“I have no intention of abandoning her.” Julian moved back to his chair but remained standing. “Quite the contrary. I intend to marry her.”
“Thank the Lord,” Hattie muttered, closing her eyes for a moment.
Janet’s hands flew to her face. “Marryher? But you said… I mean, I don’t understand.”
Julian sighed. “I love your daughter, Miss Fairfax, and I want to marry her. But since hearing your story today, things have changed. And yes, it concerns judgments, because whether you like it or not, judgments will be made. Unless…”
Janet shook her head. “Unless?”
“Unless you agree to keep this unfortunate business to yourselves. For that is what it is. An unfortunate business.” He held up a hand as Hattie opened her mouth as if to argue. “We would not be having this discussion otherwise. My resolve to marry Annie will remain, no matter what you decide. I simply ask that you consider my position and that of my family. While there are many fine people in the gentry, there are also those who take pleasure in feasting on the misery and misfortune of others. As my wife, should Annie’s illegitimacy become known, she will, undoubtedly—”
“Be scorned,” Janet finished. “I am fully aware of that, though I’m not sure Annie has fully embraced the likelihood. Has it occurred to you that I would also be similarly scorned should the truth of Annie’s birth become known?”
“Of course it has. Your own brother disowned you, did he not? Consequently, you must surely understand my concerns as they pertain to my family. Hence my decision to return to Highfield forthwith. I cannot go to London till I have spoken to my parents, to advise them of the circumstances and my intentions. They have a right to know about this beforehand. Please understand, Miss Fairfax, I’m not saying you must deny your daughter. Not at all. I am merely suggesting we keep the truth of her birth between us.”
“A family with secrets,” Hattie quipped. “Gracious. Whoever heard of such a thing?”
Julian chuckled. “Quite. Simply put, it means you must continue with your almost flawless performances when among those who are not privy to the truth.”
Janet nodded. “Like when we come to your and Annie’s wedding?”
Julian laughed. “Precisely.”
Hattie’s eyes widened. “Almostflawless, Mr. Northcott?”
“I had a feeling something secretive was going on between the both of you,” he said, with a shrug. “I just wasn’t sure what it was. Annie seemed oblivious to it.”
“Will this affect how your family sees her?” Janet asked.
“No,” Julian replied, without hesitation. “At least, not my immediate family. They trust my judgment. Besides, my mother adores Annie already.”
“Then I cannot tell you what this means to me, sir, or what it will mean to Annie.” Janet’s eyes watered again. “She left here with a broken heart.”
Julian’s throat tightened. “I shall endeavor to mend it as soon as I can, Miss Fairfax. You have my word. And your apology is accepted, ofcourse.”
Hattie heaved a sigh. “Tea and a biscuit you said, right, Mr. Northcott?”
“Yes, thank you.” Gratified by the morning’s discussion, he decided to throw caution to the wind. “Actually, two biscuits, if you can spare them.”
“You may have as many as you like, Mr. Northcott,” Hattie said, with conviction. “I was right about you, you know. I liked you from the start.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Having placed hersimple posy of flowers, Annie stepped back from the grave of the man she had known as her father. Since learning the truth of her birth, however, she felt as though she’d never really known him at all. Though much of the initial shock had dissipated, questions continued to clutter her mind. Sadly, the answers to them lay buried at her feet.
“That you loved me is not in doubt, Papa, but you should have told me the truth,” she said, blinking tears away. “To find out the way I did was unfair. You must have known these secrets would emerge after your death, so why didn’t you prepare me? And what do I do now? Do I continue with this charade? Is that what you would have wanted?”
There was, of course, no response. Nor would there ever be.
This was her first visit to the cemetery. Though she’d attended her father’s funeral service, she had not gone to the graveside afterwards. She’d had no desire to face the small crowd that had gathered as a result of the newspaper report. But aside from that, she knew the practice, for women, was discouraged. Women were considered weak, prone to fits of hysteria and fainting. Heaven forbid they display emotion at such a solemn time.
Since returning to London, it had taken Annie this long to summon up the courage, and the desire, to visit the grave. She had learned to take each day in stride, lowering her expectations while makingallowances for her moments of weakness. As for the nights, well, they were another matter entirely.
Despite everything, however, Annie had cause to be thankful. Archibald Mason and his wife had been more than gracious, providing room and board while refusing any kind of remuneration. Curious to know if he was already aware, Annie had told Mr. Mason the truth about her birth. Apart from a fleeting, and telling, expression of shock, the man had retained his usual, serious demeanor. He had then commiserated, assured Annie of his discretion, and said what had already been said, that her adoptive father had accepted her as his own, evidenced by leaving his entire estate to her, and in good order. Annie couldn’t help but think that marriage to Leo would have meant surrendering her inheritance to him. She wondered, briefly, where her former fiancé might be, and then set the thought aside. As it was, she didn’t have to worry about starving or keeping a roof over her head.
Finding a new roof had become a priority. Though there had been no indication of it, Annie already felt as though she’d outstayed her welcome at the Mason household. Returning to Ferndale Grange anytime soon was not something she could consider. Too many painful memories. The same applied to her home on Chester Street. She’d either have to lease the house permanently or sell it. Archibald Mason would undoubtedly advise her on the merits and pitfalls of each option. Maybe she should find some rooms to rent in the meantime.
Nearby voices drew her attention, as did the sudden brush of gentle raindrops on her cheeks. Opening her umbrella, Annie turned from the grave and, with a nod to a passing couple, set off for Chester Street. There was still work to be done. The proverbial road ahead needed to be cleared, so that she might dare to move forward.
