Her dress was of a good quality, although not as expensive as what Gabby and her sisters wore. Still, the woman’s attire was finer than one would expect of a servant. Her physical appearance alone marked her as Annabelle’s relation. Perhaps the late Lady Ellis’s sister?
Gabby searched her memory for a vision of Lady Ellis dressed in her wedding gown. That had been the only time she had seen Anthony’s wife, and that was through watery eyes. She had tried to pass her tears off as ones of happiness, but her heart had been breaking that day.
She had thought Lady Ellis resembled her in many ways, her hair just as dark and their heights similar. Gabby had wondered again why Anthony hadn’t thought her good enough to marry instead of her look-alike. When she had learned Anthony was seeking a wife on the marriage mart, she had shored up her courage and written to him. She beseeched him to consider her since they had known each other most of their lives, got on well, and she had developed an affection for him. She realized she was perhaps a little too young to become a wife yet, but surely he would be willing to wait a year or two.
He’d sent back a nice letter to her brother with a message for her. Please give my regards to Lady Bug and tell her to stay out of mischief.
His dismissal had been humiliating. And weeks later, when he had become betrothed to Miss Camilla Roth, all of Gabby’s dreams were crushed.
Even now, the telltale itch of coming tears tickled her nose.
“We should go,” she murmured as the woman looked up with a start.
“Oh! Pardon me,” the woman said. “Are we barring the walkway?”
Her accent sounded Welsh. The little girl took her hand and peered back at Gabby and her sisters. “We’re going to the park,” she announced with a big smile.
When she spotted the footman, however, her smile faded and she inched closer to the woman. “I want to go, Mama.”
Mama? The word struck Gabby with the force of lightning. She was stunned. Is that what Lord Thorne had meant? Had Anthony had a child with this woman and driven his wife to flee?
The woman patted Annabelle’s head. “Now, now. There is no cause to be frightened, little one.” She smiled apologetically at Gabby. “Pardon her, milady. She’s a bit skittish around men.”
Gabby’s mouth was too dry to speak. She sensed her sisters moving closer to her as if to hold her up. It only reinforced her sense of despair. They knew it, too. She hadn’t heard the girl wrong. This woman was her mother.
“No need to apologize,” Katie said. “We were just on our way to the lending library, so if we could pass…”
“Of course.” The woman scrambled out of the way, dragging Annabelle with her.
Gabby’s sisters urged her forward. She was walking through a heavy fog, the ground sucking at her feet so she could barely move.
No one spoke for a long time as they wandered the streets. She hadn’t realized where they were going until Talliah House loomed at the end of the block.
“The library—”
“Shh.” Lizzie tightened her grip on her arm.
“I promised.”
“Another day, princess,” Katie said.
She almost laughed at the absurdity of her younger sister using the nickname Drew had given to her. And yet the tenderness in Katie’s voice made her want to cry.
They made it into the house and outside her chamber door when a sob burst from her. She dashed into her room and collapsed on the bed. If Anthony had a child by that woman, what did it mean? Did he love her? Why would she be living under his roof?
Her sisters joined her on the bed, each stroking her head and murmuring kind words.
“What exactly has happened?” she heard Lizzie ask.
“I’m uncertain.”
Gabby knew. At least she thought she did. Anthony had sired a child with that woman, and he had laid claim to the girl. What if he had forced his wife into hiding so he could say Lady Ellis had been the one to give birth? Perhaps he had expected her to raise his lover’s child just as he expected it from Gabby.
“No.”
Her stomach pitched. Scrambling from the bed, she landed on her knees and groped for the chamber pot.
Her sisters sat helplessly on the edge of her bed as she tossed up her accounts.
“Oh, Gabby.” Katie went to retrieve a dampened handkerchief, then held it against her forehead.
She closed her eyes, savoring the coolness on her feverish skin. “I’m wrong,” she mumbled. “I must be.”
She had known Anthony her entire life. He wasn’t a calculating or cruel man.
