She had known the question would be coming. Aunt Pearl hadn’t made a single query from the moment Addy had arrived, breathless and distraught at her chamber door, until they had settled in the train car.
“I overheard something distressing,” she said flatly.
The last few hours had utterly exhausted her. She was equal parts weary and sad, confused and heartbroken.
“Would you like to share what that was?” her aunt asked patiently.
Addy took a deep breath. “It was that Li—the Duke of Marchingham wants to marry me.”
“But that’s wonderful news, my dear.”
“For my dowry,” Addy added grimly. “He was speaking with Lady Hargrove in his study, and the door was partially open… I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but when I heard what they were speaking about, I couldn’t help myself. It seems that the duke has a great deal of debt and his estates are woefully in need of repair. Marrying me would solve all his problems.”
Her voice cracked on the last word.
Dandy licked her chin and then resumed panting, for train rides made her exceedingly nervous. Addy patted her head. At least her loyalty had resumed now that they had left Lion behind.
“Oh my darling Addy,” Aunt Pearl said, pity lacing her voice. “I’m so sorry. I know you were harboring tender feelings for the duke.”
“I fell in love with him,” she admitted, shaking her head. “I know that we were at daggers drawn initially, but over thetime we spent at Marchingham Hall, I thought that changed. I thought he saw me differently. I thought I melted his ice away. But I should have known that he was nothing more than a fortune hunter. Why would an elegant, proper duke like Marchingham want a vulgar, troublesome American when he could have his choice of true ladies?”
“Any man would be fortunate to take you as his wife,” Aunt Pearl defended her sternly. “Not for your dowry, Addy Louise, but foryou. You’re intelligent and kindhearted and beautiful. I’ll not hear another uncivil word about my beloved niece, not even if it comes from her own lips.”
Tears stung Addy’s eyes anew at her aunt’s unflagging loyalty. “This is why you’re my favorite aunt.”
“I’m youronlyaunt, my dear.”
Addy smiled on a half sob. “It’s best that you are the only one. No others could possibly compare.”
“Did you confront the duke about what you overheard?” Aunt Pearl asked next.
“I couldn’t bear to,” she confided, feeling foolish for the way she had fled. “My pride and my heart were both dashed to bits. I thought that what we shared meant something to him. Instead, he was just trying to secure his estates.”
“Was he familiar with you?”
Aunt Pearl’s voice was sharp.
Bother.Addy had revealed too much. She averted her gaze out the window.
“It doesn’t matter now.”
“Adelia Louise, of course it matters. Your mother will have my head when we return if you’ve been compromised in any way.”
She swallowed hard. “Mama doesn’t need to know.”
“Addy.”
Addy heaved a heavy sigh. “I won’t tell her, and you aren’t to tell her either. I’m not going to be trapped into marriage with a man who only wants me for the wealth I can bring him. I deserve a husband who will love me.”
“Yes, my darling, you do,” Aunt Pearl agreed quietly. “It is best you waited to tell me all this until after the train left the station, you know.”
She glanced back toward her aunt. “Why?”
Aunt Pearl was somber. “Because otherwise, I’d have driven directly back to Marchingham Hall and punched the duke squarely in the eye.”
Addy smiled, and then a tear rolled down her cheek when she gave in to another wave of tears as the train took them toward London.
CHAPTER 11
