Cordelia’s face spasmed and then she looked to him. Her eyes were scrunched as though she were pleading with him in some fashion. He knew what she wanted to ask, he wished to protect Harry too.
A knock came at the door and peering out, he saw a servant with a large tray of food. Quickly, he turned the lock and opened the door, taking the tray before he closed the room again.
They ate in silence, Harry eating a man’s portion of food before he lay back down with Cordelia. In minutes both of them were sound asleep, wrapped together.
Nearly an hour passed before another knock sounded at the door. Rising he looked out the peephole to see Daring, looking rather sooty, standing on the other side.
He opened it again, letting his friend in. “You made it.”
“I did.” Daring removed his hat and wiped his brow. “Bloody mess that was.”
“What happened?” Malice gestured toward the fireplace and both men crossed the room.
Daring turned his hat in his hand. “The countess has disappeared. The staff was able to get the fire out before it spread to more homes.” Daring wiped his brow again. “Honestly, they seemed relieved to be free of her and I told them all to visit me tomorrow for recommendations for a new post.”
“That’s good,” he answered, bracing his hand against the fireplace. He knew the worst news was yet to come.
“The housekeeper was especially chatty. It turns out that the boy…” Daring looked over to the child sleeping in Cordelia’s arms. “Is L
ady Abernath’s child.”
Malice sucked in his breath. He knew what Daring was thinking. Was this his child?
Daring looked down into the flames. “Lord Abernath made the boy his heir so he’s an earl.”
“How can he be the earl if Lord Abernath….” But he stopped.
“That’s right. Abernath died six weeks ago at their country home. Lady Abernath has kept that fact along with the birth of the child a secret.”
Malice scratched his head. “I wonder if the death of her husband is why she’s suddenly reemerged in your life looking for revenge.”
Daring nodded. “The housekeeper mentioned that not a penny of the money is hers. It all went to the boy. What little is left.”
They both looked over at the sleeping child. “He’s frightened out of his mind. We both know what sort of person she is.”
“She’s his mother. I don’t know how you could take him away from her.” His fist clenched. “Unless you could prove that someone else is his father?”
Malice leaned his head against the mantel. “That’s a bloody mess, isn’t it? Do you think he’s yours? How would Minnie feel about this child becoming your heir and being part of your family?”
Daring shook his head. “It would better explain why Cristina is so angry with me. But then again she had more than one man in her bed. Including me, three that I know of.”
Malice frowned. “The child looks nothing like you.”
Daring stared at the boy. “No. He doesn’t, and he’s already got a title, but we also can’t leave a tender child in her grips. The woman isn’t sane.”
“Well, for now, he can stay with me.” Malice looked at him, his heart thudding in his chest. He never in his life thought he’d take on another child, not even his own, but here he was, his heart ready to give this boy love.
“Are you certain? It’s a big commitment.”
Malice nodded. “I wish someone had done this for me. Swooped in and rescued me from a man who hated the sight of my face.”
Daring grimaced. “You’re a good man, Lord Malicorn.”
“Not Malice?” he raised a brow.
Daring stared back. “You’re not that man anymore, are you?”
No. He supposed he wasn’t. It was time he told Cordelia what she meant to him.