If that’s all you have to say, Mamma, I would ask you to leave now. I refuse to be insulted by you, or anyone else.”
Her mother pressed her fingertips hard to her temples before folding her hands in her lap. “I apologize for that uncharitable remark, Ainsley. My fatigue is getting the better of me, but I am simply trying to understand. How could you have done such a foolish thing, especially after discovering you were with child? You should have made the effort to reconcile with Leonard right away. Yes, it might have been awkward, but he would have no wish to embarrass you. Nor would he desire his child to be born a . . .”
“Bastard.”
“There is no need to be crude, my dear. You know I do not approve of such language.”
“My language is the least of our concerns, Mamma.”
Her mother mustered what she probably thought was an encouraging smile. “You’re right, of course. And I’m sure we can find a solution to this problem, if you will only be sensible.”
“What do you mean by sensible?” she asked, although she already had a fairly good idea.
