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Andrew shook his head. He couldn’t recall any specific story which might pertain to Miss Whitworth. Then again, he never kept up with the gossip. He was well aware that half of what people said was largely untrue and that the other half was merely speculation and vulgar opinion.
People with scandalous reputations were never regarded with any respect within theton, and neither were people who associated themselves with such people. Still, he did not regret his dance with the woman, vexing though she may have been.
“It is not proper to speak ill of someone one does not know, Mother,” he said, quoting something she had once said to him when he was a young boy, when he had mocked one of his mother’s old friends who had a slight limp.
The dowager baroness glowered at him. He felt bad for upsetting his mother, but he was also angry with her impudence. It was bad enough she was trying to force him to marry, but did he have to suffer her trying to choose his bride, as well?
And even if Miss Rowena’s reputation was as scandalous as his mother said, he could not bring himself to regret dancing with her. And what did his mother mean by a ‘scandalous courtship’? If her virtue had been compromised, then even he would know it. So how else could a courtship be deemed scandalous?
“I happen to know that young woman’s family,” she said. “Her mother and I have often spoken at parties and events. I would not say that we are dear friends, but she seems pleasant enough. And I have ears enough to know what thetonsays about Miss Whitworth!”
Andrew rolled his eyes.
“I do hate gossip,” he said.
The dowager baroness huffed.
“This is not a rumor,” she said. “The wholetonknows that several years ago, she was jilted during a scandalous courtship.”
Andrew looked at his mother in confusion.
“What does that mean?” he asked. “Has she been compromised?”
His mother flushed furiously, and she looked away from her son.
“Really, Andrew,” she said sharply. “It is nothing like that. I don’t know the entire story, but I know she was jilted when her courtship was abruptly ended by her suitor. Perhaps the young man changed his mind after courting her. In any event, it has left her reputation in question ever since.”
Andrew nodded slowly. He thought back to what Miss Whitworth had said the previous night, about not being used as a pawn. What had happened to her?
“Just stay away from her, Andrew,” his mother said again. “Besides, there is no need to associate with the likes of her, when you have a lovely young lady like Lady Viola practically begging for your affections.”
Andrew shook his head.
“You and your ideas, Mother,” he said with finality, turning to his breakfast.
He heard his mother tutting, but he refused to entertain her nonsense further, pouring himself a strong coffee and setting about some ham and eggs with gusto. Whatever happened, he was determined not to give into his mother’s wish for him to marry Lady Viola. For that matter, he was determined to spend as little time with his mother altogether as he could manage.
***
Later that evening, Andrew went to White’s. He had received a note from Edmund saying he would be in town that evening, and Andrew intended to make good on his promise to buy his brother-in-law a round of drinks. It was a good excuse to get away from his mother, as well.
The earl was just arriving when Andrew alighted from his carriage outside the club, so the two men entered together. They sought out a nice, well-lit booth, and Andrew ordered two glasses of the house’s finest brandy. Then, he turned to Edmund, grinning broadly.
“I am glad you took me up on my offer,” he said.
The earl nodded.
“Of course,” he said. “A man should never turn down a free drink.”
Andrew laughed heartily.
“No smart man, anyway,” he said.
When their drinks arrived, Andrew raised his glass to Edmund.
“To the father-to-be,” he said. “And to a happy, healthy baby for you and my sister.”
Edmund clinked glasses, and they drank to Gemma and the baby.
