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But to have that grandson, Verity would have to survive giving birth, and the child with her. At that thought, fear filled him. He pushed it aside – there was nothing he could do but be here If she needed him.
*****
During one of those dinners with the Duke, about two weeks after Verity’s father had arrived at Summerfield Park, more was stirred up than Verity could ever have anticipated, even if she did not quite understand what she saw that night. That evening, for the first time since she had begun to be seen at Summerfield Park, Daniel’s brother, Lord Duncan, was present.
At that dinner, Verity, seated at the right hand of the Duke, was aware of Lord Duncan, who was seated just opposite and one down from her along the table. Daniel had told her of his brother’s dissipated lifestyle, and she had found herself curious to see him. How could two brothers be so different in character?
That thought, however, reminded her of Edward, and his brother Jasper – perhaps it was a consequence of younger brothers knowing that they would not inherit the title?
She studied Lord Duncan, and found that she could, barely, see some resemblance to Daniel, but the drink had added some lines and sagging jowls to the once handsome face of the younger man. There was something about him that seemed familiar, for some reason, beyond that slight resemblance to Daniel, but she could not quite identify it.
Conversation did not provide her with a chance to discover it, for Daniel’s dark looks to his brother seemed to quell any conversation from him, even if he was behaving in a civil manner. Verity wondered what was between them to warrant such obvious tension.
*****
Daniel was pleased with the family gathering. At least Duncan had, so far, behaved well – perhaps as a result of the lecture that Daniel had given him, after confronting him with Verity’s sketch. Just the fact that Duncan had gone instantly pale on seeing it, and hearing why Daniel had it, was a clear admission of guilt. Tonight, whilst he found himself glaring at Duncan regularly, he had no need to do more.
Verity was an alluring woman who could hold her own in conversation, and the more time he spent with her, the more certain he was that he couldn’t have picked a better match. She would make a splendid Duchess. Obviously it was proven that she could conceive an heir when the time came. He rather thought that his father would have approved, had he still been alive.
“I appreciate your continued hospitality, Your Grace, while my daughter tarries at the cottage. I would not endanger her or her child with a long journey home at this time.”
Lord Ainsley was a little awkward with unusual expressions of gratitude.
“I appreciate that, my Lord. I would not wish to see her endangered either…”
Daniel was acutely aware of Verity smiling gently at him.
He gave her a look full of the intensity of his feelings for her. He wanted only the best for her, and he hoped that she was convinced of that. He also hoped that she believed that he truly loved her, and would love this child as his own, regardless of the fact that he was not its father.
Once that dinner was over, he took Duncan aside, and thanked him for his behaviour, but the response he received was a snarl. He sighed as his brother turned away – there was nothing he could do about Duncan’s habits, but ensure that he did not hurt anyone.
*****
Verity was restless in mind as well as body. After several months of relative comfort, she found that she was now required, by her gravid state, to sit more frequently, as almost any exercise tired her. She could not even go out walking, as the weather had been horrid – overly hot for late June. Her child should arrive before summer’s end – some time in late July, the physician had predicted.
Only when Daniel, Maggie or her father visited her did she find distraction from her discomfort.
She still felt a weight of sadness that Lady Wexley had not responded to her letters. Even her father’s assurance that he had heard from a distraught Lady Wexley, who had wanted her there, did not bear thinking about given that there had been no response directly to her. It made no sense at all.
And what would she do if they did write, now? She was more aware than ever of her wish to accept Daniel’s proposal. The only thing which held her back was her own fears. If only she could believe that he really loved her. But she wasn’t sure anymore, that she could trust her own feelings. She had thought that she loved Edward. How could she love again so soon?
How could her feelings for Daniel be so very different, so much more intense, than she had ever felt for Edward?
Mulling over her thoughts, her feet on a footstool and her eyes closed, she did not hear the door open.
She started as a gentle voice reached her ears.
“You are more beautiful than I thought possible.” Daniel walked softly to her side. “I did not mean to startle you my love.” Smiling at her shake of the head he continued. “Well, you are my love, even if, sadly, you have not yet returned that sentiment.”
She knew that she looked tired as she gazed at him. His hand lifted as if he would touch her cheek, then stopped, and she imagined what it would be like if he had continued that movement, had cupped her cheek, and then bent to kiss her.
“Surely you are not resting enough – you look so tired.”
“Thank you very much sir. If my looks are so tiresome, you may leave now.”
She gave him a teasing smile to soften the words.
“Verity, I must tell you something. I have decided to visit the Wexley estate and discover the truth of their regard for you. Enough time has passed, and more, for a decent reply to all of your letters. You will never be settled in your mind about our life together until this is resolved.”
