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Shock coloured her features, and Daniel’s heart pounded even harder as he waited for her to speak. When the words eventually came, her voice was barely above a whisper.
“A Duke…. I suppose that I knew, really – all of the indications were there, but I chose to ignore them. Spending time with a lesser relative of a Duke is not exceptional, but with a Duke, everything changes – as you said. It is not that I think you any different, because of it, but the world at large does, I have no doubt. Are you sure that you can trust the staff here, and at Summerfield Park? You know how servants talk. They’ll have us betrothed in a fortnight if one of them is a gossip.”
Her manner was a little teasing, but Daniel froze, knowing that she was right, no matter how much he hoped that all of his staff were trustworthy. Gathering his courage, he asked the question he most wanted to know the answer to.
“And would that be such a bad thing, dear Verity?”
It was Verity’s turn to freeze, and a rush of emotions flickered across her face as he watched. Then, she straightened in her seat and met his eyes.
“Indeed, it would not, Daniel, at the proper time. I need time to understand myself. I’m not that long widowed, and must not rush into things with unresolved feelings. If my child should be a son, he will be heir to Baron Wexley. As I commented when we spoke of this before, Edward has a younger brother. Jasper has always been jealous of Edward’s position, and likely has been quite happy to now be the heir, but I can’t believe that he would resort to a lie to protect his inheritance. When I received that letter, telling me not to come, it was signed by him – but even if he did want to drive me away, I don’t understand why – no-one knew, at that point, that I was with child – I barely even knew myself. I need to know how Edward’s parents truly feel about me, or I will never be able to decide what to do! I’ve been writing to them, again and again, hoping to hear that it was all a misunderstanding. If they do reply, and they are willing to accept me, should I go to them? It’s an imposition on you for me to remain here, although I would dearly love to.”
“Verity, you could never be an imposition. It is important to remain open to all options - for your child’s sake, as well as your own. Will you… will you come and visit Summerfield Park with me, and see the estate that could be your home? For that is what I would like – I have developed feelings for you, Verity, over these last few months. If, in the course of time you should discover feelings for me, I would prefer that you knew of everything which comes with me. My father… my father was always hounding me to marry, to continue the line, and I always refused, saying that I would do so only when I met the right woman. I believe that I have done so now, in you. I like to imagine that he would have approved.”
“He would have approved you marrying a widow, who was with child? I suppose that what would have recommended me to him is that I do have a family with a title. I know that sounds dreadfully cynical, but still…”
Verity’s smile was warm despite the sharp tone of her words.
“Cynical, but correct. It would have mattered to him. It makes no difference for me. I have come to love you – the person, not your social status or anything else.”
Verity blushed, and her eyes went wide at his very direct declaration. He had not meant to say such things to her yet, but somehow, it felt right…
“But… are you not at all concerned that I am carrying another man’s child? In such circumstances as this, there is always gossip…”
“I am not concerned, no – I will defend you against any gossip, should it be necessary – you should not be punished simply because circumstances trapped you in this invidious position.”
She shook her head, as if amazed at his attitude.
“Daniel, it is too early to entertain such thoughts or plans anyway. Perhaps I should go to my father and beg forgiveness for insisting on being a governess, instead of running his household.”
Daniel nearly blanched at the thought.
“He knows of your marriage?”
“Yes, he came to the wedding, even though he did not really approve. But he does not know that I am with child. I did write to tell him that Edward had died, and I have not written to him since.”
“Made he no response?”
Daniel couldn’t imagine a father so heartless that he wouldn’t reach out to his widowed daughter.
Verity smiled sadly.
“He insisted that, since I had married beneath me, I should go to my husband’s family. I haven’t told him that they refused me.”
Controlling his temper. Daniel reached for her hand. The intensity of his gaze appeared to disconcert her.
“Please consider this a formal request for permission to court you when you are ready. I’ll not easily give you up to a thoughtless father or your late husband’s reprehensible family. You have a home here in this cottage for as long as you need one. Even if you refuse my hand.”
Daniel had never meant anything more sincerely.
*****
Verity hesitated. Even a title and a thoughtful kind man might not be enough if he acted only out of pity – he had used the word love, but did he truly mean it? She wanted true love. She wanted passion, felt by both parties. Her experience of a marriage with affection, but not true love, short though it had been, had cemented in her the wish for something more, something richer, and stronger. She sighed involuntarily. Seeing a slight widening of his eyes, she felt that she had to try to express herself more clearly – she did not wish to hurt him, but she needed more time to be sure of his feelings.
“Daniel you are dear to me, I cannot deny it. Please give me time to settle my heart about Edward, and about you. And look to your own heart. You cannot marry me to spite the rejection of others, or from pity.”
Daniel drew back a little, and she hoped that he could understand that this was not rejection. He had bared his heart, but she struggled to trust that his words were true.
He was a Duke! He could have any woman he wished – why would he choose her?
