Promise Me (13 page)

Another barb. Another stab at her incompetence.

Leah glanced at Lady Chase. The older woman’s expression had become unreadable. Without a word, her ladyship turned and exited the study. The duke followed, carrying a sleepy Edwin.

Anne exhaled a long breath. “Well, that went much better than I expected.”

“
I fail to see how it could’ve been any worse.”

“
Chin up, girl. It not as bad as you imagined.”

“
I wonder if Lady Chase will ever forgive me.”

“
I’m sure when Aunt Margaret has a chance to think things over, she’ll invite you for a visit.”

“
Not if I have anything to say about it,” the duke announced.

Leah glanced up. He stood at the door, his gaze more hostile than before.

“
Nicolas--”

“
Leave us, Annie.”

“
I will not.”

“
It’s all right,” Leah said to her friend, although she did not cherish the thought of another heated confrontation with the duke.

Anne sighed. “If you need me, my dear, I’ll be in the study with the girls.”

Chase closed the door behind his cousin and faced Leah, his expression angry but controlled. “You almost got away with it, did you not?”

“
Got away with what?”

“
You almost buried Adrian’s shameful secret so deep no one would’ve ever discovered it. What were your plans for the boy?”

“
Certainly not what you’re implying. I kept Edwin’s existence a secret because Adrian begged me to.”

“
Do not blame this on my dead brother. You kept that child away from his family for your own selfish reasons. Adrian would’ve never considered hiding his son if his beloved fiancée had not issued an ultimatum.”

“
The only request I made to Adrian was that he not abandon his child. I certainly never threatened him. Yes, I kept Edwin from his family, but my intentions were not what you think. I never meant to cause anyone pain. Especially your grandmother.”

“
Save your worthless excuses for the next eager gentleman who knows nothing of your character. I came back for one reason.” His hot gaze flicked over her. “Where can I find Maria Santiago?”

“
Surely you don’t intend to contact Edwin’s mother.”

“
That is none of your concern. Do you know where I can find the woman or not?”

“
No. I have no idea what’s become of her.” Heat rose up Leah’s neck. “It’s the truth.”

After a slight hesitation, he turned to go but changed his mind. “One more thing. You, Miss Sheridan, are no longer welcome at Chase Manor. Edwin is not now nor will he ever again be your responsibility. Do not speak of him or ask about him. Do not send messages. And if you value your friendship with Lady Ashburn, do not ask her to check on the boy.” His eyes narrowed. “Have I made myself clear?”

“
Perfectly.”

“
While you may not be Edwin’s mother, you are certainly not an innocent bystander. Edwin appears to be fond of you, but he’s a child incapable of proper judgment. Within a month, he’ll forget you entirely. In fact, I’m counting on it.”

“
You have everything figured out, do you not? I am the villain...the cause of your brother’s death. We both know Adrian’s accident would not have occurred if not for me. I’ve already assumed the blame, but that isn’t enough, is it?”

“
If you hope to elicit sympathy--”

“
You’ve had your say,” Leah snapped. “Now I’ll have mine.” She balled her fists to keep her hands from trembling. “How bloody dare you! You’ve accused me of being both a liar and a strumpet. Yes, I’m guilty of making poor decisions, beginning and ending with Adrian, but you were determined to despise me from the very moment we met. Perhaps because your own guilt presses unbearably upon your conscience?”

“
Miss Sheridan--”

“
Kindly shut up, your Grace, and allow me to finish. Hear this and hear it well. My period of mourning is over. With the numerous balls this time of year, my dance card should be filled to overflowing.”

His mouth opened.

Leah cut him off. “I still mourn for Adrian, but I’m no longer obligated to his memory. And if I never see your arrogant face again, rest assured I will lose no sleep over it.” She crossed her arms. “You may leave now, your Grace. You are no longer welcome at Greyson Manor.”

Chapter Eight

“
The doctor has arrived, your Grace,” the butler announced.

Nicolas nodded. “Show him in then send for my grandmother and Edwin.”

“
Very good, sir.”

Within seconds, the gray-haired physician entered the study.

Nicolas pushed away from the desk and stood. “Doctor Porter. Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“
Your servant indicated that the matter was urgent, your Grace. Is your grandmother ill?”

“
No. This is of a more delicate nature. Would you care for a glass of brandy?”

“
Thank you, no.”

Nicolas motioned to one of the chairs opposite his desk. “Doctor, you’ve been my family’s physician for over forty years, so I trust you will be discreet with what I tell you.”

“
Yes, of course.”

“
I recently discovered my brother has sired an illegitimate son.” Nicolas sat on the edge of his desk. “The boy was born with a slight deformity, and I’d like you to examine him to see if anything can be done.”

“
What sort of deformity?”

Before he could explain, Gran entered the study with the current nanny trailing behind her carrying Edwin. The child had a scone in one hand and his beloved toy bird in the other.

“
Doctor Porter, this is my nephew, Edwin.”

The doctor stood. “Hello, young man.”

Edwin offered a timid smile.

“
Ah...I see you like sweets.”

“
He adores them,” Gran stated.

“
What lad doesn’t? Lady Chase, can we position Edwin on the sofa?”

She nodded to the nanny. After the woman did as requested, Gran dismissed her.

Porter sat on the sofa with Edwin between him and Grandmother Margaret. “Now, let’s see here.” He raised the child’s trouser legs and removed both socks. “The right foot appears normal.” He felt around the bone structure of Edwin’s disfigured foot, and the child giggled. “Rather ticklish, are we, lad?”

Edwin offered his scone.

“
Thank you, but I’ve had my share of sweets for today.”

