My Last Duchess, стр. 24
“But he didn’t . . .”
Maddie shook her head. “Apparently, she is very beautiful and wants to take another protector and put this behind her.” Shegave Ophelia a lopsided smile. “I think that my husband may have been roundly told off, for all he’s protesting that he was the one to end the liaison.”
“The baby exists, and it’s his,” Ophelia said. “Maddie, darling, I think this child may answer many problems, if it turnsout to be male. If not, Viola will have a girl cousin, and you know how much I would love her to have more family.”
“She could have had any number of siblings, if only you hadn’t fled the ball so early,” Maddie said, sniffling as she pulledout a handkerchief.
“Nonsense,” Ophelia said. “How far along is, ah, your husband’s friend?”
“Far enough so that I must pad my waist immediately if I’m to carry it off,” Maddie said. “Thank goodness for sack gowns,for who’s to say whether I’m six months along or not?”
“That many?” Ophelia asked, startled.
Her cousin nodded, and picked up her handkerchief again.
“Maddie, it will be fine,” Ophelia said, after thinking it over. “I will go around with you for a few days, and make sureeveryone knows that you’re carrying a child. Then you can retire here for your confinement. After a week or so, we’ll leavefor Lindow Castle.”
“That would seem very strange,” Maddie objected.
“Not at all! Everyone knows you are my dearest cousin, and since your mother is no longer with us, it would be perfectly unexceptionablefor you to stay with me. Oh, Maddie, we’ll have so much fun! I love babies, as you know.”
“I won’t have her here,” Maddie said, with sudden energy that suggested she cared more about Penshallow’s infidelity than she admitted.
“Of course not,” Ophelia said. “If you wish, I’ll speak to Penshallow myself. The woman must be well cared for, and not allowedto drink anything, particularly gin. I’ve read that it can lead to terrible problems.”
“I asked about her whereabouts,” Maddie said, sniffling again. “That wretch didn’t even bother to look ashamed. Apparentlyhe owns a house where he’s been keeping her. I bid him to question the servants and make certain that she’s eating well. He’lldo it, as she may be carrying his heir.”
With that, she burst out sobbing, and Ophelia gathered her up and rocked her back and forth, making plans the whole while.
“Where are you bid to tonight?” she asked, once Maddie had calmed again.
“Nowhere tonight. Thursday, the theater, followed by supper at Lady Fernby’s house. I shall be in Penshallow’s box, thoughhe has informed me that he is busy, likely with his other mistress, the one who isn’t carrying a child.”
“Excellent,” Ophelia said. “You must write to Lady Fernby, and tell her that due to your delicate condition, you wish me toaccompany you. I’m sure that she’ll have no objection; we are quite friendly.”
“Oh, she loves you,” Maddie said. She brightened. “The Duke of Lindow will attend the supper, so you can meet again. LadyFernby boasted that His Grace and Lady Woolhastings would join them.”
Ophelia winced, but luckily her cousin didn’t notice.
“Nothing’s been announced between them,” Maddie continued. “Perhaps you can still be a duchess, Ophelia. What shall you wear?”
“It doesn’t matter what I wear,” Ophelia said. “More important is what you wear. You can trust your maid, can’t you?”
“Of course,” Maddie said. “She was my nanny—” She broke off. “Oh, goodness, I suppose I’ll have to find a new maid becauseDottie will wish to return to the nursery, without a doubt.”
“Excellent!” Ophelia said, jumping to her feet. “When I was carrying Viola, my maid fashioned a marvelous sling since my backhurt so terribly. It will hold a pillow in just the right position at your waist. I’ll ask her where it is.”
“And you trust her?”
“With my life,” Ophelia said. “The same for all my servants.”
“All right,” Maddie said, getting up. “I suppose it’s better to pretend to carry Penshallow’s child than actually have tocarry it.”
“Under the circumstances, yes,” Ophelia said. “And much safer too. Just think of how many ladies have lost their lives inchildbirth.”
Maddie brightened a little. “It’s terrible for one’s figure.”
“Exactly,” Ophelia said. “Just look what it did for my bosom.”
“I didn’t mean that,” Maddie protested, following her from the room. “I would love to have your curves.”
Chapter Ten
The Duke of Lindow’s townhouse
Mayfair
Hugo was meeting with one of his estate managers when a great noise rose from downstairs. He knew instantly what it was, sohe stood and offered the man a smile. “It seems that I must break off our meeting, Mr. Elms. My children are apparently payingme an unexpected visit.”
“I understand,” Mr. Elms said, gathering up his estate book. “May I take it that you approve of the plans for new hedgerows,Your Grace?”
“Yes,” Hugo said, going to the door. “If you’ll forgive me.” And with that, he headed downstairs. It was stupid beyond allmeasure, but he had missed them. All of them, even little Joan, who wailed every time she saw him.
His sister was surrounded by footmen, one holding her high-plumed bonnet, another her exquisite French muff, a third her perfumedgloves. “Surprise!” she called, waving at him.
The entry was filled with Wildes. The boys were in their Eton coats, so his sister must have picked them up from school. Alaricwas pummeling North in the shoulder and Horatius was barking a lecture. Not to be left out, four-year-old Betsy looked readyto leap into the fray, but she noticed his arrival.
“Papa!” she shrieked, running toward the stairs. All heads turned, and the babble of voices rose higher.
Hugo scooped Betsy up into his arms and gave her a kiss. North, Parth, and Alaric ran to him. They stopped a foot or so awayand bobbed bows, and then as he put Betsy down, all three of them hurled into his arms. Leonidas followed, grabbing one ofhis legs, and even Alexander struggled to be put down and trotted toward him.