“I’ll speak with him. Let me. He and I had a pact, and he feels betrayed by me. I must set it right. I love him too.” He brushed his knuckles against her cheeks before going after David.
twenty-two
ETHAN HAD FACED many battles and intense conversations, but the one he was about to have with David bothered him. David’s hurt and his angry words had been a dagger to Ethan’s heart. He hated that David had felt betrayed. David had been let down by his own father. Ethan had to do better if he wanted to take care of him.
“David?” He knocked on David’s ajar door. Through the crack, he caught a glimpse of David lying on the bed, his face buried in the pillow. “May I come in?”
David didn’t answer or move.
Ethan stepped inside tentatively. “I’m sorry for what happened.”
No answer. David didn’t even stir.
“But I assure you, I swear on my honour that I hold your mother in high esteem, and I didn’t break my promise to you.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “I admire her, adore her. She’s an amazing woman. My intentions towards her are noble. I would never force my attentions on her. I’m lucky enough that she reciprocates and returns my affection.”
David propped himself up. His eyes were red and swollen. He wiped the tears quickly with the back of his hands. “Do you want to marry her?”
Ethan couldn’t understand if David hoped for a yes or if the thought horrified him. The boy’s tone was flat with a hint of sadness.
“If she would have me, yes.” He meant it. “I want to marry her. I want her to share the rest of my life with her.”
The best way to take care of Cora was to marry her and secure a future for her and David. But that wasn’t the reason he wanted to marry her. She was indeed an amazing woman, strong and compassionate, beautiful and clever. He couldn’t imagine anyone better to share his life with.
“I thought you were…” David traced the pattern on the quilt with a finger.
“I wasn’t. I wouldn’t lie to you.” He put a hand on his chest. “Our deal is still standing.”
“I apologise, sir,” David whispered.
“Apologies accepted.” Ethan stroked David’s shoulder. “But I understand. You were protecting your mother. You were brave. I admire your courage.”
The boy’s face didn’t brighten. “If you marry my mama, we’ll become a family. Does it mean you…” He sucked in a shaky breath. “You want me in your life as part of your family?” The question was barely a whisper but carried so much fear to give Ethan the chills.
“There’s nothing I want more than to take care of you and have you by my side. I love you, David. You’re already part of my family.” He moved at the same time as David did.
They hugged each other. David hid his face in Ethan’s chest, shaking.
Ethan rubbed his back. “Of course I want you in my life if you want me in yours. And if your mother doesn’t want to marry me,I’ll take care of you all the same, and we’ll find a way to see each other. Our bond won’t break. No matter what.”
A sob left David, and Ethan kissed the top of his head. He expected David to refuse the hugs and kisses; that was what Ethan would have done at David’s age. Many times he’d slipped free of his father’s embrace or rolled his eyes at his mother’s kisses. He’d endured kisses and hugs for the sake of his parents but had voiced his complaints. But David was different. He needed all the affection his father had denied him.
Ethan regretted having kept his parents’ affection at a distance. Only now he understood how much his father and mother must have wanted to hug and kiss him.
He held David until the boy stopped shaking. “Do I have your blessing for courting your mother?”
David wiped his face. “I hope she says yes.”
He handed David a handkerchief. “I don’t want to give you false hopes, though. First, she must obtain an annulment, and it’s a rather complicated affair. Then she has to agree to marry me.”
“If Mother gets an annulment, does it mean I won’t be Lord Roxbury’s son anymore?” Too much hope gleamed in his eyes.
Ethan hated to break the boy’s heart. “We can’t change the fact Lord Roxbury is your father, but we can fight for your right to choose with whom you want to live.”
David nodded solemnly. “I’ll do anything you ask.”
It was better to prepare him for what was coming. “If the request for an annulment fails, your mother wants to leave England with you. Are you ready for that?”
“If it can help Mama get away from Lord Roxbury, yes, but I would miss you terribly.”
