He would make love to her and discard her. Come this time next week, he wouldn’t even remember her name, much less their encounter.
Well, this was one widow who would turn him down. It might be the hardest thing she ever did, but she would do it. She had to. First, she had Claire with her and couldn’t leave her daughter alone and go with the duke to his bed. Second, though no one else seemed to value her, Elise had to value herself. That meant no casual tryst of one night. The next time she gave herself to a man, it would be to the man who was her husband. She wasn’t a merry widow who would allow men to hop into her bed for a brief spell and then abandon her.
The duke had convinced her of one thing, though. It was time to find Claire a father. Or rather, stepfather. She needed a man who would be kind to her daughter and treat her as his own. She longed for more children and that meant marrying again. She had thought it impossible since she’d never go to ton events again—but she didn’t have to in order to find a husband. She didn’t have to wed another earl. She didn’t need a man who possessed a title. She only needed one with a good heart, a man who could provide for her and Claire. She could wed a barrister. A doctor. Even a clergyman. Simply because she was the daughter of an earl, she didn’t have to remain in her own social class. By broadening her choices, she would be able to find what she was looking for.
Elise took a deep breath and continued down the corridor, opening the door to the former duchess’ quarters. She spied Claire asleep in the large bed, Mrs. Digsby sitting in the chair watching over her.
Going to the housekeeper, she said, “Thank you for staying with her.”
“My pleasure, Lady Ruthersby. She’s a little love, that one.”
“You said you have a daughter.”
“Yes, my Maisy. She’s eight and Mark, my boy, is six. They are my pride and joy.” Mrs. Digsby paused. “I know you are tired, my lady. Let me help you from your gown. I’ve found a night rail and dressing gown for you. I can also plait your hair if it’s dry.”
The housekeeper aided Elise, even helping her into bed and placing a pillow beside her and gently lowering Elise’s wrist to rest upon it.
“I’ll check on your gowns now, my lady, and Lady Claire’s, too. Hopefully, some can be salvaged from what was inside your trunk.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Digsby,” she murmured as she drifted off to sleep.
And dreamed of dancing with Disrepute.
Chapter Twelve
The next day, Weston headed to the breakfast room. He wanted very much to go see his two guests but didn’t think it appropriate showing up at their bedchamber so early in the morning. Dr. Cherry had said both patients needed rest. Resting meant staying put.
And he was determined they would stay.
So much that he had sent Mixon back to Shedwell on one of the stray horses they’d rounded up. A Treadwell groom accompanied Mixon, with both men leading the remaining horses that had been located. Weston had also sent a footman to Briarcliff with news of the carriage accident that had occurred, informing Lord Ruthersby that his sister-in-law and her daughter would remain at Treadwell Manor for the next week or so as they recovered from their injuries.
When he reached the bottom of the staircase, he met Katie, who held a tray in her hands.
“Are you taking that to our guests?” he asked.
“Yes, Your Grace. Lady Ruthersby is already up and I’ve helped her to dress. Lady Claire is still fast asleep, though. I thought it would be better for them to have a quiet breakfast in their room.”
“I agree. Do you think I could stop by and check on them later this morning?”
She smiled, her eyes gleaming with the same mischief Maisy’s had in them when she was up to something.
“Oh, I think that would be a grand idea, Your Grace,” she said loftily. “In fact, I’ll make sure Lady Ruthersby is ready to receive you. Shall we say ten o’clock?”
“Very well.”
He breakfasted and then went to his study. The same ledger he’d pored over yesterday was open. It had been less than a day since he’d sat here and spied Mixon coming up the drive. Less than a day since his world had turned upside down.
It