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He wrapped a strawberry-blonde tendril around his finger that had fled the neat knot at the back of her head. He gave a slight tug before releasing the strand. It had been every bit as silky as he’d imagined.
“It could, likely will, stir a scandal, Mercy. Are you prepared for the consequences? The ton can be brutal, feral even.”
She shook her head, that errant wisp of hair swaying temptingly.
“I understand your concern for your family and Arabelle and Bellamy,” Mercy said, a thread of urgency and sincerity tingeing her voice. “I give my word that should I discover my parentage, I won’t contact anyone. What would be the point?”
Sadness turned the edges of her mouth downward, and Ronan wanted to kiss each corner until she smiled once more.
She smoothed the dark fabric of her gown over her lap, her gaze focused on her shoes. “If they wanted me to be a part of their lives, they would not have shunted me off to Haven House and Academy for the Enrichment of Young Women when I was less than four-and-twenty hours old.”
Ronan hid a wince, even as his heart wrenched for her.
That soon?
“I suspect, given the reactions you’ve caused since arriving in London, word might’ve already reached them,” he said, choosing his words with care.
Mother had insinuated as much. “Ronan, Miss Feathers’s features are striking enough and similar enough to Lady Amhurst’s that whispers are bound to reach Adelhied’s ears. In fact, she is already making discreet inquiries. The situation is…precarious.”
There wasn’t much chatter the Marchioness of Trentholm wasn’t aware of buzzing about in the elite drawing rooms she frequented.
Putting his bent forefinger beneath Mercy’s chin, Ronan edged her stubborn little chin upward. She, however, displayed that tenacity he adored and steadfastly kept her gaze downcast.
“I know,” she murmured. “I’ve thought of naught else. I’ve worried about what that means for your family and the girls. I won’t bring disgrace upon you, though I don’t know what I can do to prevent speculation.”
“Because of that, Mercy, last night I took it upon myself to inform my parents that I believe it would be beneficial for all of us to know exactly what we are up against. They agree with me wholeheartedly.”
She looked up then, a sheen of tears shining in her green eyes.
“Do you know what it is like, Ronan, to grow up and know you weren’t wanted? To never know who your parents were or why they chose to discard you? Mrs. Shepherd did her best to make us feel loved, but she was only one woman. At any given time, there were dozens of girls under her care. Girls whom I love like sisters, but we each knew we were cast-offs.”
A tear slipped from the corner of Mercy’s eye, and she dashed it away with a bent knuckle. “I detest waterworks,” she said with estimable, calm stoicism, blinking away the moisture.
So brave and resilient. So determined to be strong and independent.
But she didn’t have to be alone anymore. Didn’t have to take every burden upon her slender shoulders. Ronan was here to help her now. If only she’d permit him.
“No, Mercy. I don’t. I’ve been very blessed to have a loving family,” Ronan admitted frankly. “My stepmother has treated my brothers and me as if we were her offspring, and we love her as if she was our true mother.”
Even Sanford for all of his pomposity.
“Her ladyship has done the same with Arabelle and Bellamy.” A fragile nascent smile arched Mercy’s mouth, but no joy reflected in her eyes. “I am one of the fortunate ones as well, in truth. At least someone cared enough to place me at Haven House and Academy for the Enrichment of Young Women and pay the exorbitant fee for my upbringing and education.”
Unable to resist touching her an instant longer, Ronan took her hand in his.
Her inquisitive gaze flew to meet his. However, she didn’t pull her hand away. Her fingers were long and slender, not quite as soft as a lady’s but not the rough hands of a maid’s either.
He cradled her palm in his, running his thumb over the blue vein pulsing at her delicate wrist.
“I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday, Mercy. It was not well done of me at all.”
He captured her gaze with his own, willing her not to look away.
She stared at him, vulnerable and uncertain.
“I made you feel inferior and ashamed,” he said, emotion catching in his throat and making his words raspy. “That was not my intent, and I must beg your forgiveness.”
Mercy furrowed her forehead, then shook her head. “You were right. Protecting Bellamy and Arabelle from any scandal must be our top priority. Honestly, I should leave well enough alone.”
