Mr. Harris followed him out into the gallery. “Charlotte told you, then?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do not play me for a fool. You know what I mean. Miss Lamb. She told you.”
“Miss Lamb has not uttered your name, Harris. She has told me nothing, but this very evening someone revealed your part in her fall.”
“Who?”
“You did. Your words, your looks have said it all.”
“It is not as it appears, Taylor.”
“And how does it appear? That a supposed gentleman has ruined a young gentlewoman, then left her to fend off the wolves for herself and his child? That not one thing has been done to make amends?”
Harris glared at him, anger beading in his dark eyes. “My hands are tied here, man. If but I could, I would. You force me to say what I would conceal from everybody ... from every man in that room.”
“I force nothing.”
“You force me to admit I have no money. Nothing. I am holding on to my family estate by the thinnest thread. The fire, the repairs have brought me to the end of my means. The only cash I have is what my wife sees fit to allow me of her father’s money and that is but a pittance, doled out in careful drops to keep me on a short tether.”
“Bit late that. Why not tell her? Charlotte is her young cousin. Would she not feel some pity for her sake if not for yours?”
“You do not know my wife. I would lose everything. I would be in even less of a position to help Charlotte than I am now. Perhaps in time ...”
“You could give the child a name.”
“I cannot. As I said, Katherine is expecting her own child any day.”
“Congratulations,” Daniel said dryly.
“Thank you. Contrary to appearances, I am looking forward to being a father.”
“You already are one.”
Harris studied the floor for a few moments, then asked quietly, “I have no right, I realize, but could you tell me ... the babe is healthy?”
“Yes, extremely so.”
“A ... girl?”
“A son.”
Harris stared at nothing, shaking his head. “A son,” he breathed.
“Yes, a son who will grow up in shame and poverty while you play at cards and live in comfort in a fine house—no, make that two fine houses.”
Anger flashed in the man’s eyes. “Taylor, you overstep yourself.”
“No, sir. It was you who overstepped yourself some nine months ago when you took advantage of a girl half your—”
“Lower your voice! She is nothalfmy age, and I will not stand here while you throw out unmitigated charges against me. Has she accused me of anything?”
“No. She refuses even to identify you. That girl has idolized you for as long as I have known her—though I cannot fathom why.”
“That’s right. You wanted her for yourself, but she refused you.”
“Her father refused me, yes, but that is neither here nor there.”
