Chapter 18 #2
“I heard from the staff that the rumors in town have begun again,” she said. “That they are already speculating that my marriage could have been invalid.”
Roderick felt his heart thud in his chest.
“They should not be speculating on such things,” he replied.
“They should not,” she agreed with a slight, bitter laugh. “But it is almost impressive how quickly these rumors circulate, without even giving the person involved time to understand what is happening.”
“I suppose,” he replied with an awkward laugh.
“I do wish there was a way for me to explain what truly happened that night,” she continued, her hands twisting in her lap. “But I am unable to speak of that night without feeling deeply upset. Even then, I do not believe that others would believe me.”
He watched her for a moment and sat on the opposite end of the bench.
“I would believe you,” he said softly. “Whatever happened. I would believe you if you told me the sky was red.”
She laughed at that.
“You trust me too much,” she said, shaking her head. She looked up at him and her eyes softened slightly. “Your Grace, I must ask you something.”
“Ask me anything.”
“What exactly did you mean at the ball when you said we would face this together?” she asked.
Roderick’s eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly before he had the chance to tame his reaction. He looked away instead. Words bubbled up in his chest, desperate for him to say the very things he could not bring himself to reveal yet. He pushed them down.
“I do not wish to cast you out,” he said gently. “And I want your opinion on what is to come next.”
Roderick looked back at her. Lavinia raised an eyebrow.
“So, you wish for my opinion on this, and not my opinion on your furniture?” she asked. “I did not believe my opinion held much weight with you,” she added, giggling quietly. It still made Roderick nauseous.
“I…” he started, then shook his head. “What do you think of Lord Casterleigh?”
“Lord Casterleigh?”
“Yes,” he said with a nod. “It does appear that he likes you, to some degree.”
She nodded slowly and then looked out at the gardens around them.
“He has impeccable manners,” she started.
“He speaks well. He has wealth and a good family. My father was certainly impressed by him,” she added, before changing her face to imitate the exaggerated way her father had looked at the lord.
Roderick snorted and covered his mouth. Lavinia stood and did an exaggerated bow, offering a smirk much like Lord Casterleigh’s.
Roderick could no longer hold in his laughter, gripping the edge of the bench so he did not lean backward.
“I—” he said between laughs, covering his mouth. “I should not be laughing at them so.”
“I suppose not,” she replied, taming her face back into her usual, smooth expression. Roderick nodded, clearing his throat.
“I did not mean—”
“It is improper for me to mock Lord Casterleigh,” she sighed and glanced back up toward the house. “We should not be unchaperoned out here.”
“No,” he agreed, his shoulders slouching.
Roderick watched as she started to walk back toward Briarwood Hall, pausing as she got part way to the terrace before turning to face him.
“We need to have this conversation. Properly,” she decided. “And I will not be leaving until it is had.”
Roderick did not respond. All he could do was watch her walk the rest of the way into the house before putting his head into his hands.
***
Later that night, Roderick was back in his study. He took out his quill again, the moonlight illuminating his desk.
Dearest Oswin,
I have good news. The solicitor has confirmed it all. I am now the legitimate duke. Briarwood Hall is all we had believed it to be. The hall itself is spacious, and even has rooms large enough to act as art studios or galleries.
Perhaps you could speak to your sculptor friend to see if he would like space here?
I do not think that is what you will be most interested in,, however.
You would love the gardens, the wide fields that surround them, and the stables.
Your physician said fresh air was good for you, did he not?
There is plenty of that here. There are also several horses.
There is only one problem, and that is one of the inhabitants. The woman who believed she was the duchess. She is…
He paused, thinking about how best to describe her without making his brother believe something that he did not intend.
She is a good woman. You would enjoy her artwork. She has been nothing but proper throughout my time here and I do wish I had met her under better circumstances. She is sadly the subject of vicious rumors in the village. My father seems to be causing her problems, even from beyond the grave.
In truth, I feel as if I need your steady guidance. I have many important decisions to make and having you here would bring me no end of comfort. Lady Harcourt too. Oh, how I miss you both. I miss my home. I do not even believe I am sure where home is anymore, and yet how I wish to return to it.
I understand the Harcourt estate is likely busy right now, but please, when you can, write back. In fact, tell me when you wish to visit and I will have the estate prepared for you. Both of you.
Send my love to Lady Harcourt.
I do hope to see you both soon.
Roderick.
He folded the letter, ready to go out with the morning’s post.
Glancing out at the dark grounds, his eyes traced the path that would lead him to the three mile stretch that his mother would have taken to get to the Harcourt estate. It was not far. There was no reason other than business that had kept him away from them.
I will see them again, as soon as I am able.
Roderick took a soft breath before standing, going toward his chambers. He knew there would be difficult days ahead. He knew it well. And he knew he had to be ready to make the right decisions.
Whatever happens next, I must make things right for Miss Lavinia.