“What on earth are you doing?” Lady Armstrong hissed. “Get a hold of yourself.”
The young lady apparently could not do as she was bid because she rose from her chair and hurried out of the room, still shaking, either with laughter or tears.
Angert stormed out of the breakfast room.
Nate had had enough. He pushed his plate of eggs and kippers away and stood up just as Bennett entered and handed him anenvelope on a silver tray. He took the envelope and, seeing it was from his brother, thanked Bennett and exited the breakfast room. Wanting some fresh air, he went downstairs and headed for the garden, where he opened the letter, which bore the seal of the Earl of Westerly. What could Edward have to say to him now? No doubt, it was yet another threat to cut him off. He’d already informed Edward that he no longer needed his money, but his brother had kept it coming anyway, along with the threats. And Nate knew why—the earl couldn’t bear to give up control of anyone or anything. Nate sighed as he unfolded the letter, and as he did so, several banknotes fell into his hands. He pocketed them and turned back to the letter.
Brother,
I hear you are stubbornly and shamefully continuing to make a mockery of our family name and me by running an inn. Villa De Lacey—an estate I gracefully bestowed upon you out of the goodness of my heart—has now become known in London as the ‘murder inn.’ And while you might think yourself clever, and while people might find your little scheme amusing, may I remind you that in the long run, they will shun you and make you apersona non gratain society. Because, brother, as you well know, gentlemen don’t run inns.
Now to my main point, it is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Countess of Westerly is with child. As such, it is even more imperative that you drop your shenanigans immediately. Should the child be a boy, you will no longer be my heir, but you will continue to receive your thrice-yearly allowance if you behave accordingly. Bear in mind that if you do not, I shall do more than cut off your funds. Trust me when I say, I will not have my son growing up under your disgraceful shadow.
Your ever gracious and benevolent brother,
Edward Squires, Earl of Westerly
Nate felt his entire jawline tighten. He crumpled the letter andmumbled, “Just you try, brother.” Then he laughed out loud. Thank heavens for Lady Westerly! If Edward were blessed with a son, he would no longer have to endure the burden of being his brother’s heir. It was what he’d been hoping for, but now it seemed that a son would only make Edward more determined to control him than before. Nate looked at the crumpled paper in his hand. He needn’t worry about it now. Edward was being premature. Whether or not Lady Westerly gave birth to a boy remained to be seen.
He turned back to the spectacular view of Lake Windermere and saw Bridget and Jane Harley coming up the garden toward him. They must have breakfasted early and gone out for a walk—no doubt to escape Helen and Rupert. It’s what he should have done, too.
Both women were smiling and looked delighted to be in one another’s company as they came toward him. But it was more than the smile that made Bridget lovely, something…he suddenly realized she’d come out of mourning. Instead of the severe black she’d worn, or the somber grays and lavenders, this morning she wore a pink dress. She was transformed. Nate blinked, overwhelmed by how the color complemented her soft, sweet features. She looked as feminine and delicate as a pink rose, and her face was joyful as she chatted and laughed with Jane. It filled his heart with pleasure that Bridget had a true friend in Mrs. Harley, who was a changed woman since coming to Villa De Lacey.
“Good morning,” he said as the women approached him. “Out for an early walk, I see.”
“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Harley said. “It’s the most glorious day.” Her blue eyes, which had been droopy and always sad when she and her husband had first arrived at the villa eight months ago under the large thumb of Mr. Harley’s draconian aunt, now sparkled with enthusiasm. What a difference a few months can make away from those who seek to oppress you, he thought.
“It certainly is a day for celebrations,” Nate said, hiding thecrumpled letter from Edward behind his back. “I’ve just had some excellent news from my brother. Lady Westerly is with child.”
“How wonderful!” Bridget cried. “She has been waiting for so long.” Then she turned to Mrs. Harley and squeezed her arm. “Isn’t it wonderful, Jane?”
Mrs. Harley put her hand on her stomach, and her cheeks flushed pink. “Well, it seems there must be something in the air this spring.”
Nate hesitated, momentarily taken aback. “What are you saying?” he asked. As far as he knew, Mrs. Harley was barren. This sounded like a miracle.
“I am with child,” Mrs. Harley confirmed. “Mr. Harley and I are delighted. We can’t thank you enough for allowing us to stay at Villa De Lacey. Even with all the…well, it’s been a breath of fresh air for us.”
“I must say, I am stunned. I should go and find Harley and congratulate him. He didn’t say a word about it at breakfast.” Nate frowned. He couldn’t remember if he’d seen Harley at breakfast that morning because he’d been too distracted by Helen, Rupert, and the madness that had ensued with Angert.
“Yes, he is thrilled. After all our troubles…” She bit her lip. “I only hope Lady Darby won’t force us to return to London.”
“Don’t worry about that now.” Bridget patted her friend’s arm. “All you need to concentrate on now is resting and securing the health of yourself and your child.”
Mrs. Harley’s cheeks flushed as she inadvertently touched her belly again. Nate felt a lump form in his throat, and he shifted his gaze to Bridget. He adored Henry, but what would it be like to share a child with a woman he loved? The thought caught him by surprise. Did he love Bridget? She caught his gaze and her sweet lips curved into a shy smile, revealing the two minute dimples at the corners of her mouth. And Nate knew the answer to his question.
*
“Did you hearwhat I said, Nate?” Bridget’s words cut into Nate’s thoughts. He’d been lost in a blissful moment where it was Bridget rather than Mrs. Harley who stood before him with sparkling eyes and bright cheeks, holding her belly with one hand and clasping Henry’s small hand in her other.
Nate sighed inwardly. “Forgive me. What was that?”
“I said that I’ve invited Mrs. Groby and her children for a picnic by the lake. I sent out a note by messenger, requesting her to come at noon.”
“You’vewhat?” Nate said, completely snapping out of his reverie. “Do you think that wise?”
“It’s the perfect environment for a casual conversation, and with the right prompting, who knows what she might reveal about her relationship with Mr. Otis? Jane will be with me, of course. So it will just be a few ladies and children enjoying a day at the lake,” Bridget said.
Nate nodded. “I suppose that sounds harmless enough. Still, do be careful.”
