It had never occurred to her the similarities between her son’s situation and Sunny’s.They were both the only children of dukes.They had both succeeded to the title at an early age.Mantheria did not wish to find any similarity between herself and the dowager Duchess of Sunderland, Sunny’s mother.But perhaps if she did not make changes now, there would be.Mantheria did not wish to spend the next thirty years of her life covered in black shroud and grieving.Andrew was right.She needed to learn how to be happy.Not only for his sake, but for her own.
“I am grateful for your perspective, and I will take your advice and enroll Andrew in the local grammar school.His governess can help with his schoolwork.”Taking a deep breath, Mantheria managed to add, “And I know that you will make an excellent father someday.Whichever debutante you marry will be a very lucky woman.”
These words cost her dearly, but Sunny did not even smile.If anything, his brow furrowed, and his jaw appeared tight as if she’d offended him somehow.
What had she done wrong now?
12
Sunny had meant to show Mantheria what an excellent stepfather he could be for Andrew.But she did not see him in that light at all.No, the woman that he loved thought he would marry a young debutante who was seventeen or eighteen years old—a member of the infantry—who was closer in age to Andrew than to himself.It was exasperating.Why couldn’t Mantheria see what was right in front of her eyes?How could she not know that he loved her and that he always would?
“Have you any particular debutante in mind for my future wife?”
Mantheria’s face turned pink from either the cold rain or embarrassment—Sunny did not know which.“I don’t know what type of woman you are attracted to.”
He ought to have stopped there, but his temper got the better of him.“I prefer women with fair hair and blue eyes.”
The woman on the horse beside him possessed both, as well as a lovely figure that drove him to distraction.He hoped that Mantheria would realize thatshewas his type.
“Then there is the youngest Clairmont girl, or Miss Melissa Dickens; both have excellent dowries and good connections,” Mantheria said, oblivious to his true meaning.“If they have not caught your eye, there is, of course, the weaver heiress Miss Nix.Not as fair as the other two, but worth twice as much in the bank.”
“I am not looking for a fortune,” Sunny growled.“Nor for a child bride.”
Mantheria shrugged her shoulders.“Then, what are you looking for?”
The wordyouwas on the tip of his tongue, but Sunny clenched his teeth.It was too soon.Only days before, Mantheria had stated that she had no intention to rush into another marriage after making a muddle of the first one.And if he tried to push her too soon, he would be making a muddle of his twelve-year courtship of her.
“Someone like you.”
“A wealthy widow?”
“A dear friend with whom I wish to spend every day of my life.”
Mantheria did not quite meet his eyes, focusing her gaze on the road in front of them.“I can see Tunley.We are almost there.”
They might be near the village, but Sunny was no closer to telling Mantheria his true feelings.
Mantheria urged her horse into a gallop, and Sunny’s horse reluctantly picked up speed.If they did not find Andrew in Tunley, they would need to trade out these spent horses for new hacks.And, if possible, cloaks to keep off the rain.His current suit of clothes was soaked through to the skin and splattered with mud.
She did not halt her animal at the first inn, but rather at the finest one in town called the Pig and the Pot.Sunny was half afraid that the nicer establishment would want nothing to do with the rumpled and dirty pair.But the moment Mantheria swung out of her saddle, she was met by the proprietor of the inn, who urged a stable lad to take the reins of her horse.
“Your Grace, it is such an unexpected honor to see you!”
“Have you seen my son, Master Andrew?He was headed this way on foot.”
The man with a trimmed black mustache shook his head.“I have not.But I will send inquiries throughout the town at once.While you are waiting, allow me to escort you inside to a private parlor, and I will bring your luncheon.”
“And tea, Mr.Martin.I am parched.”She stepped into a puddle and sighed.“Perhaps a towel as well would be wise.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
Sunny dismounted and handed the bridle to another young ostler and followed the pair inside the inn.The taproom was immaculately clean, and the private parlor that the proprietor took Mantheria to was finer than the dining room of his estate.He wished that he were not wet-through and looking rather shabby.
Mantheria thanked the proprietor and then took off her smashed bonnet.Her hair was windblown, and the rain had brought a bit more color to her cheeks.Sunny thought that he’d never seen her more beautiful.He wondered if she’d understood his early words about wishing to marry a dear friend or if her mind was too full of worry for her son.Sunny could not blame her.He was worried for the boy, too, and Andrew was not his flesh and blood.The lad was clever, but the world was often cruel.Andrew might not be so lucky as to escape another pair of villains after a ransom for a young gentleman.
Taking off his hat and coat, Sunny wished that there was time for him to take a bath and freshen up from all his dirt before sitting down to a meal with Mantheria.But time was of the essence.All he was able to do was to towel off his wet face and body as best as he could.
The proprietor and a maid returned to the room with a tray of cold ham, vegetables, and bread, as well as a pot of tea and cups.