Page 66 of Watching the Earl

The dowager nodded.

And there was her answer. Georgina felt triumph surge through her. Now that she knew Philip’s father died of consumption, she could help her husband. “It must have been very difficult for you.”

“It was more so for Philip. He can’t forgive himself for not coming home earlier.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“More than once. He loved his father. When he was little, he’d follow him around everywhere. I called him Walter’s shadow. Walter loved him just as much. Though we tried to have more children, I was never able to deliver more, and after many miscarriages, Walter agreed it wasn’t worth the heartbreak, so we may have doted on the two we had more than we should have. My husband even had a small desk made so Philip could have a place to draw when Walter went into his study. Georgie, the two of them were such a pair.” Philip’s mother smiled nostalgically, probably seeing the memory in her mind.

“That doesn’t seem like a man who would ignore his father’s requests to come home.”

“It wasn’t as important as Philip thinks. After spending his whole life idolizing his father, he finally grew confident in his own abilities and thrived at Oxford. He was a natural leader in everything he did. He was testing his wings, so to speak. Every young man goes through that stage. You’ll see.”

She actually did see, as her brothers had gone through periods like that. “But his father wanted him to come home.”

Philip’s mother shook her head. “No, he didn’t. I saw the letters. He asked how Philip was doing. He told him the latest news from Newnham. Walter wasn’t happy unless he was overseeing something or teaching his son how to do it. He did offer Philip opportunities to learn about new responsibilities, but he never once asked him to actually come home. Philip is convinced that Walter wanted him to, but that’s not true. Yes, he would have loved to see his son, but he didn’t expect Philip to leave his studies. It was more Walter’s way of keeping their relationship strong while his son was away, still teaching with the informal letters.”

The dowager took a sip of her tea then set her cup down. “Even when the physician said Walter wouldn’t last another fortnight, he was still meeting his steward and making judgments for his tenants. He absolutely refused to let me write to Philip. Finally, I simply did it. I’m very glad I did. When Philip came home, he was stunned, but it rejuvenated Walter to talk with Philip as they used to, and for a few days, I thought maybe he was improving. But he wasn’t. Philip was so good to his father in those last days. Unfortunately, after Walter passed, my son changed.”

Georgina nodded, as she’d learned that much already. “I understand he gambled on everything and even lost your townhouse. I’m sorry.”

“I wasn’t worried about the townhouse. I stayed here with my sister after Walter passed. I didn’t wish to be alone and thought Philip could make better use of it. What worried me was that he seemed to be lost, with no direction. But then you came into his life. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that he found you.”

“I’m grateful to my friends that he did.” She was about to explain her own situation when the dowager continued.

“It was Lady Ferncroft’s ball where you met, was it not? I shall call on her and extend my gratefulness to her as well.”

“My friend Sophie’s husband arranged—” She stopped. She’d been about to explain how Lord Tamworth had arranged the match, since she was no longer a virgin and Philip needed the funds.

“Arranged what, Georgie?”

She searched her mind for a reasonable explanation. “He arranged for Sophie to help me plan the wedding. But you already know that. Lord and Lady Tamworth are very generous.”

“I truly enjoyed meeting all the Curious Ladies at your wedding. I look forward to seeing them again.”

Still rattled by how close she’d come to telling Philip’s mother the truth about their marriage, Georgina just smiled and nodded.

“I know you’re one of eight children. It must have been fun growing up with so many siblings. Are you hoping to have as many?”

Thankful for the change in topic, she quickly answered, “I’d count every child as a treasure.”

The dowager sighed. “I would very much enjoy having grandchildren. I know most women find children to be a bother until a certain age, but I admit to enjoying every stage of life. My daughter hasn’t conceived yet. I fear she may have the same trouble I did.”

“I don’t believe I will have any problems.” Georgina lowered her voice. “I promise you that we are trying all the time.”

As her mother-in-law laughed, Georgina relaxed and took another cake.

The rest of her rather long visit was enjoyable, and soon she was headed back to the townhouse, anxious to talk to Philip about what she’d learned. She just hoped what she knew would help. She didn’t like the idea of him punishing himself. She’d been punished far too many times by her mother, father, brother, tutor, and governess. It was not pleasant at all when deserved. But when it wasn’t deserved, it was simply cruel.

She’d no sooner stepped into the entryway when Philip strode out of his study. “Where have you been?”

She blinked, surprised by his worried tone. “I visited Lady Rose and then your mother. I did tell Haines I was going calling.” She looked at the butler, who nodded. “Why? Did you need me?”

Philip stared at her for a moment then shook his head, turned on his heel, and went back into his study, closing the door behind him.

She turned to Haines. “I don’t understand?”

“He was worried, my lady. When I told him you had left, he seemed to think you weren’t coming back.”