Chapter 23
The Duchess of Corwin was uncommonly tall for a woman. At just over six feet in height, she was only slightly shorter than her sons. This, however, did not diminish her elegance. Edwina Evans moved with the grace of someone who weighed no more than the air around her. Even after two years, Brody acknowledged, she hadn’t changed.
She arrived in the parlor after being announced, but rather than greet him or Finn, she remained near the door while giving them each a hesitant look. “What’s happened?”
“An astounding amount,” Finn quipped.
“That’s not reassuring,” Mama murmured.
Brody sighed. “Please have a seat, Mama. Tea and cake will arrive shortly.”
She hesitated briefly before crossing to one of the two vacant armchairs. Finn claimed the other, leaving Brody alone on the sofa. A maid arrived bringing the tea tray. It was carefully placed on the table between everyone. She arranged the cups and saucers, then offered them each a plate for the cake before she bobbed a quick curtsey and left, shutting the door on her way out.
Mama picked up the teapot and started to serve, as she’d always done when they’d lived together. It was the strangest feeling – like visiting a dream from another lifetime.
“I’m to be married,” he blurted before she was done pouring. He stood and proceeded to pace the length of the room. It had not been his intention to make the announcement like that. He’d meant to wait for them to exchange a few pleasantries first. But after more than two years of not seeing each other, the words had simply popped out.
He took a breath. What a relief it was to have that off his chest. He glanced at Mama, who’d turned to look at him with a slightly owlish expression.
“Are you really?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She suddenly smiled. “What a relief.”
He halted his strides. “I beg your pardon?”
“Keeping in mind the urgency of your note, I feared you might have gambled away the estate.”
He gaped at her. “How could you possibly think so?”
“You’re honestly asking that of me?” She shook her head. A pained expression captured her features. “I lost him too, you know. What I hadn’t expected was also losing my sons.”
Brody took a few steps in her direction. Her comment speared him. “You didn’t lose us, Mama.”
“Didn’t I?” The smile she gave him was so sad it twisted his gut. “My words of warning fell on deaf ears. Worse, you told me to leave you alone, that I was to stay out of your affairs. You were duke now and you’d manage things as you saw fit.”
“I don’t believe those were my exact words,” he muttered, recalling all too well how angry he’d been with the world back then. He’d taken it out on everyone, especially those who’d attempted to make him move on, be responsible, stop wallowing in his own grief. Like Mama.
“You’re my son,” Mama muttered. “But you were intent on destruction, and you pushed me away. Both of you did.”
“I know,” Brody admitted. “I’m sorry. I—”
“Me too.” To his amazement, she stood and gathered him in her arms, hugging him until he felt the world shift. “I shouldn’t have stayed away. I should have visited both of you, but as time went on it got harder. More awkward. So I’m glad you finally chose to reach out.”
“Do I get a hug as well?” Finn asked.
Mama grinned and let Brody go so she could embrace Finn next. “I trust your duel went well this morning since you’re still breathing?”
“You know about that?” Finn asked in dismay. He stepped out of her arms and gave her a curious look.
She chuckled. “Did you honestly think I wouldn’t take steps to ensure I’m informed of what my sons get up to? Which brings me back to you, Brody. I hope you didn’t take that job because of financial troubles.”
Stumped, Brody lowered himself to the sofa once more and reached for his cup. “Have you been spying on us?”
“Let’s not get distracted by details. I was concerned, that’s all you need to know.”
“Right.” He sipped his tea, not the least bit comfortable with the idea of some person his mother had hired sneaking about and taking note of his actions. Shuddering, he told her, “The job was a means to an end, but it does have to do with financial troubles. The fact is, I should have listened to you. I’m sorry I didn’t, but regret won’t get me anywhere at the moment. On the contrary, it’s time to act.”
“I think you’d better explain.”
Agreeing, he offered Mama a piece of cake before passing the plate to Finn. He then spent the next hour informing his mother what his excessive cavorting and Finn’s fondness for gambling had led to. “We’re both taking strides to turn our lives around and be the men you and Papa would be proud of, but it’s not easy.”
She gave him a curious look. “Tell me about this book you’ve written.”
“I’m not the only author involved. Westcliffe and Stratton worked on it too.”
“And?”
“It’s under contract with Hudson Co. They expect to print five thousand copies and have it in shops before Christmas. My share of the advance should be delivered before the end of the week.”
