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‘Game?’ Sam demanded, still trying to steady herself.
‘I do not indulge in games, Edw...Edge. I was curious about your wife, that is all. She is nothing like Dora.’
‘No. Thank God.’
‘Yes. Dora was a charming girl, full of light and laughter as long as the sun shone, but not built for hardship. A delightful lapdog to your current lioness.’
‘You were testing me?’ Sam demanded, but the Duchess turned to her sons.
‘I am aware my choices when you were young mean I will always have but limited access to you and I have accepted that. I still believe it was the best decision under the circumstances after the effects of your father’s accident became apparent. Now that Rafe has little choice but to assume the responsibilities of his title—’ she glanced at Rafe as he shifted in the armchair ‘—I will remove to the Lancashire property. I have only remained until now to ensure Greybourne does not fall into disrepair and I hope I have not done too ill a job. I know neither of you will voluntarily seek my company in future so naturally I wished to take what is likely to be a singular opportunity to see if this woman will make you a good wife. I see that she shall and I was wrong to worry.’
Sam’s eyes moved between the three of them. The resemblance was almost comically marked at the moment, each more rigid than the next as if afraid to turn over the stone the Duchess had tossed into their midst. Sam had no patience for circumspection at this point.
‘What accident? And what has it to do with sending Edge away?’
‘I am surprised you have no memory of this, Rafael. You were, after all, seven years old at the time. The Duke was thrown from his horse and suffered a severe injury to the head. For a long time we thought he would not survive and though he did he was no longer the same man. He became most pious and intolerant and...occasionally violent. After the incident when he broke your arm, Edw... Edge, Dr Parracombe and I decided it was judicious we limit his access to the children since there was no question of having the Duke confined. That scandal would have stained the Greybourne name beyond repair.’
Edge clasped his left arm.
‘He broke it? My father broke it? How?’
For the first time Sam saw true emotion in the woman’s eyes—but the fear and pain were tucked swiftly away; only a faint tremor remained in the Duchess’s next words.
‘That day...you were reading to me from a book. Even then you had the most marvellous voice and nothing gave me greater pleasure than to hear you read. But Greybourne walked in and tried to take the book from you. You were always stubborn, my boy, and unfortunately you held on. Before I could even think he threw you against the wall. By the time Dr Parracombe came and treated you and sedated him I had made a pact with myself. I would protect my children by whatever means possible and that meant removing you from danger and ensuring no one but I and the doctor knew the truth. By luck Poppy was still in London and I asked if he would take you for a spell.’ She smoothed her dress again, but as no one broke the silence she continued. ‘As time passed I realised you would be infinitely happier with them than at Greybourne. I could hardly expect the Duke to condone sending his heir to Egypt, but I ensured you spent most of the year at school, Rafe, and the girls with the governess in their own wing. Naturally we could allow no taint of madness to cling to the Greybourne name and as far as I know there have never been rumours. Rigid religious beliefs served as a fine excuse for his spells. Now he is dead we need no longer be concerned with discovery. Doctor Parracombe is completely trustworthy.’
‘Trustworthy... Mother, why did you never say a word of this? We have not been children for a while. We deserved to know.’
‘I thought it the best course of action.’ She turned to Rafe. ‘Greybourne is your cross to bear now, Rafe. I do hope you find someone to share it with who will make it a happier place.’
Her gaze moved over Rafe’s face and her fingers reached out and hovered within reach of his scarred jaw.
‘I hope...no more of this for a while?’
He shook his head, looking as bemused as Edge.
‘Good,’ the Duchess said. ‘I have promised to visit with some friends while I am in town and then I must prepare for my departure to Lancashire now I have seen all is well. Do ring for my carriage to be brought round.’
* * *
Sam sensed Edge enter the room and placed the drawing she held face down on the table.
‘Has she gone?’
He nodded. He was watching her as warily as he had watched his mother.
‘And Rafe?’
‘Sleeping. He is still weaker than he wishes to believe.’
