Jane saw directly through the woman, but she wouldn’t humiliate her by saying so. She was with child, and no doubt concerned about her future, now that motherhood loomed. “You and the duke are friends, are you not?”
“Oh, yes, m’lady. I may be his mistress, and you of course understand the nature of this sort of relationship, but we have always got along rather famously. He is a kind man, very considerate. And terribly smart. He’s taken some time to educate me, buying me books, insisting I learn to speak and write properly.”
Jane glanced toward the door when she heard a knock. “Come.”
Rothschild stepped inside and rolled the tea cart close to her chair. “Will there be anything further, Your Grace?”
“Thank you, no.”
When he was gone, Jane poured, then settled back to continue her interrogation. “When faced with a dilemma, I like to apply the anything can happen and all things are possible theory. I suggest we do so now, Miss Wendover. If anything can happen, if all things are possible, with no negative consequences, only what is best for you, how would you see this scenario wind up? Would you be his duchess, responsible for entertaining the beau monde, the members of Parliament, perhaps even the royals? Do you see yourself managing five different households? Will it intimidate you to be presented at court? I daresay you will require extensive coaching on matters of society, but then, you are clearly very bright and I’m certain an apt pupil.”
Miriam sipped her tea and didn’t respond. She appeared somewhat befuddled.
“Perhaps this is not actually what you desire. Do you see yourself settled in a comfortable home, somewhere in the country, with a few servants to see to your needs, and a handsome yearly allowance? Can you imagine raising your child there, allowing Blixford to provide for the child’s requirements, including his or her education? The child will be the bastard of a duke, and certainly entitled to an upbringing above that of commoner children, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, m’lady, that sounds perfect. I’m just not certain Blix will agree to it. He was most emphatic when he left last, that we would not see one another again, that his settlement would be the last money I would receive from him.”
“You didn’t know about the babe at that time?”
“I suspected, but wasn’t certain until yesterday, when I went to the midwife for an examination. She says I’ll deliver sometime in October.” Miriam set her tea upon the small table to the left of her chair and bent forward to meet Jane’s gaze. “I’ve no wish to marry him, not really. I beg of you not to get an annulment. If you could perhaps stand beside me and help me convince him to take responsibility for the child, that is all I want.”
“What of you, Miss Wendover? Have you no thoughts of marriage?”
She waved the handkerchief as if in surrender. “I knew I would never marry after young Benjamin, a stable hand at my father’s farm, ruined me in a pile of hay, just after my sixteenth birthday. I knew then what men are about, and I’ve no need of one, except to make my living. My papa set me out and told me never to come back, so I made my way to London and have earned my keep by making gentlemen happy.” She eyed Jane carefully. “If you don’t mind a bit of advice, m’lady, a man has needs and if he can’t get them at home, he’ll go elsewhere. You don’t strike me as a broomstick, so perhaps you’ll forgive my bluntness.”
What a bizarre turn of events. “Yes, of course. Thank you, Miss Wendover.” She sipped her tea and waited a moment before she said, “Well, then, we are decided? You won’t hold Blixford to his promise of marriage, but will be content to retire to the country and raise your child?”
“I do believe I would be most content, Your Grace.”
Ah, so she was finally going to acknowledge Jane’s recent elevation in rank. “Very well, then, you may consider it done. If Blixford takes any notion not to provide you with what you need, I’ll do so myself.”
“You, ma’am?”
“I’m an heiress, with funds at my disposal. I’d consider it a privilege to see to your welfare, and that of your child.”
“Well, that’s something. Not a broomstick at all. I’m most thankful, Yer . . . Your Grace, and I do apologize again for disturbing your wedding day with such outrageous behavior.”
“I daresay, were I in your position, I might do the same.” She rose and waited for Miriam to follow suit. “We are to leave for Kent in a short while, and will return to London in a fortnight. I’ll speak to Blixford, and his agent will contact you to work out details about the settlement. As I said, if he refuses, which frankly, I can’t imagine, I’ll provide for you. Please don’t concern yourself. Take the next two weeks to enjoy your retirement, perhaps make some purchases necessary for your new life.”