Katie helped her to her feet. “Whatever you might think, you must talk to Lord Ellis. There must be a simple explanation.”
“His mistress is living in his town house,” Lizzie declared. “Any explanation would be a lie.”
Katie scowled. “You don’t know that, Elizabeth. Do not put such notions in her mind.”
“Gabby isn’t dense. She already had that idea or she wouldn’t be distraught.”
She pressed her fingers against her temples where a dull ache had begun. “Please, I need to lie down. I need quiet.”
Breaking from her sister’s hold, she tugged on the bellpull to summon her maid.
Liz and Katie hesitated, but when she moved to her dressing table without looking at them, they silently left her chambers.
When Magda arrived, Gabby requested her assistance undressing before climbing into bed and falling into a troubled sleep. It was late afternoon when she woke. At first, she felt the same happiness she had been experiencing for the last several days. But then she remembered Annabelle and the woman, and her breath rushed from her as if someone kicked her in the stomach. She curled into a ball and closed her eyes.
Magda checked on her several times throughout the day, but Gabby sent her away each time. It was getting dark when her mother swept into the room with Gabby’s maid.
“Good heavens, Gabrielle. Why didn’t you send Magda to retrieve me earlier? Are you ill, my darling?”
Magda ducked her head when Gabby looked her way, and went about lighting candles to chase the darkness from the room. It did nothing to dispel the darkness in Gabby’s heart.
“I’m unwell, Mama. I don’t think I should attend the Bexley Ball tonight. Will you offer regrets for me?”
“Of course you shouldn’t attend, dear girl.” Her mother perched on the side of the bed and smoothed her hand over Gabby’s hair. Worry lines crisscrossed her brow. “I will send both of our regrets.”
“I simply need to rest, Mama. You should go. You have been looking forward to Lady Bexley’s ball all week.”
“You are more important than Lady Bexley.”
She captured her mother’s hand and smiled weakly. “Please, Mama. I only want to sleep. I promise to send word if I feel too poorly.”
Her mother’s teeth worked her bottom lip. “Are you certain you don’t need me?”
“I’ll be fine.” It was a lie, but Mama could do nothing to help her anyway.
When her mother reluctantly left her alone, Gabby curled onto her side and tried to fall asleep again to shut off her thoughts and the ache inside.
Seventeen
“Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Foxhaven.” The footman’s voice rang out above the crowd’s garbled conversations, catching Anthony’s attention. He couldn’t see Gabby or her mother, but his pulse raced with the knowledge she had arrived at last. He circled the outside of the ballroom floor to intercept her.
His duties at the House of Lords had kept him occupied much later than he’d hoped, so he had been unable to call on Gabby earlier. Eagerly, he weaved through the crowd, intent upon signing her dance card and perhaps stealing a moment alone with her on the terrace.
He located Gabby’s mother as he made progress through the maze of bodies, but he still didn’t see Gabby. The duchess’s smile appeared strained as he approached.
“Lord Ellis, it’s always a pleasure to see you.” Her greeting lacked its usual liveliness.
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“Likewise, Your Grace. Did Lady Gabrielle arrive with you?”
Sebastian Thorne elbowed his way out of the throng just in time to eavesdrop. Anthony shot him an icy look before ignoring him.
The duchess fiddled with her fan and sighed softly. “I’m afraid she won’t be attending this evening, my lord. She’s under the weather. I hope I didn’t make a mistake in coming tonight, but she insisted I proceed without her.”
Thorne stepped forward. “I’m certain Lady Gabrielle wouldn’t have you go along without her if she is seriously ill. Your daughter is a sensible young lady.”
Gabby’s mother turned a hopeful gaze on the baron, then frowned when she noticed his swollen lip. “Are you all right, Lord Thorne?”
He absently touched his mouth. “This? It’s nothing,” he said, then added under his breath, “I’ve known misses to hit harder.”
