The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(107)

“Sherbourne indicated Jane would go directly to Eastchase Hall.”

“Lucky for me, she’s changed her mind.” His dark gaze glittered. “I believe I’m rather looking forward to finishing out the Season this year.”

Lucy grinned up at him. “Oh, Blix, how lovely! You’re going to win her heart, aren’t you?”

“I’m going to try, Lucy, but it won’t be easy. It seems I’ve married a termagant with a head fashioned of granite.”

They were almost to the door when she said softly, “You know, a good beginning would be an apology for whatever wrong you’ve committed.”

“But I’m not wrong.”

“Perhaps, but she thinks you’re wrong, and that makes all the difference. Trying to convince her you’re in the right will only make her more determined to believe you’re not. Mayhap you should suggest she is right, after all, and say you’re sorry.” He was reaching for the door when she asked, “Do you love her, Blix?”

He paused. “I’ve only recently realized I may fair die of it, Luce.”

“Well then, all will be well. You’ll figure out a way to win her, I’m certain, and I’ll enjoy watching you go about it.” He opened the door into the hallway and as they stepped inside, there was Jane, coming toward her, a wide smile upon her beautiful face.

“Lucy, what a lovely surprise. How good of you to come and see us, and how pleased I am to know you will marry my father.” Her blue eyes twinkled, much like Sherbourne’s. “I daresay I won’t call you mama, however, because it would be only too strange, would it not?” She laughed and moved close, looping her arm with Lucy’s, urging her toward the front of the house and to the stairs. “Come along and I’ll show you to your bedchamber. Is this not a lovely house? I told Blix I wouldn’t mind staying here on a regular schedule, for it is so warm and inviting and cozy. You must be tired from your journey. I’ll send Polly up with hot water, and you must rest a while before dinner, which will be steak and kidney pie. It’s Blix’s favorite and I asked Cook to prepare it, especially for him. Oh, I am so glad you’ve come!” She kissed her cheek as they reached the landing, the scent of lemons drifting around her. “You’re so very lovely and kind, it’s no wonder Papa is mad about you. I’ve always admired your quiet, dignified beauty.”

Lucy returned her smile, even while Sherbourne’s gruff, aroused voice echoed in her head. The very earth. “Thank you, Jane, and I do apologize for intruding upon your honeymoon. Things got away from us last night at the Morrison’s ball and before we knew it, an announcement had been made. Sherbourne thought it best he come to Kent, straightaway, before Blix heard it from someone else.”

“Wise decision,” she said conspiratorially as they made their way down the hallway. “Blix is so protective of you, and had he heard it from anyone other than Papa, I don’t doubt we would not be anticipating your wedding right now.” She stopped at a door and pushed it open, then followed her into the room. “You’ve only to ring, of course, if you require anything. Don’t worry about William. I’ve just left him and Sherbourne in the nursery, playing a rousing game of miniature ninepins.” She continued to smile, and Lucy noticed when it became less forced. “He’s a beautiful, sweet child, and Papa is clearly crazy for him. He’s always loved children, and I’d call William lucky indeed to acquire such a father as Sherbourne.”

“Yes, I’ve thought much the same.” She watched Jane go to the door. “Thank you for your kindness and hospitality, despite our dropping in without announcement, or invitation.”

“Nonsense! You’re welcome in our home whenever you like, and surely no announcement is necessary among family.” She moved into the hall, and pulled the door closed behind her.

Lucy stared after her for some time before her lips curved into a wide grin. Oh, yes, it was going to be great fun to watch Blix find his happiness. Jane hadn’t a prayer of resisting.

***

“Thank you for dinner. I believe that was the very tastiest steak and kidney pie I ever did eat. Lucy appears ecstatically happy, and I’d say your father is in as fine of spirits as I’ve ever seen him.”

Jane didn’t reply, but lay in his bed, stiff as a board, waiting for him to take her so she could go down the hall to another bedroom.

He appeared to be not ready, and in no hurry, continuing to speak as though nothing was wrong, as though he hadn’t betrayed her in the worst possible way, as though he could simply ignore this terrible travesty and it would somehow magically disappear.