The Conspiring Woman by Kate Parker

Author:Kate Parker [Parker, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JDP Press
Published: 2015-11-17T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I peeled my still-wet hem away from my ankles. “Yes. I can’t imagine any of them wanting to come right out and say what they were thinking. I never guessed there was another man in the equation with the Duchess of Callkirk.” Like Mrs. Gregory, now living under the name Mrs. Williams.

“There were rumors she ran away with some completely unsuitable man, a writer or painter or something, and they escaped to the continent. Or America. Somewhere foreign,” Phyllida said.

“And these women seemed to know something about it? What about Lady Ormond?” I dreaded the possibility of having to question her.

“She always assumes an attitude that says she knows everyone’s secrets. I doubt she knew any more about it than I did. Don’t waste your time talking to her.”

“Has the duchess been seen since?”

“Not that I know of. Of course, I avoid making calls on anyone who would know.” She set down her teacup. “Now, would you like to go up and visit with Lady Westover? I’m sure she’d love to see you.”

“And ask me about the duke.” That might prove to be the most difficult of my morning errands.

“Of course.” Phyllida gave me a knowing smile.

She led me up to Lady Westover’s room, where the old lady was propped up on pillows, looking more like herself. Then her slender body was racked with deep coughs and I thought she’d break into pieces.

“Ah, Georgia. So good of you to call,” she was finally able to gasp out.

“You’re looking much better.”

“Liar. I don’t have much breath, so I’ll come right to the point. What have you heard from Blackford?”

“I received another letter. From San Francisco. He was leaving then to cross America, spend a few days in New York, and afterward sail home. He may well be on the ocean by now, so you’ll have to stop malingering.”

A spasm of coughing showed she was not faking her illness. Finally, when she caught her breath, she said, “When you see him, ask him to visit me.”

“Of course, but you must promise not to tell him to marry me.” I gave her a stern look, but I knew it would do me no good.

“I, child? You were the one who brought up the subject. But now that you have, I think it’s a splendid idea.” Her eyes glittered with amusement. “I think a vase would be a good wedding present.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her about the contents of the duke’s letter and our upcoming conversation that he was facing with trepidation. Or his “distasteful” thoughts. She looked too frail to hear that her dreams, and mine, could come to naught.

“I’ve known his family since his grandparents’ time. Good people, if a little stiff. They’re all gone now and Blackford is alone. That’s not good for him. He needs an heir to the title. Even more, he needs a family. What he needs is you, Georgia, and what’s more, you need him. Don’t forget, I introduced you. I knew what I was doing.

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