And that daywouldcome, she insisted to herself. Itwould,although perhaps it might take some time. But surely in a year or two, or maybe even three, she would not even recollect his features.
She felt even more anguished and more saddened than before.
“Virginia?”
Virginia gasped, turning.
Mary de Warenne stood in the doorway in a ginger silk evening gown, trimmed with bronze lace. She smiled. “I knocked several times. I’m sorry, but when you did not answer I thought to come in and check on your welfare. Are you all right?”
Virginia stood. “I have a headache, but it will pass,” she said tersely.
Mary smiled. “May I?”
Virginia had no choice but to nod. Miserably, she whispered, “Do come in.”
Mary did so, closing the door behind her. She paused at Virginia’s side, her expression far too inquisitive and far too searching. “How are you, my dear?”
“I suppose I have a bit of an influenza,” she managed. She dreaded the interview she sensed would follow.
Mary searched her eyes. “I understand you and my son have been living together openly.”
Virginia flushed. “You are very direct.”
“I am very ashamed,” Mary said, and although she was blunt, her tone was soft. “I raised Devlin to know right from wrong and to treat women with respect.”
Virginia backed away.
“He has used you terribly, I fear,” Mary said.
Oh, dear, the anguish had returned, vast and full force, threatening to break like a flooding dam. Virginia turned away.
“I am truly furious with him. But what I want to know is if he has hurt you—other than your heart?”
Virginia gasped, whirling. “I cannot answer that!” she cried.
“I believe I have answer enough,” Mary said gently, and she came forward. Before Virginia could protest or elude her, she had embraced her. “I like you very much…daughter.”
Virginia knew she must not cry. Then she realized what Mary had called her and she flinched.“What did you say?”
Mary smiled and brushed some curls away from her eyes. “I called you daughter.”
Virginia shook her head, speechless.
“For you shall be my daughter—very soon. Edward and I have discussed it at some length. Some small length, actually, as there was so little to discuss. My son will do what is right.”
Virginia shook her head, disbelieving, backing up.
“He will marry you, Virginia, have no fear, and he will treat you with the respect owed a wife. Of that I have no doubt,” Mary said firmly. “Edward is speaking with him now.” And she smiled, waiting for Virginia to tell her how pleased she was.
But Virginia could not speak, not for a long moment. She was in disbelief. Briefly, she saw herself in her wedding finery, Devlin in his dress uniform, standing before a priest. Then she shook the terribly fanciful image aside. She finally said, hoarsely, “Thank you, my lady.”
“Come, let us go downstairs,” Mary said, placing her arm around her.
Virginia prayed for help. She said, “My lady? I truly must rest in bed this evening. I am afraid I would be very poor company if I joined you in my present state.”
Mary kissed her forehead. “I understand. I will have a light supper sent up. Virginia?”
Virginia turned away to avoid eye contact. “Yes,” she whispered.
