“Winifred,” Roslyn said gently, “if Constance pulls through, I don’t believe she could bear to let her children go.”
Her ladyship’s voice trembled. “But I can provide for them far better than she can.”
“You cannot ask her to turn her children over to you. They are all she has.”
“Yes…you are right,” Lady Freemantle said sorrowfully before brightening a little. “I know…they can all come here to live at the Park with me. This house is immense-there is ample room for three children and their mother.”
Roslyn continued to withhold her enthusiasm. “You shouldn’t rush to make any decisions just now, Winifred. You have only just now learned of their existence. And Constance may have other plans if she recovers the funds due her.”
“Yes, of course I should speak to Constance first.” Lady Freemantle’s frown deepened. “Then again…if she’s a genteel lady, she may not care to associate with someone of my low origins.”
“I don’t believe she is like that,” Roslyn said quickly. “And I expect she would be grateful for your help. But I am thinking of you, dearest. Taking in an entire family, especially one who may bring you painful memories, is a large undertaking. You need to give it careful consideration.”
She dashed at her moist eyes. “I have considered it, Roslyn. This is something I must do. I feel sure ’tis what Rupert would have wanted.” Her mouth twisted ironically. “I should be angry with him for his adultery, I know, but the children aren’t to blame for his sin. And no matter what he did, I loved him.”
Roslyn’s expression softened. “I’m certain Sir Rupert loved you more than you realize.”
Sniffing, Winifred looked wistful. “He might have loved me if his heart hadn’t already been taken.” She smiled bravely. “But now I’ll have his children to love. I always wanted children. I only pray Constance will be willing to share them with me.”
“I think perhaps she might. She will certainly see the advantages of your support, and she seems to be the kind of mother who would do anything for her children.”
Lady Freemantle nodded to herself. “Really, there’s no need to wait. Constance should come here at once. She will recuperate much better here at the Park.”
Drew intervened. “She may be too ill to be moved, my lady. My physician should make that judgment.”
“When she recovers, then. Or sooner, if your physician deems it safe. I shall bring Constance and the children here, if she is willing.” She glanced imploringly at Drew. “Will you help me arrange it, your grace?”
“If you gain her agreement, then yes, of course. I’ll assist in
any way I can, my lady. And I will escort you to see Constance now, if you wish.”
“I do wish. Thank you, your grace. You are prodigiously kind.”
Smiling mistily, Roslyn wrapped her arms around the older woman. “It is you who is kind, Winifred. You are the best, kindest person I know.”
“Pah, you would have done the same, were you in my place-” She faltered, shooting another brief glance at Drew. “But then you would never have found yourself in my place, dear.”
Rising abruptly, Lady Freemantle suddenly resumed her usual cheerful, managing style. “If you will give me a moment, your grace, I’ll just run up to my rooms and fetch my…the brooch. And I must speak to Pointon to arrange rooms in case Constance can be moved. And Cook must prepare a proper supper for the children, of course…”
She trailed out of the parlor, still speaking to herself, leaving Drew alone with Roslyn.
When an awkward silence ensued, he broke it by remarking idly, “The august Pointon may be offended at having to welcome his late master’s fille de joie and offspring into his domain. Butlers are notorious for their strict adherence to proper rules.”
Roslyn smiled faintly. “But he will do so with good grace because he holds Winifred in great affection. All of her servants do, in large part because of how she treats them. Winifred came from the working class and understands that fairness and respect go a long way toward earning their loyalty.”
“Unlike my mother,” Drew said dryly, “who thinks servants are not human.”
Another silence fell between them, but this one Roslyn broke after a moment. “I have no doubt the duchess was pleased that we ended our betrothal.”
Feeling his heart constrict at her dispassionate tone, Drew shot her a sharp glance. “I haven’t told her yet.”
“You should do so at once, your grace. There is no reason to delay.”
“Roslyn-”
“Do you intend to send the announcement to the papers, or should I?” she pressed.
He ground his teeth. He had hoped to give Roslyn time to change her mind about ending their betrothal, but it was clear she hadn’t-and perhaps never would, judging from her remote expression. The serene, composed, lovely creature gazing coolly back at him could have been a marble statue for all the emotion she showed. Her blue eyes were distant, almost chill, conveying the unmistakable message that she wanted nothing more to do with him.