Chapter 21

" D id you hear?!" Prudence came bursting into theroom, nearly causing Marina and their mother to drop their tea.

"For heaven's sake, Prudence. How many times do I have to tell you that young ladies do not run!" Johanna shook her head in exasperation and fixed her dress over her knees.

Stopping in her tracks, Prudence drew her lips into her mouth. "I apologize, Mama, but I am afraid that there is news that cannot wait. I was taking my walk with your maid as you suggested, when I heard the news."

Marina smiled faintly at her little sister, turning back to the open window where she had been drinking her tea. She had noted the behavior of everyone on the street below, yet she had brushed it off as simple gossip. The ton always seemed to buzz with life when anything happened at all.

Pursing her lips, Lady Wallace placed her cup back in its saucer and sighed. "Other than running, how many times have I told you that young ladies ought not to lend their ears to gossip?"

"But someone has died, Mama!" Prudence blurted out, lifting her hands to her mouth when her mother shot her another glare.

The blood in her veins turned to ice as Marina slowly turned from the window and placed her cup on the table beside her. Her very first thought had gone to Aaron. She had not heard from him since that night, yet that did not mean he was dead. She felt her pulse racing as she waited for her sister to continue.

"Well, out with it!" Lady Wallace demanded. "You have already begun; you may as well tell us."

Her eyes filling with excitement, Prudence began to explain. "There was a hunt this morning, organized by Viscount Morris. Most of the men of the ton were there, including the duke and Mr. Marner!" Her face flushed with color as she motioned with her hands.

Fear gripped her chest as Marina reached out and steadied herself on the stone ledge of the windowsill.

This can't be happening.

Lady Wallace quickly stood and made her way over to Marina, placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders for support. "Out with it, child! Can you not see that you have shocked your poor sister? Who died?"

"It was an accident and…"

"Prudence!"

Marina could feel all of the blood draining from her face as she began to feel dizzy.

Prudence seemed to realize what she had done when she suddenly straightened. "Oh, I am sorry, Marina. It is Lord Wallace who died. He gave chase on foot after a wild boar and…"

Their mother hurried forward and gripped Prudence's shoulders, turning her around as she rushed her from the room. "Now you get upstairs this instant, young lady. I have had quite enough of your antics. Your fanciful imagination will be the death of us all!" She called to her before shutting the door behind her back and leaning against the wood.

Marina felt as if every breath had left her body as she lumped back into the chair, placing her hands over her abdomen.

"Dearest…" Her mother said softly before coming forward and placing her hand on her shoulder.

"It was not him." Hot tears fell down her cheeks as she suddenly felt deflated. After all her brave talk of raising the child alone and never wishing to see Aaron again unless it was absolutely necessary, she had almost fainted at fearing he had died.

"My dearest," Lady Wallace said more firmly and pulled a chair closer, sitting in front of her daughter as she clasped her hands.

"I know what you are about to say, Mama, but I cannot go back to him. I admit that I was overtaken by a moment of fear, but he cast me off. The duke does not love me." She sniffed back her tears and sat up straighter, struggling to regain control of her breathing.

"I am not so sure about that, but what does concern me, is that I am more than certain you are in love with him." She lifted her gaze, looking Marina in the eyes.

Am I?

She felt a strange fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach as she rubbed over her abdomen. Was she in love with him? The thought made her chest clench as she realized the truth. If she was in love with him, then she was doomed to spend the rest of her life loving a man who did not return her affections.

"Dearest," her mother exclaimed more urgently and gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

"I know Mama, but what am I to do? I told him that I was with child, and he banished me to your house. Even if I confess my love for him, what life will I lead with him? What life will our child lead with him? We are far better off staying with you and Prudence. At least then we will know that we are loved." Her heart broke into a million pieces as she said the words.

If only he loved me as much as I do.

She thought of how fiercely she had tried to defend him at the ball when that heinous gossip sheet had been circulating. She had given her all, risking public humiliation, but he, in turn, had cast her away.

Sitting back, Lady Wallace sighed. "I will not force you to do what I think you should. You have always been a headstrong lady, Marina. Even more so than I ever was." Her lips curled into a sad smile that did not reach her eyes.

"Everything will be fine, Mama. I promise the duke is a cold and unfeeling man, but he will not leave us without a penny. He will ensure that we have a comfortable life," she said confidently, trying to reassure her mother.

Placing her hands on her knees, Lady Wallace sighed. "Not that we will have to worry about that even if he refuses to give you a penny."

Marina's brows creased into a frown as she stared at her mother.

"The baron of course. I think the shock was too great for you to consider the implications of his death. Of course, we will have to arrange a funeral and mourning service. Lord knows that the man will not be missed, but it will be expected of us." She pushed herself up from her knees and made her way over to the tray of tea where she poured them each a fresh cup.

"Mama, can you please stop talking in riddles? My head is already aching from the shock." Marina lifted her hand and massaged the side of her temple, hoping that the shock and onslaught of emotions would not make her ill. When all was said and done, she still wished to cherish the little life that was growing inside of her.

"Dearest, do you not recall that the only reason the baron had gotten the title along with the inheritance, was because he was thefirst line before one of your cousins?" Lady Wallace brought over the fresh cup of tea and handed it to her daughter.

Realization dawned on her when her mind finally felt clear enough to think.

Her mother nodded as she looked at her daughter. "Your cousin Alfred is a much kinder soul and even commentedoccasionally that he would gladly support me and your sister should the title and estate ever pass to him."

"That does paint quite a different picture." Marina nodded as she understood her mother's relief. Their cousin would do what was right by her mother and sister.

"Exactly." Lady Wallace nodded. "All is right with the world, even if a hateful man had to lose his life to achieve it." Her shoulders slumped in relief as she sipped her tea. "I guess I was a bit harsh with Prudence, I had better go and fetch her. She will be sulking in her chambers by now." Her mother was about to stand when Marina beat her to it.

"I will go, Mama, I needto move around a bit. I will check on Prudence, you can stay here and finish your tea." She offered her mother a reassuring smile before heading toward the door and leaving the parlor.

The world seemed upside down to her as she made her way up the stairs, taking her time to run the tips of her fingers over the railing.

The baron was dead, she was with child, and her mother and sister were set for life. It seemed strange to her that it had only been two months ago that she had walked into the duke's home, demanding satisfaction.

Had satisfaction been achieved?

She paused for a moment at the top of the stairs, running her hand over her abdomen. It would only be a few more weeks before she began to show. She could not even imagine how life would be when her child was born.

Our child.

She reminded herself of the reality of her situation.

The child in her womb belonged to Aaron as much as it belonged to her.

Aaron. The man who did not return her love.