A fluttery laugh came from the duchess, catching Alex’s glance. “I don’t blame you, my dearest child. I hardly know myself whether I am on my head or my heels.” She released Apple’s hand and held hers out to Alex instead. “My dear Lord Dymond, I believe you have taken care of my dear girl here and I must thank you.”
“Only lately, ma’am. Ran across her purely by accident.”
“And thank heavens you did, or I might never have known her again.”
“You’re sure then? That she is your daughter?”
“Oh, I knew it the moment Oriana told me her name.”
Apple’s fingers tightened on his. “She gave me the name of Appoline, Alex. She really is my mother.”
His world lightened all at once, and immediately dimmed again. What did the duchess intend by Apple? He went directly into the attack.
“What do you mean by this, ma’am? Presume you won’t reveal it other than to us?”
“Then you presume wrong, Lord Dymond.”
The ringing tone reminded him so strongly of Apple’s occasional outbursts that Alex was startled. But whatever he might have said was forestalled by Lady Mere, bobbing up beside them.
“Have you lost your senses, Cordelia? The scandal!”
The duchess clicked her fingers. “That for the scandal, my dear Oriana.”
“And pray will Godfrey agree with you?”
“He must be made to. Oh, it won’t be easy, but I shall persuade him, never fear. He must legitimise our precious Apple, and we shall introduce her to society as Lady Appoline Damerham.”
Elation in his breast, Alex stepped in. “No, ma’am, you’ll do nothing of the sort.”
“Alexander!”
His mother’s shocked tone did not deter him. He glanced at her, and at the other faces regarding him with varying degrees of surprise and disapproval. Then he turned to Apple and found her with question in her face. He smiled down at her. “Don’t fret, Apple. I know what I’m doing.” Her brows rose, but he turned back to the duchess. “She ain’t going to make her debut as Lady Appoline Damerham.”
“But it is the least I can do for her.” The duchess’s frowning annoyance made her look all too similar to Apple. “Why should you object?”
Alex felt a welter of emotion rush into his chest and his eyes went back to Apple. “Because by the time she goes into the world she’ll be Lady Dymond.”
Apple’s mouth fell open. “Alex!”
From out of the plethora of gasps and exclamation came his father’s amused tones. “It is customary, my dear boy, to enquire of the lady whether she is willing before making such an announcement.”
Alex laughed out, his chest bursting with new happiness. “So I shall, sir, as soon as I can get Apple alone.”
Then Georgy came skipping up, snatching Apple into an enveloping embrace. “Oh, famous, Apple! You’ll be my sister.”
“If she chooses to marry him,” said Lady Luthrie on a dry note.
“Oh, she will, she will!”
“You seem to have as little doubt of that as Alexander himself, Georgiana. I should hope he will give the girl a choice.”
“Naturally, ma’am. Ain’t as autocratic as all that.”
Apple’s giggle pleasurably assailed his ears. “Yes, you are, Alex. You know you are.”
He grinned. “Devil a bit. You’ll soon tell me if you don’t want to marry me.”
“As if you would take no for an answer!”
