It had to be.
Anna felt suddenly queasy, for Jeremy did not just have a family, he had abeautifulfamily. A family who clearly adored him, whom he obviously adored in return. To make matters worse, it suited him: the role of husband and father.
Was that why he had said nothing, because he only had a daughter? Anna knew there were countless men in society who did not even consider a daughter a child, just a burden. Her father had not been that sort of man, but her father had been so special and wonderful and unique in so many ways.
You kissed me, even though you had these two waiting for you? How could you?
A peculiar blend of anger and jealousy churned in her stomach as she watched the trio on the steps, Jeremy’s hand now holding the woman’s. Apparently, he believed he could get away with being a dishonest wretch, making her feel so deeply, only to tear it all away with the harsh truth of his position.
Well, Anna would see about that.
Spurred by the rising tide of hurt and fury, and the realization that she would never again feel his kiss or learn what came after, she set the goat on the grass and stood up. Wrapping the guide rope tighter around her hand, she started walking toward the happy family scene. Sprightly walked at her side with a lively spring in his step, already bleating at the sight of his master.
Traitor…
The beautiful woman pulled away from Jeremy as Anna made her way up the steps.
“Good morning,” Anna said with forced brightness. “I apologize that I was not here to welcome you. I had no idea that we were to have visitors today.”
A frown creased the woman’s pale, smooth brow, her gaze dropping to the goat. “And who might ye be?”
Her tone was unfriendly, her reddish-brown eyes narrowing with wariness, hinting that Anna might not be the first woman to fall for Jeremy’s charms. It was the suspicion of a woman who knew that her husband could not be trusted.
“Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Stonebridge,” Anna replied, and put out her hand. “Although Anna will suffice, seeing as we are to reside here together.”
The woman’s gaze did not thaw at all, her hand extending to give Anna’s a stiff, quick shake. “Mrs. Bolt.”
She did not offer her given name, but Anna did not need it. If this was Mrs. Bolt, then Jeremy Bolt was assuredly her husband.
“A goat!” the little girl shrieked excitedly, as Sprightly matched her enthusiasm with a giddy bleat.
Meanwhile, Jeremy’s wife didn’t seem at all impressed.
“Ye didnae say aught about a dowager,” Mrs. Bolt remarked to Jeremy, her accent much thicker than his. “Ye didnae say there would be others here.”
Of course, he has not mentioned me. Why would he?
Jeremy opened his mouth to speak, but Anna got there ahead of him.
“We can discuss everything later, once you and your daughter have rested from your tiresome journey,” she said with that same agonizing cheer in her voice. “Mr. Miller!”
The butler appeared in the doorway, his expression matching the frostiness of Mrs. Bolt as he surveyed the new guests.
“Yes, Your Grace?” he said,histone at least friendly toward her.
Anna cast him a meaningful look. “Please, might you escort our guests to the finest guest chambers? Speak to the other housekeeper and see if arrangements have already been made for them. If not, have something arranged quickly.” She paused to glance at Mrs. Bolt again. “Will you have tea, Mrs. Bolt? Some refreshments for your daughter?”
By rights, Jeremy’s wife should have Anna’s rooms, but she wasn’t going to give up her bedchamber and dressing room without a fight. Certainly not before she had enjoyed at least one more night in those peaceful surroundings.
“Whatever is quickest,” Mrs. Bolt replied curtly.
“Cake, please,” the little girl said with a grin. “And… um… apple juice. Can I play with the goat, Mama?”
“Nay, ye cannae,” Mrs. Bolt said, her nose turned up at Sprightly’s presence. Especially as he strained forward, attempting to butt his head against her leg.
“Why, he likes you!” Anna said, gaining a cold look and some indistinct muttering for her efforts. Still, the child chuckled, so it was not a complete loss.
“Is he yers?” the girl asked.