“
Boo bird,” Edwin said, showing off his toy. “Boo.”

“
Yes, what a lovely bird.” The doctor continued his examination of Edwin’s toes all the way to his heels. “What an excellent patient you are. I’ve never had a child sit so quietly for me.” At length he turned to Nicolas. “I’m sorry, your Grace. The bones of the deformity are well established. There’s nothing I can do.”

Nicolas’ heart sank. “Are there not special shoes for such malformations?”

“
Yes, and Edwin will definitely need to wear them, but I suspect they’re to be used primarily for his comfort.”

“
What about surgery?”

“
Too risky for a child, and any surgeon who tells you different isn’t worthy of his profession. In the wrong hands, the lad’s foot might be butchered beyond use. There’s a Frenchman, a physician, who lives in Paris. He’s had some success with bone manipulation in older children. If you like, I can pen a letter to him.”

“
Yes. I would certainly appreciate it.”

Doctor Porter sighed. “It’s unfortunate that this child did not receive proper treatment soon after birth. It likely would’ve corrected his deformity.”

Nicolas turned away, unable to mask the bitterness gnawing at his insides. If not for Leah Sheridan’s silence, Edwin might’ve had a chance at a normal life.

###

During the week, Leah’s emotions ranged from one extreme to the other. The duke’s anger perturbed her, but she knew better than to place all the blame at his feet. Though she loved Edwin dearly, he was now where he belonged. And this, more than anything, forced her pain to cower in a distant corner of her heart.

Katrina blew an exaggerated sigh. “I’m exhausted.”

Leah’s attention shifted from the sketchpad to her sister sitting at the end of the pier. “Ten more minutes.”

“
Must I sit for you each year?”

“
Yes, you must.”

“
But why?”

“
So I can keep a visual account of how you’ve blossomed.”

“
Why would you wish to do that?”

“
Because I’m a horrible sister, Katrina, now sit still and wipe that frown off your face. I’d like to finish this before I lose the light of day.”

Kat offered a timid smile.

“
Good, now turn a bit more to the right.”

“
But the sun will be in my eyes.”

“
Don’t look at the sun. Look at me.”

“
I have…for two hours now. And I must say, you’re rather boring.”

“
Thank you, Katrina.”

“
I’ve been thinking about Edwin. If he’s the duke’s nephew, does that mean he’s Lord Adrian’s son?”

“
Yes.”

“
But you and Lord Adrian were to wed.”

“
Katrina, you know very well that proper ladies do not discuss such things.”

Kat’s silence lasted approximately ten seconds. “Can we visit Edwin?”

Leah swallowed the ache in her throat. “Let’s give him time to adjust.”

Her sister offered a lengthy sigh. “What do you think of the Duke of Chase?”

“
I don’t think of him at all.”

“
I meant...do you like him?”

Leah pretended she hadn’t heard.

“
Well I like him.”

“
Good for you, Kat. Keep your head still.”

“
He’s rather handsome, is he not?”

“
I suppose.”

“
Is he betrothed?”

“
Aren’t you rather young for the duke?”

“
Not me, silly,” Kat said with a giggle. “You.”

Leah pressed so hard on the charcoal pencil that the tip snapped.

“
I daresay Edwin will need a mother at some point,” Katrina pointed out. “I noticed how the duke stared at you the other day. I imagine Papa noticed as well, but for some reason he wouldn’t discuss it.”

Leah reached for another pencil. “Well, at least one of you had the decency not to gossip over matters you know nothing about.”

Kat crossed her arms, stuck out her lower lip, and narrowed her eyes.

“
Excellent,” Leah teased. “Now hold that expression.”

“
You treat me as though I am a mere child.”

“
You are a child, my love.”

“
According to my etiquette book, I’m a young lady.” Kat swatted at a flying insect. “Are you aware there are numerous signs to look for if a lady suspects a gentlemen is interested in her?”

“
Really?”

“
Yes, and one must be able to distinguish if he is serious or merely flirting.”

“
Do tell.”

“
Becca and I will be coming out in six years, and we do not wish to appear uneducated in such matters.”

“
No, of course not.” Leah closed the sketchpad and set it aside. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Kat, but the duke has no interest in me. And before you say another word, I have no interest in him either.”

“
He was most attentive,” Katrina said as she counted on her fingers the reasons she disagreed. “He pulled out your chair at dinner. And when you spoke, he listened and could not take his eyes off you.”

“
He was being polite.”

“
He also kissed your hand.”

“
As have many gentlemen. It’s a form of greeting.”

“
But the duke lingered,” Kat insisted. “Surely you realize there’s a difference.” She rolled her eyes. “Now let’s see, where was I? Oh, yes. His Grace included you in the conversation, he complimented you several times, and he paid attention to you and no other lady.”

“
I was the only lady present.”

“
Oh…and I almost forgot the most important point. At the end of the evening, he asked to call on you. Your courtship with Lord Adrian began in the same manner.”

“
That’s not true.”

“
Yes, it is.”

“
No, Katrina. Adrian and I were friends for many years. In fact, long before we became affianced.”

“
But the duke--”

“
Is certainly not my friend, so whatever you’ve thought up between us, you’re mistaken.” Remorse pricked her conscience. “I’m sorry, Kat. I didn’t mean to snap at you. Look...why don’t we finish this drawing tomorrow?”

Someone whistled in the distance.

Leah glanced around.

“
Papa!” Katrina scrambled to her feet and raced down the pier. After skillfully dodging all the muddy areas, she headed up the hill to greet him.

Leah gathered her sketchpad and supplies then followed. As she drew closer, she realized Kat was in the process of explaining all the things she and Rebecca had done the past week.