Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
CASSANDRA
Aunt Isobel, Uncle Winslow, and Edmund sat perfectly still in the drawing room as Cassandra finished her story of how the child came into their lives. The entire truth of it.
Aunt said nothing, only took in a breath, raising her chin. Uncle’s temples drew together as he puffed on his pipe. Edmund remained still, a small smile easing over his lips.
“As of course you know,” added Rowen. “The legitimacy of my heir is essential as deemed by the rights of succession. There can be no ambiguity that he is of my and my wife’s blood. That he is ours.”
“Oh my darlings…he is yours!” A grin broke over Aunt’s face, and she rushed at them, hugging them both at once. “He is the future of the house of Oakley. I agree wholeheartedly with your decision and will defend him to my death.”
“As will I.” Uncle crossed to Rowen, a hand landing on his shoulder.
Aunt Isobel, her cheeks flushed, cradled Cassandra’s face. “My love, you are blessed. I believe in your choice. We fully support your decision. The law may protect an heir, but it is love that fortifies him.”
“Dearest Aunt.” She hugged Aunt Isobel tightly. The woman who shared her grief at their childlessness, the woman who taught her how to stand as a Duchess when she needed it the most.
Aunt Isobel touched Edmund’s arm. “Thank you, my dearest Edmund, for protecting our family.”
Edmund’s hand covered hers. “Aunt, once in blood and grief, I had sworn an oath to Rowen and Cassandra, and I would not break this oath now in hope.”
They discussed the facts they all had to commit to memory.
How Cassandra had been with child before the royal wedding, but told no one for fear the child would have an untimely end like her first. After the wedding, she had gone to Jersey for a short visit to see her friend Lady Rosamund, and then went directly to Greywick for her confinement so that Edmund could attend her.
The child was born early and needed time to become stronger, which he did.
Mother and child then returned to Tidesfar, accompanied by Edmund and Rowen’s aunt and uncle for the christening.
“I don’t think the Tidesfar chapel has been used for a proper service since I was a little girl,” remarked Aunt Isobel.
“My grandmother was a touch religious and would have the vicar come and perform a service of remembrance here or there. When she passed, her funeral was held at the chapel as she’d requested, but thereafter… ”
Cassandra glanced at her husband. His jaw had tightened visibly. The two of them knew very well how Rowen’s father had liked to use the chapel.
Rowen raised his glass of claret. “Here’s to a new era.”
“Here’s to the living,” added Aunt. “To the house of Oakley.”
Rowen’s hand on Cassandra’s back sent a shot of warmth through her. Leaning into her, he brushed her lips with a kiss and then drained his glass.
After they enjoyed an early dinner, they retreated to the drawing room for brandy and Aunt’s harpsichord playing. Cassandra excused herself. She had one more thing to complete today. She went to her morning room where, from her desk drawer, she took the letter she had prepared and sealed earlier.
She headed back to the drawing room, and in the dark centre court, Morgan stood and gave Nancy a candelabra.
Cassandra came to a stop. Something about the way his gaze lingered on Nancy, how he held onto the silver a beat longer than he should have.
How Nancy’s lips parted under his gaze, her features mellowing instantly, told a different story.
She walked toward them. “Nancy?”
“Your Grace?” Nancy blinked, her body stiffening.
“I need you to take a letter to Lady Georgina right away.”
“Of course, Ma’am.” Nancy quickly placed the candelabra on a console table, her glance darting up at Morgan, who bowed his head at his Duchess and turned to leave.
“Morgan?”
“Ma’am.” He stopped and came forward soundlessly.
“As night is falling, I would like you to take Nancy to Ironvine and then bring her home. Take the chaise.”
Nancy’s eyes widened, and she cast her gaze downward.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” Morgan replied.
“Excellent.” Cassandra handed Nancy the letter. “I have asked Lady Georgina to send her response with you, so you shall wait for her letter in return.”
“Very good, ma’am. I’ll get my cloak.” Nancy darted off. Morgan’s gaze followed her down the hall.
“And Morgan—I shall let His Grace know that you are undertaking this mission on my behalf in case he needs you. You shouldn’t be more than, say, two hours…or so?”
She and Morgan knew very well that Ironvine was close enough that the errand could be easily accomplished within the hour.
Morgan’s dark eyes lifted to hers for a moment. “Your Grace.” His tone had softened. Bowing his head, he withdrew and headed down the same hallway as Nancy.
The strong, quick, agile notes of Aunt Isobel’s harpsichord playing rang through the house, and smiling to herself, Cassandra dashed up the staircase to the nursery. She replayed the words of her letter over in her mind.
My dearest Georgina,
I am newly arrived at Tidesfar and long most sincerely for your company. There is joyful news we wish to share with you and Charles in person, and a happiness we hope you will help us celebrate.
If you are able, pray come to us tomorrow. Nothing would please me more than to welcome you and place something very dear into your keeping.
With all my affection,
Cassandra
She entered the child’s room and went to his cradle.
He slept peacefully, one hand free of his blanket, the other tucked inside it, his chest rising and falling with his breaths.
Her heartbeat raced as she ran her fingers through his tuft of silken hair.
“My darling,” she whispered. “My darling boy.”
Yes, her boy. Their son. Their Oakley.
Theirs.