right, of course.
“I have many regrets when it comes to Father. If I could undo them, I would. I fear I haven’t done right by any of you. Not like he would have done.”
She held her hand out and he took it. “You were there for your sisters and me when we needed you most. I don’t know how I would have survived those first months without your comforting presence.”
“But I could have been tending to business, too. Instead, I shifted my burden onto Richard’s shoulders.”
She sighed. “I’m your mother, Luke. I could defend you forever, but it is true you could have done more. Is there anything to be gained from castigating yourself now? Leave the past where it belongs. It’s hard to see where you’re going if you are always looking back.” She squeezed his hand then released him. “I should let you return to your tasks.”
He stood and assisted her to her feet. Moving with delicate grace, she left the settee and returned to her writing desk to pick up her quill. A soft smile graced her lips as she extracted another sheet of foolscap from the stack.
“After meeting Lady Vivian, I must agree with your father,” she said. “He knew the moment her brother provided a true representation of the lady’s nature that she would make the perfect wife for you.”
Luke’s heart skipped. Had his father really known him so well? It certainly appeared to be the case. And Luke had been a complete arse with his father. Nevertheless, his mother was correct. He needed to look ahead, and in the future he imagined for himself and Vivian, she would not be the victim of false rumors.
“About Mrs. Honeywell…” he said. “I have a mind to ride straight through to Dunstable and set her straight.”
His mother looked up from her writing. “I know how to deal with Mrs. Honeywell and her kind. Allow me to take care of the situation.”
The hard glint in her dark eyes told him Mrs. Honeywell would be handled well indeed.
He nodded once. “Mother, please don’t mention this to Vivian. I don’t want to embarrass her. When she is ready, she will tell me about the incident.”
“Agreed. I shan’t mention it to anyone.”
He kissed his mother’s cheek and left her to finish the correspondence while he went in search of Richard. His brother had offered to read some of the letters still scattered atop Luke’s desk, and Luke had set his pride aside and accepted. He descended the stairs with a secret smile as he recalled the cause of his disorderly study.
Vivian had graciously released him from his promise to take her riding today since he hadn’t accomplished near enough with her interruption last night. He had arranged for a groom to accompany her and enlisted Johanna to keep her company. He hoped this would keep both women out of trouble. Although Vivian and Johanna didn’t seem to get on as well as he had expected, they seemed amiable toward each other. Perhaps a friendship would grow over time.
Now more than ever, Vivian would require a strong ally in London if Mrs. Honeywell’s gossip had reached anyone else. Johanna would be a valuable friend to have. She had shown exceptional skill at taking others to task when needed. No one who crossed the lady escaped without receiving blistered ears.
Luke chuckled. Yes, Vivian would have no trouble with Johanna by her side.
***
Vivi, tired of waiting in the foyer for Miss Truax to make an appearance, swept out the double doors of the castle and headed toward the stables. It was vexing to learn Luke had requested the lady accompany her on a ride when she had hoped for a less critical companion. Miss Truax’s tardiness only added to her disgruntlement. To keep another person waiting twenty minutes with no word was beyond rude, although perhaps Miss Truax deemed her undeserving of common courtesy.
She tried to shake off her irritation as she stalked to the stables. It wouldn’t do to remain in a foul mood when she sat her mount unless she wished to risk her neck. Horses were sensitive creatures. Besides, she didn’t wish to spend her first day exploring the fields of Irvine Castle in a fit of pique.
When the stables came into view, she forgot about her irritation with Miss Truax. Never had Vivi seen anything as stunning. Irvine stables could easily house thirty horses. Her breath quickened as she passed into the darkened belly of the building and recognized the