Secrets of Seduction (Legendary Lovers 3)

She put her hand to her mouth to stifle another sob. “I could never have married him, though. My parents insisted that I accept the wealthy baron instead.”

Hawk spoke for the first time in several minutes. “Did you know that Farnwell died eight years ago?”

“Yes.… Bridget has corresponded with some of her family in England over the years. We heard about my husband from time to time. His son from his second marriage inherited the title.”

“But you have never thought about returning to England?”

“Oh, I have thought about it … every day of my life. But I have never dared. The temptation to see my daughter would have been too great. It would have been unforgivably selfish of me even to try to contact Daphne. No good could come of it. She has her own life to live.”

Skye was not thinking only of Daphne, however. “Do you still have feelings for my uncle?”

“Yes,” Rachel admitted hoarsely. “I love him dearly still. As you said, love like that does not die easily, not with time or distance or even death.”

“Then would you consider returning with us to England? I know Uncle Cornelius would be overjoyed to see you.”

Rachel shook her head slowly, despairingly. “I … am sorry but I cannot. I fear for Daphne if my secret ever came out.”

“There is no reason for your secret to come out unless you wish it to,” Hawk told her. “I believe we can conceal your past identity from society, particularly if you continue to use your assumed name.”

“Yes,” Skye pressed. “I think it is time for you to come home. You have suffered more than enough.” When Rachel hesitated, Skye added, “This is your chance to see your daughter again.”

The pain on her face was evidence enough. “It is, and I would like nothing more than to gaze upon her face and hold her in my embrace. But the ramifications … Just think of the harm the truth could cause her. The man she always thought was her father was not really her flesh and blood after all.”

“I agree that any revelations will have to be handled delicately and that we should not rush to tell Daphne of her parentage. Perhaps you might never choose to divulge the truth about her birth. But we will help you negotiate the dangers every way we can.”

Apparently Rachel was not convinced. “But William’s son—the present Baron Farnwell. He is said to be much like his father.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I have lived in fear for so long. William was in London at the time of my supposed drowning, and I know he was relieved to be rid of me, but I always feared he would find me.”

“You needn’t be afraid any longer,” Skye declared softly. “I have every faith that Lord Hawkhurst will ensure your safety, and your daughter’s as well.”

“I cannot risk it.”

“I believe Daphne would want to know her mother, don’t you?”

When Rachel looked anguished, Skye softened her offensive even more. “Will you at least consider our proposal, Mrs. Donnelly?”

Bridget O’Brien brought in the tea tray just then, so Rachel never replied.

Accepting that Rachel needed time to digest all their revelations, Skye purposely changed the conversation to lighter matters, telling the baroness about the Wilde family—how Lord Cornelius had taken over the raising of five orphaned cousins when their parents had perished at sea, with often humorous results, since he had little experience with children.

A short while later, Skye met Hawk’s eye, silently asking if they should end their call. When he gave a brief nod, she rose to her feet and purposely called Rachel by her assumed name. “We will leave you now, Mrs. Donnelly, but may we return tomorrow?”

“I … would rather you did not. I need time to think.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I will let you know my decision soon, Lady Skye. I hope you can understand. I believed that part of my life was over. After all these years, I … I don’t know that I want to resurrect it again, even if I could.”

Disappointment filled Skye, but she strove hard not to show it. “Of course we will respect your privacy. We are staying at the Fox and Hound in Castlecomer, should you wish to contact us. I will leave these letters for you to read.…” Skye indicated the box. She did not want to give up her uncle’s treasured correspondence, but perhaps they would help Rachel remember the tender feelings she’d once borne for him.

They left her sitting in the parlor while Bridget showed them out. On the return drive to Castlecomer, Skye was unusually quiet—a state that Hawkhurst apparently noticed.

“I thought you would be more pleased at finding Lady Farnwell.”

Skye hastened to reassure him. “I am pleased. Truly, I am ecstatic. But I worry that she will never return home where she belongs. Her fortitude is remarkable, but she will always put her daughter’s welfare above her own, which means Uncle Cornelius may never have a chance to rekindle the love they once shared.”

She shook off her solemnity. “Thank you for finding her, Hawk. Your talents are remarkable.”

“I was not fishing for compliments,” he responded, evidently suspecting her of trying to butter him up again.