Angelo nodded in acknowledgement. “However, he has a younger brother who will now see to the duty.”
“You could set aside happiness to duty without the guarantee of a son?” his father asked.
“I realize that my chances of having the required heir are better with Lady Briana, therefore, I must marry her.”
“Russell,” his mother practically pleaded.
“I agree, Cara,” his father said, though Angelo wasn’t certain what his father agreed to.
“As I come to the end of my life, I realize that while duty is important, as well as legacy, what is it worth if one has not been happy in life.” His father reached out a hand to Angelo’s mother. “Without love, or even passion, my life would have been quite empty and possibly miserable.”
“I am glad that you have been so blessed,” Angelo said, though he did not wish to have a comparison of what his father’s life had been and what Angelo’s would be.
“What your father is saying, son, is do not marry Lady Briana. Wait for love, or marry your love,” his mother clarified.
“I have a duty. I have accepted it.” He set his cup and saucer aside and stood. “I promised that I would marry so that father would not worry.” He turned to go.
“For what, a title?” his father demanded.
“Title, estates, family, heritage. Without a son, at my death, all is gone.”
“It could be gone anyway. There are no guarantees,” his father said.
Why were they being difficult? He had done exactly what they had asked of him. He had found someone to wed and would do his duty. Why were they trying to talk him out of it now?
Duty!
His entire life he’d been told his duty. His father had trained him to become the next Marquess of Dargate from as far back as he could remember. He knew all there was to know of the estate, and what was expected when he took his seat in Parliament. It was because of the responsibilities and duty that he’d enjoyed his life in a manner that earned him the reputation of a rake because he knew that the day he wed, he would reform. It was required of him. At no time was happiness mentioned as part of his future—until today.
“I know my duty,” Angelo said. “I will marry so that you will not have that concern.” He started for the doors leading into the parlor.
“Instead, I will worry and die with the knowledge that my son is not happy.”
Angelo stopped but did not turn around. “We make our own happiness and I promise that I will find mine.”
“Think on my words,” he begged. “Take the rest of today, and tonight, and visit me tomorrow,” his father insisted.
“It will change nothing.”
“Perhaps not, but it will give us both more time for perspective. A day will not make a difference if you are still intent on your choice of bride.”
“Think on your father’s words, Angelo,” his mother said quietly. “Come back tomorrow and if you have not changed your mind, he will give you his blessing.”
Angelo assumed that he already had that and slowly turned to look at his father.
“I cannot give it to you now, Son,” his father said with sadness. “Tomorrow we will talk again and think on what I have said.”
His father’s words were those of a man at the end of his life. If he were healthy and whole, no doubt this discussion would be about his duty and encouragement to marry Lady Briana. Therefore, Angelo could not allow his future to be altered by the sentimental musings of his father. Duty was all that mattered, no matter how much Angelo wished it could be otherwise. But he would also honor him and would do as he asked.
“Tomorrow.”
Chapter 30
Octavia stared out over the Channel, her emotions in turmoil.
This was not supposed to have happened.
The physician visited her that morning. She knew that he was incorrect in his diagnosis and simply couldn’t accept what he had told her. Therefore, she had her maid find a midwife. They were far more knowledgeable on the matter of pregnancies and delivery than any male doctor could be. But after thorough questions, the midwife agreed that Octavia was indeed with child. The fatigue, nausea, and tenderness in her breasts were symptoms of pregnancy. There was no way to tell when her condition occurred but she realized that her last courses had been nearly a fortnight before Angelo first came to her bed. That had been seven weeks ago.
