Page 108 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
She frowned. “What’s wrong? Amelia and I were eating breakfast together when her parents arrived. I could tell she wasn’t expecting them, and it was early for a social visit. Something must have happened.”
He debated how much to tell her. He couldn’t in goodconscience mention his mistress to his younger sister, but she did need to be warned of the situation.
“Word has spread that I lost our money and married Amelia to get her dowry,” he admitted.
Kate’s face fell. “Oh no. Does everyone know?”
He considered this. “The men at my club did, and so did Amelia’s parents, so I assume most of the ton has heard.”
Her shoulders slumped. “They will be gossiping about us, and not in a good way.”
“I’m sorry.” His gut squeezed. If he’d been a more responsible man, they’d never have ended up in this position. But then, he’d never have married Amelia either, so he wasn’t sure he could bring himself to regret it.
She gasped, her eyes widening. “Poor Amelia.” She bit her lip. “Surely people know you care for her and this isn’t just a marriage of convenience?”
He was already shaking his head. “I’ve found that people tend to believe whatever story is the most compelling. No doubt they’ll be saying that she bought and paid for an unwilling but impoverished husband.”
It wasn’t completely untrue, but it wasn’t the whole story either.
“Is that why she left? She was upset?”
“Yes.”
She clenched and unclenched her fists. “But where would she go?”
“I don’t know.” He hesitated, then asked, “Could you please get Mother? We need to decide how we’re going to deal with this.”
Lady Drake had more experience with the whims of society than he did. She’d be the one best placed to guide their next steps.
“Of course.” Kate backed out of the doorway. “Is there anything else I can do?”
“Not right now. Well, perhaps we could use some more tea,” he amended. Having something to do would make her feel better, even as menial a task as requesting another tea tray.
Kate nodded and glided away.
Andrew sat on the chaise. He crossed his legs and tapped one foot on the ground while he waited for his mother and sister to reappear.
When his mother entered, she took one look at him and grimaced. “Kate said you have bad news for me.”
“Have a seat.” He patted the cushion beside him. “You remember how I warned you that Mrs. Giles may cause some trouble?”
“Yes.” She stacked her hands on her lap. “Has she started spreading rumors as she threatened to?”
“Yes, unfortunately. Mrs. Hart was here asking about it this morning, and the gentlemen at my club know too. There is no avoiding this.”
Kate breezed into the room with Mrs. Smythe behind her. She waved her hand toward the table. “Please set the tea tray there, Mrs. Smythe.”
A maid cleared the existing tray, and Mrs. Smythe set the new tea tray down. “Would you like me to pour?”
“No,” Lady Drake said. “I’ll take care of it.”
Mrs. Smythe curtsied, and she and the maid left the room.
Kate sat on one of the chairs nearest to the chaise. “So, how shall we proceed?”
Andrew cleared his throat as Lady Drake got up and started fixing the tea. “You, my dear, will return to your chambers while Mother and I decide on that.”
“But that’s not fair,” Kate protested. “This affects me as much as it does you. Why can’t I help?”
