Page 36 of Black Widow

“Yes, well, I’m sure I don’t have to explain what that sort of depressive atmosphere can do to a child’s spirits. I have often marveled that neither Martin nor Amelia was crushed by the experience. But thanks to each other, they came through it by forging the deepest of bonds. When Sir Clarence announced they were to marry, it was a relief to both because it afforded them the opportunity to escape and set up their own household. They planned to live inLondon.”

Gideon frowned. “But they didn’t settle in England. They went abroad right after thewedding.”

Worthing looked down. “Somethinghappened.”

“What wasit?”

The viscount picked at his breeches. “Just after the ceremony, Sir Clarence made it clear that if Martin did not produce an heir within a year, then he would take care of the business himself. Indeed, Martin confessed to me that he believed that was his father’s plan allalong.”

He looked up to gauge Gideon’s reaction before continuing. “You see, not only was Sir Clarence aware of his son’s inclinations, but there were other indications over the years that Sir Clarence had…unnatural feelings for hisward.”

Gideon felt paralyzed. For the life of him, he couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Icy fingers gripped the back of his neck, but they were soon burned away by powerfulrage.

“I’ll killhim.”

For the first time, Worthing smiled at him. “I considered it myself. However, in the end, I deferred to Martin’s wishes on the matter. His priority was Amelia, and she was convinced Sir Clarence’s behavior stemmed from greed and his inability to seize her fortune. She either didn’t understand or ignored the possibility that some of his obsession might stem from lust. Hardly her fault. Consider the way they were raised. Lady Montgomery thought the word ‘stomach’ was indelicate. She taught them both to be ashamed of their bodies. There were many things Martin didn’t understand about the physical side of affection until wemet.”

Gideon pressed a hand on his stomach, an instinctive gesture to try to hold himself together. Whatever Sir Clarence had done, his villainy hadn’t been complete. Amelia hadn’t been violated while under hisroof.

She had still been a virgin until tonight.He didn’t let himself think about anythingelse.

“That was in Italy,” he prompted. Worthing was finally talking, and he needed to takeadvantage.

The viscount nodded, his eyes distant and sad. “I fell in love with Martin that very first night in Rome. And he returned my affection. Amelia was a bit harder to win over. She was suspicious of anyone who threatened her relationship with him. Martin was all shehad.”

“But you won her overeventually.”

He shrugged. “I made him happy. Amelia is too generous a soul to have ever begrudged him that. She…she told me I would always be a part of her family.” A tear slipped down hischeek.

Gideon let Worthing recover before asking the impertinent question he most wanted the answer to. “So…they did plan on havingchildren?’

“It would not have been a unique arrangement,” Worthing pointed out. “There are many like it in the ton. Martin knew he needed an heir. But given the nature of things between them, they were content to put the thing off. As long as they were abroad, Sir Clarence’s threat wasinconsequential.”

“But they returned before they did their duty,” Gideon mused. Another piece of the puzzle fell into place. “You’re the reason they came back toEngland.”

His companion’s hands dropped limply in his lap. “I ran out of time. My uncle had passed on to his reward, and I inherited the title. Suddenly, I had several estates to run, but Martin and I did not want to part. I asked him to come with me to Kent. He convinced Amelia to settlenearby.”

“In a house you owned, according to myinquiries.”

Worthing looked surprised, but his expression melted away to one of resignation. “Yes. Before I departed for the continent, I purchased the manor house neighboring my future estate. It was just meant to be an investment, but after meeting Martin and Amelia, I decided it would the ideal home for them. Little did Iknow…”

Worthing broke off, blinking back tears. “That damnstaircase.”

Gideon collapsed, sinking back into the cushions. “So, it really was anaccident.”

“Of course. What else could it havebeen?”

“And after Martin was gone, you proposed to Amelia to protect her from myuncle.”

It wasn’t a question, but Worthing nodded again. “It’s what he would have wanted. Amelia puts on a brave front, but I know that even after all this time, she’s still afraid of SirClarence.”

With good reason.Sir Clarence’s desire to wed Amelia to the impotent Cannonburry was starting to make sense. Old Cannonburry was so desperate for an heir, he might actually agree to someone else siring thebabe.

Gideon passed a hand over his face, shoving the rage and indignation he felt away with effort. “I wish Martin had trusted me enough to tell me about his fears for Amelia. I have wasted so muchtime.”

If he’d known the truth, he would have come to her immediately. She wouldn’t have had any reason to fear hisuncle.

We could be married bynow.

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