“You didn’t fail, Piety,” Dane said. “She’s a healthy, beautiful baby girl.”
“She’ll never be a duke.”
“I wish that weren’t the way of the world. She’d probably make a more fitting duke than I will.”
Sandrine lifted her head. “Don’t say that, Dane, because it’s not even remotely true.”
She turned to Piety. “The ball was a success. Everyone loved your decorations.”
Piety collapsed back against the pillows. “You’re going to cast me out without a penny.”
“I’ve already told you that you have nothing to worry about. There may need to be a few economies.”
“Economies?The very word makes me shudder.”
“So I gather from reading the account books. It was Cleveland, Piety. He was blackmailing Roman. That’s why you said what you did on his deathbed. You told him that he couldn’t die without telling you who was to blame and what you should do. Cleveland is gone for good, and the blackmailers have been dealt with. It’s all been resolved. You don’t need to worry anymore. We’ll speak of this more when you have your strength back.”
“And no one knows what Roman was doing?”
“No one will ever know. We’ll replace the funds. I swear to you, Piety, I swear on Roman’s grave that I will provide for you and your family, and I will strive to be a good and fair duke.”
“Humph. I’ll believe that when I see it.”
“Look at her. She’s absolutely gorgeous,” Sandrine said, still gazing at the babe. “She’s going to be a great beauty, like you.”
“Do you think so?” Piety asked, her voice trembling.
“I’m certain of it.”
“Perhaps I could hold her...”
The nursemaid brought her the babe, and Piety gingerly accepted the small bundle. “What shall I call you, then? I was going to name you Roman, of course, but that won’t do anymore.”
“How about Rowena?” Sandrine suggested.
“Hmm. Are you a Rowena?”
“We’ll leave you to have your rest now, Piety.” Dane took Sandrine’s hand as they left the room.
“I’m proud of you, Dane. You handled that very well.”
“Maybe she’ll come round yet.”
“We can only hope. And perhaps my mother, with time, will also be able to forgive me.”
“Sandrine.” Dane stopped walking. “I’m the bloody damned Duke of Rydell.”
She giggled. “May you damned well rot in hell.”
“Insolent girl!”
“Damned duke!”
It was too late, or too early, to go to bed. Morning had already broken, and the household staff was preparing for the day ahead.
“In which room did your brother die?” Sandrine asked.
He glanced at her. “This one.” He gestured to the door in front of them. She opened it and walked inside, looking back over her shoulder. “Maybe it’s time you told him a few truths.”