In fact, he did not even know how much of Gerald had been available to be identified.
What if there had been an error?
It was a notion that had never occurred to him, and would never have without Miss Emerson. Surely it was a reminder of Miss Emerson’s ability to challenge his expectations and assumptions—which could not be a good thing.
If only this notion were so readily dismissed. As Joshua rode for Addersley Manor, he pondered the possibility of Gerald’s survival. There was no evidence that his brother lived. Indeed,there were no bills, which had always been the surest sign of his brother’s existence.
But Joshua could not entirely forget Mrs. Lewis’ response to the sight of him. There had been something of her declaration that did not sound as if she had been awaiting her lover’s return for a decade. The more he reviewed the encounter, the more Joshua had to wonder if Mrs. Lewis had seen Gerald since their son’s conception.
Gerald might have survived and found a patron.
More likely, it would be a patroness.
How might Mrs. Lewis figure into such a situation, if indeed there was one?
There was only one way to know for certain. Joshua would have to visit the lady in question.
First, Mr. Newson. Perhaps he might have welcome tidings to deliver to Mrs. Lewis as a result and a respectable reason to call upon her.
He checked his watch and touched his heels to the horse.
Back in London,Miss Esmeralda Ballantyne found herself abruptly returned to her own home. Though she was weakened and much thinner, her spirit was unquenched. Oh, she knew who was responsible for her situation, for the paying of her bills, for the contentment of her servants and the security of her house, even her own release.
And she knew enough of men to guess what the Duke of Haynesdale wanted from her in return. Even the prospect of being the mistress of one man, of becoming even more beholden to him than she already was, chafed at her.
In such circumstance, she might as well be that man’s property, one of his chattels, or his indentured slave. The one thing Esmeralda prized above all others was her freedom, and liberty to make her own choices.
But that might have been lost, through no fault of her own.
A curse upon Jacques Desjardins!
If ever Esmeralda had resented that the rules of society and even the law of the land gave more to men than to women, that had been nothing compared to her current fury at the injustice of it all.
She could not deny that the Duke of Haynesdale had a claim upon her—yet she could not entirely explain his willingness to incur her obligation. There had been that old feud between them, and his comments in recent times about her chosen profession showed that his views were unchanged. Why would he even wish for a courtesan as a mistress? His interference in her life would undoubtedly come at a price Esmeralda did not wish to pay.
What could she do about the matter? She paced and she pondered. She would sleep and she would eat, regaining her strength with every passing day. If she called upon him, doubtless he would not see her. She had to wait for him to appear at her door, which did not suit her well.
And so it was that she opened her mail and discovered a note requesting that she add yet more to her book in process,The Ladies’ Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction.
More.
There was a great deal more advice that she could give.
Without undue consideration, Esmeralda dipped her quill into the ink and wrote a passage to invoke change in her gender.
Upon the matterof feminine capitulation…
It is the expectation of many men, and indeed of society at large, that women should be biddable and docile, always taking the counsel of men with regards to their behavior. I would suggest to you, gentle reader, that there is a delight to be found in challenging such expectations, particularly in matters of intimacy.
In the bedroom, in privacy with one’s lover, a lady can reveal her own urges as nowhere else in the world. Be bold in your caresses, and forthright in your demands. Instead of lying back and accepting whatsoever your partner deigns to offer, tell him what you wish of him. Make the first address. Touch him as you wish—or touch yourself as he watches. I have written of boldness before, but the combined power of audacity and surprise cannot be underestimated, nor can its ability to change the foundation of a relationship be overlooked…
Mr. Newson wasadamant when finally they met that afternoon, but Joshua had expected a protest from the older man. He was determined to see the question of Mrs. Lewis resolved to his satisfaction. Duty, honor and integrity were his guidelines in this matter.
“I do not believe it appropriate that we discuss this matter, my lord.” The older man flicked a baleful glance at Joshua.
“But I would ensure all is set to rights,” Joshua insisted.
“All was arranged to your father’s satisfaction.”
