When the Earl Met His Match (Wedded by Scandal #4) - Stacy Reid Page 0,44
has the most wonderful little girl, Emily, and her mother had also given her to a baby farm to risk the cruelties and negligence that took place before my brother discovered his child. The duchess…Mama had the knowledge that many babies died in their first year…and she was still willing to consign my child to such a life. I find that when I try to write to her…I cannot,” she ended softly.
He stared at her for a long time, and the dark beauty of his eyes expressed his understanding more eloquently than words ever could. He reached for a piece of paper and wrote. We shall meet outside by the cliffs in about an hour. I will be back for you.
Confusion knitted her brows. “I…yes, of course.”
She blew out a breath and settled into the sofa once he left. While she was careful to take her daily walk around the front lawns and by the lake, she hadn’t explored the side of the estate that faced the cliff and the oceans. It had seemed too far a journey for her to walk with her swollen feet. However, a cobbler had been summoned and made shoes that were large enough for her. She had a few pairs of practical shoes and slippers now, which while comfortable were not actually that fashionable.
She glanced down at the note he’d placed on the table earlier.
Phoebe, I’ve written to the duke and duchess of Salop informing them of our nuptials and have extended our apologies for the suddenness of our marriage, which has caused them to miss your wedding day. I have promised we shall call upon them as soon as we return to England, where I anticipate our warm reception. Let me reassure you we will only return to England after the child is born and you are recovered enough to travel. I have not requested your dowry but have left that decision to the duke. We do not need it. However, should he do his duty by you and send it, we shall set it up in a trust fund for our first child.
Her heart ached so fiercely, she had to lower the note for several moments. Glancing down, she quickly read the rest.
I’ve also sent notices to the local papers of our nuptials. By next week, all of Society will be aware of the alliance between the Maitlands and the Winthrops. When you are ready, we can place the announcement in the Gazette, Morning Chronicles in London.
Phoebe tried to imagine what her mother’s reaction would be upon receiving the news. Relief? Were you even worried about me, Mama, when I fled? Or would the duchess feel pleased that her only daughter had married one of the Winthrops, a family reputed to have more wealth and properties than the Maitlands? Society would be curious, and she expected the invitations to come pouring in, but to where would they be sent? Phoebe was not even certain if the earl had a townhouse in London.
Sarah appeared in the doorway. “Milady, I was told to help you prepare for an outing by the cliffside.”
Phoebe tucked the note into the pocket of her day dress, braced her hands on each side of the sofa, and pushed upward with a soft grunt, then she stood and rang for her maidservant. Several minutes later, she was clothed in a warmer dress and comfortable slippers. Sarah assisted her outside, and Phoebe was pleased to see Hugh waiting for her in a landeau. He hopped down and assisted her inside, and then they were off, Wolf barking and running behind their equipage.
Chapter Eight
The horses moved at a slow speed, trotting over the lanes and toward the cliff. Phoebe cast him a sideway glance, but she remained silent as they traveled along the castle lanes. Then they were passing through swiftly opened gates, and the horses were cantering along deserted lanes through a verdant countryside. They sat in companionable silence, and Phoebe enjoyed the sharp breeze on her face, rustling the ribbons of her bonnet. The journey took a winding route, and in the passage of about ten minutes, they approached the cliffside.
The sound of the sea and the crashing waves lingered in the air. Hugh drew back on the reins, and the horses slowed to a stop. He stepped down from the carriage and came around to her side to assist her down. The feel of his powerful arms around her waist as he steadied her was at once thrilling and