“I fathered a child some years ago on a young housemaid. I’m not proud of it, but please know that I did not force her, and I would have done right by her had I known of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, my father had her put out when he discovered her condition, and it wasn’t until years later that my mother and I learned the reason behind his action.”
Cameron swallowed, Rose’s fingers digging into his arm.
“The housemaid’s name was Joy. Joy Price. And her child was your father.”
“I don’t understand.” Cameron turned to his mother. “You said my grandfather was an earl, Mum.”
“I was, at the time,” Denbigh said. “I didn’t become the marquess until my father passed on.”
“I see.” Cameron’s legs shook. He put his arm around Rose to steady himself.
“A little over a decade later, my father’s valet sent for me on his deathbed and told me that Joy had been carrying my child. I began to search for her, but my search proved fruitless. I found out that she had died several months earlier, and I wasn’t able to locate the child. It never occurred to me to look among the gentry. I searched the workhouses and orphanages. However, as I learned from your mother this morning, your other grandfather took my son in as a stable boy.” Denbigh sighed. “Of course, I am saddened to learn of his fate at your grandfather’s hands.”
“Cam, what is he talking about?” Rose asked.
“My lord,” Cameron said to Denbigh, “do you mind if I take a moment to explain my father’s fate to my fiancée?”
“Not at all.”
Cameron told the story of his father, Colton, as Rose listened intently.
“That’s so horribly sad,” she said. “Please, my lord. Continue.”
Lord Denbigh coughed. “When I was unable to locate my son, I decided to marry. My wife was not able to give me any children, and she passed on ten years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” Cameron said.
“She was a good woman and a good wife. However, without an heir, my marquessate will cease to exist upon my passing.”
“You don’t have any brothers with children?” Rose asked.
“No, my lady. I am an only child.”
“My husband was a tyrant,” Lady Denbigh said. “I was barely sixteen when I married him, and he was twenty years my senior. I produced an heir within the first year, and he never touched me again.”
“Why on earth not?” Rose asked. “It’s clear that you must have been quite a beauty.”
“You are indeed kind, my dear. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the right equipment, so to speak, to please my husband.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Rose said.
“I’ll explain it to you later, sweetheart,” Cameron said.
“My mother is quite correct,” Denbigh said. “My father was a tyrant, which is evidenced by the harsh treatment that Joy received. I have never been able to forgive myself for taking advantage of her. Not only was it inexcusable, it also led to her demise. She was a lovely little thing.”
“Yes, she was.” Lady Denbigh nodded.
“Last evening, when my mother returned from the theatre, she mentioned meeting you briefly and that you bore a striking resemblance to me as a young man. Then, when she told me your surname was Price, I knew I had to meet you. We went to your home this morning and had a long talk with your mother. After learning her story, we came here to find you.”
“It’s an amazing tale,” Cameron said. “I’m nearly speechless.”
“I think you’ll be even more speechless by the time I’m done.” Denbigh cleared his throat again. “I would like to make you my heir.”
Cameron shook his head, his nerves exploding. “Excuse me?”
“My heir. Heir to the marquessate. Without an heir, my holdings will return to the crown upon my death. Right now I don’t have one.”
“But you can’t pass title to a bastard,” Cameron said. “Can you?”