Beyond Rubies (Daughters of Sin 4)

“Indeed she does.” He stood up. “You say Dorcas is your friend, and you’d like her to work for you when you return to Nash?”

“Well, only if she wants to.” Kitty wished he’d tell her what was making him so agitated. He clearly didn’t think Mrs. Montgomery a suitable employer. “I fear she’ll be terribly disapproving when she discovers what I am to Lord Nash.”

“I don’t think she’ll mind a jot about that,” Silverton said grimly.

Kitty rose. “Perhaps you can tell me where I can locate Mrs. Montgomery, otherwise I’ll visit Mrs. Mobbs and ask her.”

To her surprise, Lord Silverton came around the table and put a restraining hand on her arm. “I think you should leave that to me, Kitty.”

“You’ll find Dorcas?” The idea that he would concern himself with looking for a household servant on Kitty’s behalf seemed extraordinary.

He nodded. “In good conscience, I would not dare let you loose in even the vicinity of Mrs. Montgomery’s place of work. Give me a description of the girl and any other details you can tell me, and I shall find her myself.”

Chapter Ten

The hours seemed to pass so slowly, Araminta thought as she stared at the furnishings of her London townhouse during one of her sister’s regular visits. She was so bored she could barely attend to Hetty’s prattle.

“So, Araminta dearest, aren’t you looking forward to having a dear little baby to love?” Hetty seemed unable to comprehend the degree of horror and disgust Araminta felt at the entire prospect of anything associated with giving birth. She was looking at Araminta with pity as she sprawled in a chair by the window, gently stroking her belly.

Araminta, similarly sprawled, but with her hands on the arms of her chair as she detested feeling the monstrous mound that was so much bigger than Hetty’s, struggled to smile. She was glad Sir Aubrey had not returned from the library to join the ladies following the meal. He rarely did, as it was well known he and Debenham detested one another, and the truth was, his presence made Araminta highly uncomfortable.

Surely he must suspect the child she carried was his? Perhaps he was afraid she’d say something. Lord, if she did it would be all over for her, and he must know she wasn’t that stupid.

“You’ve always been so much more maternal than I, Hetty darling. Just because I detest losing my figure doesn’t mean I won’t love the child just as much as you will love yours.” She knew what to say, even if she knew she’d never love this child as Hetty would love hers. “As you’ve never been slender, you cannot know the pain I feel at becoming stout like you. It’s not my natural way.”

Hetty extended a hand and said sympathetically, “Poor Araminta; you’ve not been in very good spirits at all the last few weeks. I wish I knew what might cheer you up.”

“I’d like to go to the country, but Debenham won’t hear of it. That would make me happy.”

“You want to go to the country? That’s not like you.”

“I want to have my baby in peace and quiet. I don’t know why Debenham insists I remain here when he’s forever at his club or some gambling den,” she grumbled.

“I’ll speak to him, shall I?”

“Yes, I’m sure he’ll listen to you.”

Hetty didn’t appear to notice the sarcasm, for she said suddenly, “Oh! I met a very pleasant young woman who was asking after you.” She picked up her tatting and set to work, continuing animatedly, “She wanted to know that you and the baby were well, and asked if I’d attended your marriage to Debenham. Miss Hazlett was her name.”

Araminta stared. Was Hetty so ignorant she had no idea of their father’s other family? Did she not know of the brood of bastard offspring he’d sired who had no love for either Hetty or Araminta?

“Good lord, Hetty, she is no friend of ours. Her...protector, for want of a better name...is trying to discredit Debenham, don’t you know?”

Hetty didn’t seem too shocked by this. “My husband could be accused of the same thing. Oh well...” she rose. “Debenham is returning soon, and I must be off.”

“Do stay, Hetty. I’m so bored, and I’m sure Debenham would be delighted to see you.”

Hetty sent her a long look then finally said, “Lord Ludbridge is coming for dinner. I must oversee matters in the kitchen.”

“Lord Ludbridge?” Araminta put out an arm to detain her sister. “You say he is a friend of Sir Aubrey’s?”

“Yes, a very pleasant gentleman, as you know.” Hetty looked uncomfortable, adding quickly as she detached Araminta’s grip, “Now look after yourself, Araminta.”

“Oh yes, and you go and enjoy your lovely dinner with Lord Ludbridge while I stay here, alone, and endure another tedious evening while Debenham drinks and gambles to his heart’s content.”

Hetty seemed torn, turning with her hand on the door knob. “You know you’re always very welcome to come to dinner, Araminta, only I wasn’t sure you wanted to see Lord Ludbridge, and I’ve sensed you feel uncomfortable around Sir Aubrey.” She dropped her eyes, adding, “Just as I do around Debenham.”

“Well, since we have a lifetime with our respective spouses to look forward to, and we cannot change the fact we’re sisters, I suggest we ought to put the past behind us.” Araminta felt suddenly buoyed by her own advice. She could forget what had happened between herself and Sir Aubrey. She needed to. Her heart gave a little hitch at the thought of Lord Ludbridge. He was her one true love. The one man who could have made her happy if life hadn’t been so unfair.