“I’ll tell you what she has told me.” He leaned against the mantelpiece. “Her mother died during childbirth. Around that time, her father learned that he was not Prudence’s father, and sent her away to be fostered. She grew up with a woman she knew as her aunt.”
“Oh dear.” Lady Jocelyn’s hand rose to her bosom. “The poor thing.”
“Luckily, it was a good and loving home and she grew up not knowing anything about this situation until her aunt’s health declined. There were few options and the marriage to Eldridge was arranged. It seems no one else was interested in a woman with little dowry and a questionable heritage. To say the least.”
His father looked somber. “Sheisillegitimate, I suppose. Unless her mother’s husband acknowledges her.” He shook his head. “Sad state of affairs, lad. Does she know who her real father is? Has she ever mentioned her mother’s name?”
“I don’t think so. I’m not even sure if she knows much about her mother. And she’s never given me any reason to suppose she has any idea who her father was. And to be honest, I’m not sure she cares particularly. If he gave her away as a baby, why would he acknowledge her now?” Reid stared into the flames. “If that’s her way of thinking. I can’t disagree with it.”
“She must be quite distressed over this,” remarked Lady Jocelyn. “That is, if she reciprocates your feelings?”
Reid looked at his mother. “I know she does, Mama. And yes, she is finding this whole situation difficult.” He straightened. “And she shouldn’t be. We’re perfect for each other, and we both know it. But she cannot bring herself to say yes because of something that happened before she was born. I can’t even begin to imagine how that feels. To have to deny yourself the thing you want most for the most impossible of reasons.”
“We understand that, Reid.” His father shook his head. “’T’is unfair and not her fault. But I can see her point.”
“Papa.”Reid rounded on him. “How can you?”
“Hush now. I said I can see her point, not that I agree with it.”
“Reid,” his mother intervened. “Both of us love you and wish you happiness. If Lady Prudence is the one to give you that happiness, then we will love her as well.”
Reid gulped. “You will?”
“Of course we will. We’re not monsters or stupid enough to hold her birth against her.” Lady Jocelyn frowned at him. “I’m distressed you’d think otherwise.”
“Well, I…” Reid began to apologize.
“Look, son. Bear in mind that just because we have no objections, doesn’t mean that others won’t either. You and I both know what kind of a world this is and how too many of the wrong things matter too much.”
“So what do I do?” Reid sat down on the corner of the couch and put his head in his hands. “I have no idea how to handle this. I want Pru. I want to marry her. But I don’t want my desires to bring trouble to this house.” He lifted his head. “I suppose I could marry her and we could move to the Colonies. I’m told such things don’t matter across the Atlantic.”
“Don’t be daft.” His mother snorted. “We need to ask a few questions. Seek some advice from those we trust. It’s time to find out just how much power the Chillendale name carries with it.” She glanced at her husband. “What do you say, dear?”
He nodded. “Yes. Yes, you’re right.” He turned to Reid. “I’m going to the Loughbridges tomorrow for the annual county meeting. There are one or two men there I trust, buyers who have been our customers for generations. Since I think we all realize that the only jeopardy might be to the Chillendale ale, I think it right to ask a few discreet questions there. If they don’t give a damn, then why should we?”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Reid glanced at the older man.
“No, lad. I think this is better done without your presence. Besides, I believe your mother will need you. I’ll only be gone a night, but ‘t’is best you stay here with her and continue the preparations for the ball.”
Reid nodded. “Very well, father. And thank you.” He stood. “But know this. I am going to wed Prudence. Over her objections if necessary. It’s her or no one. I will do my best, however, not to bring a shadow to Chillendale, even if it means leaving. My joy shouldn’t be a burden to the rest of you.”
He crossed the room, dropped a kiss on his mother’s forehead and hugged his father.
Then he left, with a heart full of gratitude for the amazing parents he’d been blessed with and a sense of pain for his beloved—a woman who had never known that kind of blessing at all.
