“Shegoes by the name of Millicent now,” Ridge said quietly. “And shetold me she loved him, and I believe her, but since sheknewthere wasn’t any way they could be together, she thought it best to let him go.”
The earl’s eyes widened. “How do you know this?”
Isabella saw Ridge’s jaw tighten, and then he said, “Because she’s my mother.”
Time seemed to stop as the earl appeared to consider Ridgein a completely different light,and this time, he reacted asif he’d seen a ghost. “I thought you resembled him when I walked in the door, but Iknewit couldn’t possibly be—”He broke off and took a deep breath, clutching the back of a nearby chair. “I need to sit down,” he mumbled.
Isabella rushed to his side as she led him over to the settee. He collapsed ontothe cushion, his ashen face inmarkedcontrast to the deep green brocade,while she sat down beside him in concern. Ridge remained standing, although his hands were clenched at his sides, proof of his inner turmoil.
For the longest time,one might have been able tohear a pin drop, as Isabella and Ridge waited for the earl toprocess all this new information. Isabella remained beside the earl, but when she caught Ridge’s gaze, she offered him a consolatory smile, reminding him that he wasn’t alone.
After what might have been an eternity, Lord Gresham lifted his head. “I may have lost a son, but I am grateful to have gained a nephew to honor my brother’s memory.” He paused. “Itrulyregret that I cannot name you as my heir. I could try to petition—”
Ridge shook his head. “I have no need of titles nor society.” His gaze shifted to Isabella and her heart melted when he added, “The only thing Irequireisthat lady sitting beside you. I intend to marry her at the first opportunity.”
The earl smiled at Isabella, patting her hand in a fatherly fashion. “Then allow me to be the first to offer my heartfelt congratulationsto you both.” He rose to his feet and handed Ridge back the cards, which he tucked intohis jacket. “If you would permit me,I’d like to give you something. If you’ll follow me?”
Isabella rose and after taking Ridge’s arm, they joined the earl in his study, where he walked over and took a small portrait from atop his desk. After looking at it a moment, he handed it to Ridge. “This is thesinglelikeness I have of David. He was about your age when this was painted. I’d likeforyou to have it.”
Isabella saw Ridge’s throat work as he focused on keeping his emotions in check. As they glanced at the image forever captured in colorful oils, Isabella had to agree that there was a marked resemblance between father and son. They had the same dark hair and amused twist to their mouth. “I never thought I would see this day,” Ridge murmured.
“Neither did I,” the earl agreed. “But I’mthankful forit.I hope that you will keep in touch.”
Ridgenodded as heglanced up at his uncle. “AndI hope that you won’t hold it againstmy motherfor not telling your brother about me.”
Lord Gresham sighed. “Their affairwas a foolish endeavor to begin with, but David refused to listen to reason, or have his heart be denied. I know that he would havebeen overjoyed to knowhe had a son, but I suppose what Mary did was a kindness, since they could never be together.”
As they left the earl’s residence shortly thereafter, Isabella couldn’t help but ponder Mary and David’s heart wrenching story. To be denied happinesssolelybecause of their class differences just didn’t seem fair at all. She’d always believed thatpeopleshould be able to marry whomevertheywanted, but unfortunately, that wasn’t how things worked in English society.
She glanced across thecarriage at Ridge and vowed right then and there,thatno matter what her parents might say, she wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself.Shestill had her dowry, and with itshe and Ridgecould have a modest life. But the most important thing is that they would behappy. She wanted nothing more than to gain herparents’approval, but no matter what occurred, she would bespending the rest of her dayswith Ridge by her side.
As if reading her thoughts, he looked at her and said dryly, “I know what you’re thinking.”He reached out and pulled her to him. “And there’s no need to worry. While I would prefer to have Lord Ashfield’sblessing, I don’t require it to marry you.”
Isabella sighed and laid her head on his chest while he stroked her hair. “Why can’t things just be simple?”
He snorted. “If there is one thing our entire relationship has been,simpledoesn’t even begin to describe it.”
Even though she didn’t want to laugh, Isabella couldn’t help but chuckle, for he was absolutely right.
***
Ridge wanted Isabella to believe that he was composed, but asthe carriage Millicent had allowed them to usepulledinto the long, familiardrivethat led to Ashfield Hall at St. Alban’s,he steeled himself for the inevitable battle ahead. Even though Claudia hadbeen sent aheadwith the news of their impending arrivalthat morning, he had no idea what sort of war would be waged within these walls.
As the carriage rolled to a stop, Ridge reached out and grasped Isabella’s hand for his own courage as well as hers. He’d faced many adversaries over the years without hesitation, but this was one foe that he wanted to vanquish on good terms. “Ready?”
At her nod, they stepped down to the ground. Thefrontdoor opened to reveal the butler, who said in a dry tone, “Mr. Claymoore, the marquess has been expecting you. He will receive you in his study.”
Ridgereleased Isabella’s hand but offered her a wink as he followed the butler down the hall. After a brief rap on the door, a voice called from inside. “Send him in.”
Pendletonopened the door and then stepped to the side as Ridgewalkedthroughand shut the heavy oakdoorbehind him. He inclined his head politely at the man who sat behind a massive mahogany desk. “Lord Ashfield.”
The older man set down his penandclosedthe ledger that was before him, and then clasped his hands on top. “Mr. Claymoore. We meet again.” He waved a hand at the chair before him. “Have a seat.” Ridge walked forward and sat. “Would you care for a drink?”
“No, thank you.”
“Very well.” Isabella’s fatherinhaleda deep breaththen expelled the sigh. “Claudia tells me that you mean to marry my daughter and that you already have a special license in your possession. Is this true?”
“Yes.”