Anthony bit back a retort. He didn’t want to air their grievance in the duchess’s presence, especially when she seemed so troubled about Gabby.
“I do hope you’re right about Gabrielle, my lord.”
Thorne offered his arm. “I know so. And Lady Gabrielle would want you to enjoy yourself. May I offer my escort, Your Grace?”
Her smile brightened and she linked her arm with his. He tossed a smug grin in Anthony’s direction as he led the duchess away.
What did it matter if Gabby’s mother liked Thorne? The duchess liked everyone. Besides, she cared for Anthony like a son and had told him on more than one occasion that he held a special place in her heart. Let Thorne spend his time trying to win over Gabby’s mother. Anthony was going to see Gabby.
He wouldn’t put it past her to minimize her symptoms for her mother’s sake. She carried too much guilt for events that were beyond her control, and she would do anything to save her family from further distress, even if it meant her suffering instead.
He ordered his coach and, while he waited, contemplated how he could see her. Calling at this late hour was not exactly proper. When he arrived at Talliah House half an hour later, he had a plan in mind, shaky as it might be.
The butler answered on Anthony’s third knock. “Lord Ellis?”
“No need to be alarmed,” he said. “I’m here to retrieve a book His Grace said I could borrow.”
“The duke is not in, my lord, and I’m uncertain I would be able to assist you.”
Anthony released the breath he’d been holding. It had been risky to use this excuse, but he had counted on Luke being out with his wife this evening. “I know where it’s shelved in the library. The duke said I could help myself to any books that interest me.”
Wesley opened the door wide to admit him as he’d done many times through the years. “Follow me, my lord.”
Waving off his offer, Anthony headed for the stairway. “I know the way, Wes.” He jogged up the stairs to discourage the old butler from following him.
Gabby’s chambers were down the corridor to the left. Outside her door, he lightly tapped against the solid wood and received a muffled command to enter. He pushed the door open and found her sitting up in bed, leaning against the headboard.
“Anthony!” She jerked the counterpane up to her chin. “What are you doing here?”
“Your mother said you were ill. I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight without knowing how serious it is.”
She wagged a finger toward the door, making him halt. “You have to leave. Magda will return any moment with a dinner tray.”
God, he just wanted to go to her. She looked so beautiful with her dark hair falling around her shoulders. But she was right. He couldn’t be found in her chambers.
“Do you promise you’re all right?”
She hesitated, then nodded, her eyes closed. “I’ll be fine. Now, please go. My family would be crushed if we were discovered together.”
“I am going, love.”
As he touched the door handle, she called out his name. She was sitting with her knees drawn to her chest, her arms hugging her legs. “When you went to Wales…”
“Yes?” He tried to his cover his unease with a smile, but his lips felt tight. He needed time he didn’t have to tell her what had happened in Wales, how frightened he’d been when he had found the cottage destroyed and his daughter missing.
“You went for Annabelle.”
“I did.” He watched closely for any sign of reluctance. It couldn’t be easy for any lady to accept another woman’s child into her heart. How would she feel once she knew Annabelle wasn’t even his? “Gabby, I love you and so will Annabelle. You’ll see she’s a lovely girl once you get to know her.”
Her eyes filled with tears and she swiped at them furiously.
Anthony was across the room in three strides. He tenderly caressed her luxurious hair. She held herself stiff, obviously uncomfortable. But what did he expect? He had stolen into the chambers of an innocent.
“I’m going,” he said with a sigh.
“You brought a woman back, too.”
Gads. Mayfair had eyes and ears everywhere. “Miss Teague is Annabelle’s nanny. They are inseparable.”
Her gaze dropped to the counterpane and she picked at a thread. “I see.”
Miss Teague was more than his daughter’s nanny, but he couldn’t get into their relationship without rehashing the entire tale. “We’ll talk tomorrow when I may call on you properly. I promise to answer whatever questions you have.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Get some rest, my love.”
