Chapter 14 #4
Closing her eyes, she let her mind drift, allowing the bird song and the sounds of plants rustling in the breeze wash over her.
Eventually, another sound entered the fray.
She tensed, expecting her father. However, as she opened her eyes and looked up, Mr. Vale was standing before her.
For a moment, they walked together in silence.
Close enough for comfort, far enough to remain proper.
The maid stepped back, allowing them both some time together.
“It was my father who chose the duke,” Lavinia whispered.
Mr. Vale startled and looked at her. “I believe that he chose the worst possible man for me on purpose, and your father did not disappoint. Even before the wedding, he was cold, condescending, and cruel. He did not look at me as if I was a wife. He looked at me as if I was a prized horse at auction.”
She looked up at him, and her face paled.
“Ah, I am sorry; I have said too much. I should not speak of your father like this.”
“I never actually met him,” he said gently. “I only know what my mother wrote of him, and it matches exactly what you have described.”
“I see,” she nodded.
“But, if you are speaking like that,” he said, meeting her gaze, “does this mean that you believe the story I have told you? About the claim I have made?”
“I do,” she said, stopping to face him. “More than that.”
“More?” he asked.
She nodded slowly.
“I had it confirmed. Before Honora left this morning, the solicitor arrived and spoke to me. He brought all of the evidence. It is in my sitting room. Well, what was my sitting room. If my father had not arrived, I would have come to speak to you sooner,” she explained, her voice dropping to a whisper.
“It would appear that your claim is legitimate.
He found the marriage records, the death records, and compared them to my own records.
Along with the testimony of the witnesses…
” her voice cracked. She looked up at Me.
Vale. His face did not hold the triumphant expression she had expected.
It was softer, but more complex. Grief? Relief?
She was not certain. He did not seem to be either.
“Thank you for telling me,” he whispered. “Other people might have hidden it.”
“I am not other people,” she said.
“I am well aware. I… I was so worried when I learned what kind of a man my father was. I worried that since I was born from him, I might carry that same darkness in my blood; that I could become that same monster. It was Oswin and Millicent who helped me see the truth.” He looked at her.
“My father and I share nothing but blood. And, well, now the estate, I suppose.”
A bitter laugh escaped Lavinia’s lips, and Mr. Vale laughed with her.
“I am sorry that his behavior has caused you such distress,” he continued. “I imagine there are many people I need to give that apology to.”
“You do not need to apologize on his behalf,” she said softly. “The only one who could have given me the appropriate apology is already dead.”
“I understand. But I still would feel remiss if I said nothing.”
“I appreciate that,” Lavinia said softly. “Tell me something. Your family, Oswin and Lady Harcourt, do you miss them?”
“More than I ever believed I would,” he admitted with a sad smile. Lavinia nodded slowly, looked up at the sky, and took a deep breath.
“Well, Harcourt estate is but three miles away,” she continued. “Now that this dreadful business is over, they should visit. They should see the estate that you were denied and well deserve.”
“That would be good,” he agreed.
“And,” she swallowed hard. “Perhaps they could meet me before…” Her voice trailed off. “Well, before whatever is to happen to me happens.”
Mr. Vale’s mouth opened slightly, and Lavinia did not know how to read the expression he was giving her. For a few moments, all either of them could do was look at each other, the moment stretching further between them.
“Lavinia!” Cecily’s voice cut through the moment as she sprinted over to them. “You must come inside! Quickly!”
“Cecily, what—”
“Father went into your sitting room! I told him he should not disturb your peace anymore, but he would not listen to me. He found the documents from the solicitor!” Cecily gasped as she grabbed Lavinia’s hands. The world around Lavinia seemed to tilt.
“Why would he do that?” Lavinia whispered, her eyes shimmering. “He had no right to!”
“He believed you were hiding information from him,” Cecily explained. “He is waiting in the study now and wishes to see you both.”
Lavinia’s chest clenched. Her vision started to narrow down to a single point in front of her.
Suddenly, warmth spread down her shoulder. She looked to where it was originating from, only to find Mr. Vale’s hand. He leaned in closer, his warm breath catching the outside of her ear.
“Everything will be fine,” he murmured. “I will speak to him. I am the duke now. You should go rest inside with your sister.”
Lavinia looked at him, her heart jumping in her chest. She nodded slowly, unwilling to examine exactly why she reacted that way.
“Thank you,” she whispered, desperately wanting to believe him. He pulled back, and she took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. They walked inside, each step feeling heavier.