“Because she knows how angry you’ve been and because Victoria asked her not to.”
With a tortured breath, Warwick seemed to lose whatever strength he’d had left. He slumped against his chair and spoke to his desk. “I was heartbroken. And yes, I was furious, though mostly at Connolly. He took advantage of Vicky and of me in the most despicable way possible.” He gave a rough shake of his head as he lifted his gaze to meet Raphe’s. “I did the only acceptable thing, considering the circumstances. I made certain that they wed.”
“He abandoned her, though,” Raphe said, watching the color drain from Warwick’s face, his lips parting with horror. “He took all the money you gave him and left her to fend for herself, pregnant with his child.”
“Dear God.” The whispered words sounded like a mournful prayer. “She should have come to me. Why on earth wouldn’t she do so?”
“Because of pride and fear, I suspect.”
“But I’m her father.” Warwick’s voice finally cracked. “In spite of everything, I love her. Good Lord! How hard it must have been for her, how terribly difficult and terrifying and—” He got to his feet. “I must go to her. Tell me where she is, please, so I can find her and bring her home.”
Raphe stood up as well. “She is safe, my lord. I brought her to my own house.”
Warwick’s gaze darted to the door with wild emotion. “And the child?”
“Her daughter is naturally with her. But, before you hasten over there to see them, we ought to discuss this matter calmly.” When Warwick looked unwilling, Raphe said, “I took the liberty, at her request, of ensuring an annulment of the marriage. It was granted on the basis of Connolly’s false pretenses.”
“So she is free?”
“Yes.”
The tension in Warwick’s shoulders dissipated. “I don’t know how I can possibly thank you.”
“There’s no need. And besides, you might want to wait with your thanks until we’ve discussed Victoria’s future. You won’t like this, but considering the scandal that her return to Society would likely incur, being an unmarried woman with child, I made her an offer that she has chosen to accept.” He then told Warwick about Ben and the caretaker position in Gloucester, complete with the cottage for the two of them to live in.
“This friend of yours is willing to take on the responsibility of being a father to another man’s child?”
“He loves her, and she loves him. They would like to have the chance to spend their lives together without the ton’s scorn.”
Warwick sank back down into his chair. He expelled a deep breath. “I don’t know what to say. Frankly, I am humbled by the thoughtfulness and the consideration that you have shown toward my family.” Raising his gaze to Raphe’s, he took a moment to look at him before saying, “If you wish to court Gabriella with the intention of marrying her, you have my blessing.”
Joy bloomed in a rush of warmth, filling Raphe to the brim. “Thank you, Warwick.” He stuck out his hand as the earl got to his feet once more. They shook on their newfound respect for each other, and drank a toast to the future. Misty eyed, Warwick nodded. “My wife will be speechless when I tell her.” He chuckled slightly, then paused. “When can I see Victoria again? And what about Mr. Thompson? I should like to make his acquaintance if he and Victoria are to be husband and wife.”
“In an effort to draw the least amount of attention to ourselves, I believe a joint trip to my estate in Gloucester might be the best way forward. There, secluded from the prying eyes of Society, you’ll have the privacy that you, and more importantly, she, needs. Victoria wants to reconcile, but don’t expect her to rush into your arms. There’s still a lot of pain and resentment there, and she’ll need both patience, understanding, and remorse from you and your wife if you’re ever going to repair the relationship that I presume you want to have with her.”
“I was a blind fool to put the opinion and high regard of others ahead of my own daughter’s happiness. I never should have forced her to marry Connolly once I realized the sort of man he was. I should have found a different way, a better way, without sacrificing Victoria like a pawn in a chess game.”
“You should tell her that when you see her again. It’s a good beginning.”
“Thank you, Huntley,” Warwick told him. “I misjudged you when we first met. I’m sorry for that.”
“Thank you. Again. But I think you might yet change your mind about me.”
Warwick knit his brow. “How so?”
“Because I mean to participate in a public boxing match soon, and if word gets out about that, the scandal will be immense. Not just for me, but for anyone associated with me.”
“Then you must renege. It’s the only sensible—”
“No. I made an agreement with Guthrie.”
“You don’t owe that man anything, Huntley. Surely you can see that.”
“It’s a matter of honor, Warwick, and of keeping the people of St. Giles safe from a fate worse than Guthrie. I won’t back down.”
“Bloody hell!” He gave Raphe a disgruntled look. “I respect your resolve, but damn it, Huntley, this is a fine mess.”
Raphe couldn’t disagree. “Perhaps the Rubens will make you feel better?”
