Harker pressed his lips together. “Oh, I see. Well, that’s a bit awkward, isn’t it?”
“Awkward?” Ellis hadn’t meant to say the word aloud, but it tumbled from her mouth in disbelief.
Jo clasped her hands on her belly and frowned at her father. “Papa, it’s far more serious than that, and I think you know it. You had an affair with a duchess, and she bore your child.”
“I didn’t know,” he said, holding up his hands as if he couldn’t be blamed. “But even if I had, what should I have done?” He blinked. “Why aren’t you Lady Ellis? Did His Grace not wish to claim you?”
“Her Grace did not wish to claim me,” Ellis said quietly. “I was given to the Dangerfields for adoption. They were friends of His Grace’s family.”
Harker clapped his hands on his knees. “Well, this is quite a tale.”
Jo scowled at him. “This is not a story to be told for entertainment. This is Ellis’s life. I brought her here to meet you today. You are her father. Her adopted father and mother died many years ago, and the duke took her into his household as Minerva’s companion.”
“You say the duke took her in. Why wasn’t the duchess eager to have her daughter back?”
Ellis couldn’t contain her derisive laugh. “Her Grace has no use for me. She only allowed me to be Min’s companion because the duke insisted. However, I don’t want to discuss her today. In fact, I’d rather not discuss her ever again. She’s not a parent I wish to claim. I came here today wondering if you might be that parent, but so far, I’m apprehensive.”
His features softened. “I shall do what I can to ease your concern. The reason for your visit is lovely. I’m always delighted to meet one of my children.”
One of his children? Ellis turned her head toward Jo to see her reaction.
“Good heavens, Papa, how many by-blows do you have?” Jo’s voice rose in consternation, as her brows drew sharply together. She glanced toward Ellis and murmured, “Sorry.”
Ellis waved her hand gently. “I’m not offended. I am one of his by-blows.” She narrowed her eyes slightly at Harker. “I have the same question regarding potential half-siblings.”
“Only a few,” he replied without even a hint of humility. “This makes three daughters and two sons.” He actually sounded proud.
Jo gaped at him. “Why have you never mentioned them to me?”
Harker drummed his fingers against his leg. “I didn’t think you’d appreciate hearing about them, and it seems I’m correct. I can see you’re upset with me about my liaison with the duchess.”
Exhaling, Jo rolled her eyes. “Being angry with you is a futile exercise. You are an infuriating man, but you are also sweet and loving. Perhaps if you could be bothered to tidy your house, you could have a gathering with all your children someday.”
“That might be nice,” Harker said, appearing as though he’d never considered the idea. “And here we’ve another to add to our ranks.” He beamed at Ellis. “May I say how beautiful you are? More of me in you than your mother, I think, but you do have her stubborn chin,” he added with a laugh. “I’d like to paint your portrait. I’ve painted all my children.”
“Have you?” Ellis asked.
Harker nodded.
Ellis was curious to see Jo’s, at least. “I should like to see yours.”
Jo pursed her lips. “Papa will have to show you. He paints them for himself, not us.”
“I see.” Ellis had to keep herself from laughing. Jo had warned her that he was self-centered, but he was almost comically so.
“Well, this is splendid,” Harker said gleefully to Ellis. “You were companion to Min for how long?”
“More than fifteen years.”
“Now she is married,” Harker noted. “I can’t imagine you’re still her companion. What are you doing?”
“I’m making my own way,” Ellis replied vaguely.
The gold flecks in Harker’s brown eyes sparkled. “That sounds intriguing. I’d like to hear all about that. I do love an independent woman. That’s what drew me to Jo’s mother. She’s an astonishing businesswoman.” He jumped to his feet. “Come, I’ll show you the studio. Jo, will you join us?”
Jo looked at Ellis, and Ellis gave her head a subtle shake. She would be fine alone with Rowland Harker for a few minutes. In fact, she wanted to be.
“I’ll wait here if you don’t mind,” Jo responded. “I’m a bit fatigued this afternoon.”