***
Gabby hadn’t been able to do as Anthony wished. Even when she slept, her dreams were troubled.
He had lied to her.
Annabelle had called Miss Teague her mama, and Gabby had no doubts about who Miss Teague was to Anthony’s daughter. Gabby had been under the care of the same governess most of her childhood, and she had never been confused about who her mother was. The strong physical resemblance just confirmed the relationship.
Still, a small part of her hoped there was an explanation. Her heart couldn’t bear to give Anthony up so easily. She would allow him another chance to tell her the truth when he called on her today.
A tiny flicker of optimism compelled her to climb from bed and dress for his visit. She was trying to distract herself with sketching in the drawing room when Wesley approached with his silver dish bearing Lord Thorne’s calling card.
Gabby set her work aside. “Please show him in.”
“Yes, milady.”
The temptation to question Thorne further about his accusations was too great. He hadn’t come out and accused Anthony of siring Annabelle with Miss Teague, but his insinuation was clear now. She wanted to know the source of his information, and if he truly believed the person was reliable.
When Lord Thorne entered the drawing room, his grim expression transformed with a smile. “Lady Gabrielle, how relieved I am to find you looking well this morning. Your mother painted a dire picture last night.”
“Mama has a tendency to fret, but as you can see, I’m fine. Please have a seat.” She gestured toward one of the chairs opposite the settee, but he took the place next to her. He kept a proper distance between them, but his gaze slid over her much too intimately.
“Are you certain you’re well? There are circles under your eyes.”
“You shouldn’t notice such things, sir. And if you do, you certainly shouldn’t point it out to a lady.”
He ducked his head and gave her a chagrined half smile. “My apologies. I only meant to convey my concern. You must know nothing detracts from your beauty.”
She chuckled in spite of herself. “You always have the words to smooth a lady’s ruffled feathers, don’t you? I should toss you out for false flattery.”
All humor faded as he reached for her hand. “There’s nothing false about my compliments. You take my breath away.”
His eyes glittered darkly like the deepest lakes in Northumberland. Lord Thorne was a man with a passion to match her own. He was free with his emotions and gene
rous with his adoration. He was everything she should want in a husband.
She blinked, breaking his hold over her, and extracted her hand from his. “I’m pleased you called, my lord. We didn’t have time to finish our discussion at the Norwicks’ party and I have questions.”
“I’ll answer anything you ask.”
There was a dull throb in her chest. Anthony had made the same promise, but would he be this open with her? He always seemed guarded when she questioned him.
“Who is the source of this rumor?” she asked.
“Lords Corby and Ledbery. I don’t consider them the most reliable gents, however.” He adjusted his position on the settee, propping his arm on the seat back. “You should know I would never spread false tales about anyone. I had to seek out the truth for myself. I have no intentions of telling anyone else what I discovered, but you deserved the truth.”
She turned toward him. “What is the truth, my lord?”
He hesitated, his lips parted. Her heart warmed toward him a little in that moment. He didn’t want to hurt her. “The story goes Ellis’s wife went missing not long after their marriage. After a few weeks passed, Ellis told everyone she was visiting family abroad, but no one acquainted with the lady and her parents had heard them speak of travel plans or relations outside of England. It was rather odd, but her parents left Town abruptly, too.”
Before the Season was over? She could see the reason others might find their actions bizarre.
“After Lady Ellis left Town, Lord Ellis would go missing for weeks at a time,” Thorne said. “No one knew of his whereabouts. It must have been a year before anyone received word that Lady Ellis had given birth in Wales and died in childbirth.”
“Did she have family in Wales?”
“It doesn’t appear so, and her parents weren’t with her either. They returned to the country upon leaving London and kept to themselves. For a husband to allow his wife to travel abroad alone…” He frowned and shook his head. “Either Ellis was a fool or he lied about his wife’s disappearance.”
Gabby’s nausea returned, and she took slow breaths to quell her sickness. “You—you make it sound sinister.”
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