“How do you know this?”
“First, at four-and-thirty, I am too old.”
There was that.
“But Roland was not a kind man. I do not like speaking of this. He could become violent. He threw me down the stairs once. I was at the beginning of a pregnancy. I was young. No older than you.”
“You lost the baby?”
“Unfortunately. The midwife said that I would never have children after that. I’d lost too much blood. It took quite some time for me to heal. It was a very lonely time for me.” She looked to Char. “Roland put me in an asylum.”
“Why?”
“I was suicidal, but I grew better. When I was released, Roland was gone and then later I heard he came to a bad end, which seems justice.”
“But you’ve always told me you married him for love.”
“And now you know how poor a judge of character love is, at least when it comes to men. But not when it comes to nieces. I have no regrets in taking you on. I love you as if you were my own child, the one I will never have. Remember that.”
Char nodded. “I love you as well, Sarah,” she said. “I hated lying to you.”
“You should. However, now you know more of my story, you can understand why I want you to marry a good man. And why I wouldn’t want you to be so far away from me like in America where I couldn’t help you if I was needed.”
“Jack Whitridge is a good man,” Char promised.
“I pray for your sake that is true.” Sarah left.
The remainder of the day passed slowly for Char. Her mind was never far from Jack’s meeting. She did her tasks around the house and prayed it was going well, that his hopes would be met.
Finally, the hour arrived that she could prepare for the dinner party. She took extra care with her dressing because she wanted to look her best when she saw Jack.
Lady Baldwin arrived. “Don’t you look lovely,” she said with approval.
“Thank you. I have something to tell you.” She drew her friend into the front room. “I told Sarah about the pickpocketing.”
“Oh dear.”
“No, you needn’t be distressed. I took full responsibility. She is upset but at me. Not you.”
“That is what you believe. I will reserve judgment for when I see her.”
A knock on the door told them the duke had arrived. Char opened it. Baynton filled the doorway. He was remarkably handsome this evening, and yet her heart belonged to his twin. Jack could never match his brother in looks, but he made up for it in character.
“You are lovely,” the duke said. He seemed quiet, subdued.
She curtsied. “Thank you, Your Grace. You are very handsome as well. It is kind of you to come fetch us.”
He smiled a response to her pretty compliment but the expression was weak. He seemed preoccupied.
“Well, shall we be on with it?” the duke said, and they went outside. “When is your aunt returning?” he asked, once they were settled in the coach.
“Soon,” Char answered.
Lady Baldwin just smiled.
“I am anxious to meet her,” the duke said. “I am certain you know that I am anxious to speak to a family member that you trust about a matter of some importance.”
He was obviously referring to a marriage offer.
