The Heart's Companion - By Holly Newman Page 0,16

direct result of the repressive childhood he endured. Certainly his mother. Lady Aurelia Morecaster, had no time for children. I believe the tale he told the boys about his mother leaving to visit friends so she wouldn’t have to hear him cry out in anguish or pain. She talked incessantly, I remember, about her sensibilities. "

Remembering the earl’s comment about his lack of sensibilities and wondering if that came as a result of his mother’s excesses, Jane’s lips drew together in a moue of distaste.

"Eventually he ran off to Europe with Vivian Montrechet. Vivian was a gay, starry-eyed seventeen-year-old in her first season. From all tales she was very popular with the gentlemen. I believe your Uncle Edward even dangled after her for a time. Needless to say, she only had eyes for the Royce title and wealth."

"Why did he leave the country and not come back until now?"

Elsbeth sighed. "Royce was a hot-headed scoundrel and became embroiled in more than one duel. The last was with a Mr. Quarrels and involved an accusation of cheating at cards. To Royce’s credit, I will say the accusation was leveled at Quarrels. Anyway, Royce severely injured the man. For a time it was doubtful he would live. It was strongly suggested to Royce that he go abroad in case Quarrels succumbed to his wounds for which there might have been legal repercussions."

"Do not tell me this Mr. Quarrels was Mr. Jonah Quarrels?"

Lady Elsbeth laughed. "I see I will not have to."

"So where Royce failed, young Mr. Drummond succeeded?" Jane said dryly.

"If one could call mutual misfortune success."

"I can understand why he left, but why did he remain exiled when it was seen that Mr. Quarrels would recover?"

Lady Elsbeth shook her head and shrugged. "Possibly because he did not go abroad alone. Vivian Montrechet accompanied him, and the story was that he lured her with marital promises, which he promptly renounced, or merely forgot, once her reputation was in tatters. They gadded about the continent; then—oh, I believe it was some two to three years later—Vivian gave birth to a boy.

"But, even with an heir at hand, Royce refused to legitimize the child.

"And shortly thereafter, Vivian disappeared."

One raven eyebrow rose. "Disappeared? Oh, come now, Elsbeth. These days people do not just disappear. I will admit I have heard varying tales, but to say she simply disappeared? That is too much like one of those Gothic novels! I heard that he grew tired of her and ruthlessly turned her out; but he kept the child, callously refusing the mother egress to her own offspring."

Lady Elsbeth smiled. "To be sure, it makes a better lesson told that way," she offered dryly, her hazel eyes twinkling. "But I confess, over the years I have not been in circumstances conducive to hearing gossip."

Jane folded her arms across her chest and leaned back against the workbench. She tilted her head. "But what of the child? I’ve heard the boy died at three."

Lady Elsbeth nodded. "Perhaps fortuitously."

"Elsbeth!"

Distracted, Lady Elsbeth ran long fingers through her short, brown curls. "I’m sorry, my dear, but think, the child was a bastard and not even a publicly acknowledged one at that. The son of a rakehell and a woman who was no better. What sort of life would he have had?"

Jane refused to contemplate that question. Instead she asked, "How did he die?"

"That is a question that has much occupied society and speculation has not always run to natural or ill-health causes."

Jane shivered. "The man’s history makes him a monster! How could you even countenance him at our tea yesterday? I’m terribly sorry Elsbeth. If I had known ..."

"Stuff and nonsense. If you had known you would have shunned his acquaintance altogether and missed coming to know a fascinating man. I am telling you the stories that circulate, as I know them. Obviously there are others, for you yourself said you’ve heard varying tales. Personally, I find them particularly fascinating in light of his behavior with the boys. I now find it difficult to imagine him abusing or neglecting the child to the extent that it would cause its death. "

Jane frowned. "There is merit to your argument. Still...."

"Still nothing! As a youth Royce was wild to a fault, and may yet be under that polished charm he displays to advantage. But I’ll wager my best diamond studs that he is neither a murderer nor an abuser! I detect a surprisingly strong sense of integrity in the man. And there is his patience