So when his mother said for the hundredth time that evening, “Aaron, you’re an earl now. You must lead by example,” he had a new response.
“You’re exactly right, Mother.” He turned to his sister. “Clara, don’t change a thing. I love every one of your choices for my celebration. And Mother, if you say one thing against her or my intended bride, I shall send you home to the dower house and never acknowledge you again.”
Both women started, but it was his mother who responded first. “Your bride! What bride? Who is this—”
He held up his hand to silence her. Unfortunately, Clara was not so restrained. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Is it who I think, Aaron? Is it really?”
He smiled at his sister. “If she’ll have me.” Which wasn’t at all assured. “Not a word now. Either of you. I have to make plans.”
“But who is this—”
“Mother, I suggest you find a way to curb your tongue or you will not have a fruitful relationship with me. And you’ll never be allowed to see any of your grandchildren.” The last thing he wanted was to allow her poison to damage another generation.
“What?” his mother screeched, but Clara stepped bodily in front of her.
“Never mind her. Go!” She pushed him toward the door. “Go make your plans. I’ll keep Mama out of the way.”
He didn’t want to abandon her, but he could see she was adamant. And excited for him. If only he could be so assured. Whatever he did now would have to be very public as he laid his heart out for all to see. And if Lilah refused him—again—the humiliation would dog him forever. For the rest of his life, every person would be treated to the tale. “That’s the Earl of Kittrel,” they’d say, “the man who once proposed to a by-blow in front of the wholetonand was refused. Can you believe it?”
But if that was what it took to win Lilah, then he would do it.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
She wasn’t pregnant.
Ridiculous for that to be Lilah’s chief concern on Aaron’s big day. Today he was accepted into the House of Lords with all the honors of the title. He was feted by no less than the Prince Regent, and tonight he hosted a ball for all the elite in London. As this was also the end of this year’s Season, all the ladies who had yet to capture a husband had turned out in force, making it the event of the year. Similarly, all the exquisite gentlemen were trying for one last night’s lavish entertainment. Everyone who was anyone in thetonwas here to add to the crush.
Thank God Lilah had learned from Lady Byrn how to throw a proper ball. Otherwise, she would never have managed it. Even better, Margarite and Jamis had been married four days ago on a glorious morning. Also, after careful direction from Lilah, Clara had risen to the challenge of the ball despite Lord Loughton’s disappearance.
Best of all, her work had kept her so busy that she didn’t have time to pine for Aaron. She had too much to do to miss his arms around her. Too many things on her plate to listen for his laughter or wonder about his day. And certainly too many tasks to double-think her decision to remain unwed.
She had made the right decision, but oh, late at night, she wished things had been different.
And in all that busy, wonderful work of life, what was she doing as she stood surveying Aaron’s ball? She mourned the fact of her barren state. How stupid of her! She didn’t want an illegitimate child, and yet such were her thoughts as the crush of people began to file in. Because even if she couldn’t have Aaron, she would have cherished his child beyond anything.
Naturally, she was not in the receiving line. That was reserved for Aaron and Clara. They both looked wonderful, of course, but Lilah had a special misty kind of reaction whenever she looked at him. She’d adored his raw power as Lord Ares, but tonight he was dressed in elegance. Black formal attire, crisp white linen, plus the broad swath of fabric across his chest that sported the seal of his earldom. It was all so impressive, and she couldn’t help gazing at him with pride.
She was returning after settling a problem in the kitchen when Lord and Lady Byrn were announced. Elliott and Amber stood resplendent at the top of the stairs. She hadn’t realized that her adoptive brother and his wife had returned to London after the birth of their first child, but here they were and looking for her, apparently. As soon as they passed through the receiving line, they headed straight for her with concern in their eyes.
She greeted them warmly, of course. And they in turn, pressed kisses to her cheeks while Amber squeezed her hands tightly.
“Did you think we would turn you away?” Amber said.
“We had no idea that Mama would cast you out,” Elliot said. “I am furious with her, I can tell you that. And so I’ve told her.”
“It took us forever to find out you were here. She didn’t know where you’d gone.”
“I insist you stay with us now that we’ve returned—”
“Diana is in confinement, you know,” Amber continued. “The baby is due in a few months, but she wrote that she’d love to have you by her side. You mustn’t think we’d ever abandon you.”
Elliott nodded. “Even Gwen wrote, absolutely appalled with Mama. She and Sayres were due in this afternoon.” He frowned as he looked about the room. “You’ve used their Lincolnshire daffodils, I see. That was kind of you.”
“They’d take you in as well, of course,” Amber said, “but you must stay with us. Say you will, please.”
Lilah waited a moment to be sure they were done speaking. Neither of them were prone to talking over people, so the flurry of words was an indication of their distress. Lilah’s heart warmed as much from that as from their earnest expressions. They truly did want her to live with them, and she was supremely grateful.