She studied him with narrowed eyes, and then, with a slight huff, did as he asked. Then, she came back and sat down on the bedside. “So you do share my suspicions about Mark?”
Acceding, he nodded. “I’ve asked the family solicitor to check the references he gave. And you may cease worrying, Harbury is as healthy as ever.”
“Thank heavens.” She placed her hand against her chest. “Whatisgoing on, then?”
Where should he start? “Last night, I told you that the man behind the plot against John nearly ruined a lady. And I also told you I intended to ask that lady to marry me.”
“Yes…” she drew out the word. “And then, somehow, you ended up at Harbury House instead.” She frowned, and then, suddenly, her brow cleared. “Is the lady the duke’s young sister-in-law? The one who left the theater with Sarah over word of Harbury’s illness?”
“Lud!” He drew back in surprise. “The biddies have been bandying this morning!”
His mother straightened, indignant. “I kindly request that you be a little less dismissive. Certainly, taking joy in the misfortunes of others is abhorrent, as is spreading false and malicious tales, butconcernis natural, especially for a young, newly married duke. Harbury’s friends and neighbors are concerned about his health. Would you rather they hold him in uncaring contempt?”
He pursed his lips, chagrined. She was right. “Mother, I owe you an apology. I should have realized people would come to you seeking word of Harbury. Of course, they would. He is your nephew. And I should have known you would be deeply concerned when they did.”
“Yes, you should,” she said, though her gaze softened. “Although I appreciate themea culpa, your mind, I suppose, was on your lady. But if Harbury is not ill, why did he call for the family solicitor, not to mention a clergyman?”
“The reason we gave the solicitor was that Harbury wished to update his will. Not because he thinks he’s dying, although we knew that would be assumed. But because there is a very good chance Harbury will have an heir apparent, soon.”
“Wonderful!” She clapped her hands and placed them in front of her lips. “But you said, ‘the reason we gave.’ Was there another reason, too?”
“Marriage settlements,” he explained. “For Millicent and me.”
“So you did ask. And she said yes.”
He inclined his head. “I listened to you last night. And I promise you Idolove her, and I will do my best to be a good husband.”
“Darling, I know you will.” Impulsively, she gripped his hand. “But tell me she loves you, too!”
“Possibly.” His mouth twisted into a tight, self-mocking facsimile of a smile. “Eventually? The truth is, I don’t know. But do know I trust her. And I know she trusts me, too.”
“Anyone would!” his mother exclaimed loyally.
Indeed?“The marriage is to take place this afternoon, thus the Vicar. All our posturing neatly covered by Harbury’s ‘illness.’”
“Have you procured a special license?”
He nodded.
“That must have been dear!”
“Not as ‘dear’ as she is to me.”
She studied him with a long, tender gaze. “You’ve taken care of everything, I see.”
“Just as my father would have?” he suggested.
“Say that a great deal, do I?” She lifted and dropped her shoulders. “As it happens, in this case, you owe your efficiency to my side of the family.”
The corner of his mouth turned up. “I’m glad I’m more than just like my father.”
“I never meant to suggest you were nothing more than a facsimile. You are, and always have been, your own person.”
That, at least, was something.
She sighed deeply. “I’m quite impressed, you know. I was certain the gossip must be true. Word has Harbury hours from death.”
He snorted. “Perhaps the solicitor felt himself free to gossip about Harbury’s state. Cassie applied a liberal amount of face powder. And Harbury kept disappearing behind a screen to retch most appallingly.”