Her wide smile accentuated the fine lines next to her eyes. “I think that’s marvelous news, Brody. Having a project you’re fond of can be extremely rewarding. Your father loved his investments and as a result, he got good at making them grow. But it needn’t be like that for you. Your purpose in life may be different. What matters is that you’ve a source of income and that you’re content.”
“I’m afraid my source of income won’t be enough,” he murmured. “Which is why I’ve decided to do as Westcliffe has done and sell off the things I don’t need. After that, I’ll seek advice on investing – as I should have done in the first place.”
“The best lessons in life come from experience. I’m pleased to see that you’ve both been acquiring some.” She ate her cake while Finn promised he’d never play cards again or approach a woman unless he intended to ask her to dance. Mama rolled her eyes but smiled before turning her full attention on Brody. “I’m terribly eager to learn the identity of your intended. Who is she and when do you plan to marry?”
Brody steeled himself. “Her name is Harriet Michaels.”
Mama tilted her head. “I don’t believe I know of a debutante by that name.”
“That’s because she’s not a debutante, Mama. She’s…a wonderful woman I met while working at Hudson Co.”
“Are you saying she’s of the working class?” Mama’s voice had dropped an octave.
“In a manner of speaking.” Seeing the worried look in his mother’s eyes, he added, “Her parents were gentry. They lived in Chilham, but when her father died without a will, she and her sister were tossed out onto the street by some awful cousin. Harriet came to London in search of work. She’s been supporting her sister these past two years.”
Mama slowly nodded. “I applaud her. Being gently bred and then having to pull up one’s sleeves and make a living is no small feat. Least of all for a young woman who also has a sister to care for. I think I can see how you’d fall for someone like that.”
“So you approve?”
“I’ll let you know once I meet her.”
“That can be arranged as soon as she wakes.” Brody shot a look at Finn, who was pressing his lips so hard together his eyes bulged. He looked on the verge of howling with laughter.
“I beg your pardon?” asked Mama.
“She’s upstairs,” Brody confessed.
Mama set her palm to her breast and leaned back, a horrified look in her eyes. “Not in your bedchamber, I hope.”
“Of course not,” Brody hissed. “What do you take me for?”
“Well, the last time I saw you there were three scantily clad women draped over that very sofa.” She nodded in his direction.
“Just three?” Finn chuckled.
“Shut up,” Brody told him. To his mother he said, “She’s in the first guest bedchamber on the left. Her sister was sick, so I invited them both to stay here where they’d be more comfortable, and then Harriet got sick as well. She was up most of the night but was much improved this morning.”
Mama stared at him. “She’s an unmarried woman, Brody. What on earth were you thinking?”
“That she was a he?” Finn snickered.
“What?” Mama sputtered.
“It’s true,” Brody confessed. “Her disguise was very convincing so—”
“Please stop right there.” Mama held up her hand. She’d never looked more appalled. “I don’t even want to imagine what that’s all about. The point is she can’t remain here. It wouldn’t be right and it certainly wouldn’t help you have a wedding devoid of scandal.”
“Agreed, which is why I would like for you to invite her to visit.”
“With me? At my home?”
“Exactly, Mama.”
“But I don’t even know her.”
“She’s your soon-to-be daughter-in-law and the future mother of your grandchildren.” He leaned forward. “She’s also had a hellish couple of days and could do with a bit of kindness. I trust you can make that happen?”
Mama stared at him in openmouthed amazement before she eventually closed her mouth and gave him a dignified nod. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” He settled against the sofa and told her, “I’ve had the presence of mind to procure a special license in ord—”
“Oh no.” Mama gave her head a firm shake. “There will be none of that, Brody. Not when I’m finally getting the chance to plan a wedding. My mother planned mine, you know. I’ve been waiting a good twenty-six years for this moment.”
“Really?” Brody glanced at Finn, who looked as shocked as he felt.
“I’ll speak with my cook, and yours as well. They can collaborate on the food. Your fiancée and I can have a cake-tasting session. We’ll visit the florists – I can think of ten without even trying. And the wedding gown must be ordered. That will be fun, going over fashion plates and picking out the right shade of silk and lace. And the vicar, we mustn’t forget about him. I trust St. George’s will suit or did you have another church in mind?”
Finn leaned across the table and whispered to Brody, “I think she’s gotten used to the idea of Harriet living with her for a while.”
Brody nodded. He was astonished to see how excited she was. Beyond that, he was pleased. He’d made peace with his mother, and while he regretted Harriet having to leave his home, there was comfort in knowing that it was a brief but necessary arrangement. Within a month, she’d be his. He’d make certain of it.