“Of course not,” her mother replied brightly. “Do join us!”
Adelaide stifled a sigh, for she had so much more to say.
CHAPTER 21
Despite his intentions, Cassian did want to get to know his mother-in-law.
Lady Wynn was a good lady, and he could see that she was a good mother, too. Adelaide had not appeared as comfortable as she did at that moment, and he liked to see that.
“You caused quite a stir,” Lady Wynn remarked lightly when he joined them. “I have been told that you outright threatened Mr. Hargrave last night.”
“I would not say that I threatened him, though I certainly did warn him. I did not marry your daughter for him to persist in his advances.”
“And I thank you for that. My daughter has never been one to defend herself.”
“Mama!” Adelaide huffed.
“It is true, dearest,” Lady Wynn replied dismissively, before turning back to Cassian. “I suppose you have seen that for yourself.”
“Actually, Adelaide seems to have less trouble voicing her opinions. I am pleased about that.”
Cassian wished to know what his wife was thinking. She seemed annoyed that he had joined them, but of course, she was grateful for his compliment.
“I suppose I should apologize to you,” he continued. “The thing is, I cannot pretend that this marriage is going to be any of the wonderful things you have envisioned for your daughter.”
“On the contrary, it is everything I could have ever wanted. It is practical, and you are good to her. Yes, I would have liked for her to find true love, but we all know that is most rare. My daughter will be taken care of, and that is what matters to me.”
“And you are certain of that?”
“I am. I am a sensible lady, Your Grace, and I know that my daughter’s reputation has suffered of late. To have all of that happen, only to become a duchess, has proven that she cannot be the lady Mr. Hargrave accuses her of being. In that way, you have saved her. I could not have asked for more.”
Cassian sat back, when the tea arrived. It saddened him to hear what Lady Wynn had thought of her daughter’s prospects. It wasnot too far from how his mother thought of him, even though he knew it was very different. Lady Wynn loved her daughter, whereas his mother could not stand him.
Even so, it could not have been easy to hear.
He looked at Adelaide, who did not seem very surprised by what her mother had said. He supposed that she had grown used to it.
“I have heard,” Lady Wynn continued as Adelaide poured tea, “that your mother lives with you still. Is she well? I have not seen her in years.”
“I was not aware that you knew one another.”
“But of course! We debuted together. She married first, and to a duke, which stirred up the envy of many young ladies. Fortunately, I never much cared for titles, so I was simply happy for her.”
“Yes, you might have been alone in that. My mother is well enough, although she has easier days and more difficult ones. She has not left her room yet, so I can only assume that it is because today is more difficult.”
“It is a shame that that happened to you all. I can only offer my condolences.”
Cassian felt himself break into a cold sweat, not wanting Adelaide to ask questions. He had assumed that she knewsomething at least, for it had felt as though everyone knew what had happened all those years ago, but he could see the confusion in her eyes.
She did not know what had happened, but he was not so foolish as to hope that it would remain that way. She would learn of what he did eventually, and thatterrifiedhim.
“Thank you,” he said quickly. “I do not believe that my mother will be coming down, so it might be best for you two to visit the village. They are very fond of your daughter there.”
“Oh, Adelaide, is that true?”
“My husband is simply very kind.” Adelaide blushed. “Though I must say that it has been easier than I first expected. They are all very good people.”
“Then we shall finish our tea and go visit them.”
