raise the child in my household as my ward.”
Constance shook her head vehemently. “Thank you, Your Grace. I know you had to offer about another family, but I must decline. I’m sincerely touched you would offer to raise my child, but I’ve thought about this carefully. The babe is mine, and I will raise it.”
“Of course.” Christian’s expression stilled, and he grew even more serious. “I will support you both. You’ll have the protection of my dukedom. I promise you’ll have my help for as long as you need it.”
Constance shifted slightly and turned his way. “Thank you, but that won’t work. Once word gets out, I’m ruined and so is my child. Everyone in Portsmouth knows me and my family. They believe I’m Lady Meriwether. I own a ship renovation business I inherited from my father. It’s a respected institution, and when word gets out I delivered a child out of wedlock, I have little doubt that more people will suffer than just me and my child. Many of the employees have been there for generations. I don’t want the business to fail because of this.”
Christian blew out a breath, and the pain on his face tugged at Kat’s heart. “My half brother’s foolishness is like a pebble dropped in a calm pond. The ripples continue to spread.”
“I may have a solution for my situation.” Constance straightened her shoulders. “Do you by chance know Jonathan Eaton, the Earl of Sykeston?”
Christian’s gaze darted to Kat’s, and she shrugged slightly. She had no idea what her friend was about to say.
He turned back to Constance. “I do. I consider him a friend.”
“Thank heavens,” she exclaimed. “I consider him one as well.” Her pleasant alto voice deepened slightly. “Will you reach out and ask him to come to London at his earliest convenience? I want to marry him.”
They all fell silent.
“Constance?” Kat asked. “This is the first you’ve mentioned him.”
Beth picked up an iced biscuit from the tray. “He is a renowned marksman, a trained killer for the army.”
“Was,” Constance corrected. “I’ve followed the stories about him. He’s from Portsmouth also, and a hero. He once told me if I ever needed him, he’d be there … for me.”
Beth put the uneaten biscuit down on her plate. “He’s become a recluse since he’s come home.”
“It doesn’t make a difference to me,” Constance said with her sweet tone, but her steadfast decision was clear. “He’s the one. I want to marry him.” She turned her attention back to Christian. “That’s my solution. Katherine has generously invited me to stay. I’ll wait for his reply here.”
Christian’s eyes widened. “Of … course. I’ll write him immediately and ask him to travel to London.” He took a sip of tea as if to wash away his astonishment. “I’ll talk to him and deliver your proposal.”
Constance relaxed against the sofa. “Thank you.”
After a moment, everyone’s gaze turned to Beth.
“My turn,” Beth announced. “Let’s talk about my fortune. I have no concern for my brother’s money, but my dowry is something I’d like returned.”
“Agreed,” Christian said. “Would you like to go home to Cumberland?”
She tilted her chin an inch. “Absolutely not. Like Constance, everyone near my home believes I’m Lady Meriwether. Unlike Constance, I’m not certain what I’ll do.” She lifted her chin an inch. “It’s best if I stay here until … until everything is resolved.” Her gaze flew to Katherine’s. “If it’s still acceptable with you.”
Katherine leaned in Beth’s direction. “You can stay with me and Willa for as long as you like.”
Beth smiled, and the relief on her face was palpable.
Christian nodded solemnly. “I’d best be on my way.” He stood and waved. “Please don’t get up on my account. I’ll be in contact soon.” His gaze locked with Katherine’s. “Will you see me to the door?”
“Of course.” Kat stood while the other two women remained sitting. They all said their goodbyes to the duke.
As soon as they were in the hallway, Christian leaned close. “Is there someplace we could talk privately for a moment?”
“Follow me.” A chill skated down her spine. She quickly chastised herself as she escorted him into an empty music room save for a piano covered in a Holland cloth. She shouldn’t worry. There was no indication that Christian had discovered anything about her true identity.
He softly shut the door behind him. “Well? How do you think it went?” His mouth twisted wryly as if he was pleased with himself. “I think it went as best as it could under the