Page 15 of Loving a Dowager
She sighed and confessed, “Unfortunately, I still do.”
Walter glanced at Nicholas, who was shaking his head behind Lady Irene. Lecturing the girl would do no good. She demonstrated a strength that Walter would not have expected from a pampered daughter of an earl. “And yet you are willing to let him go through with his betrothal to Lady Bertha?”
“She has the funds he needs. Please try and understand, my lord. My dowry was insufficient to help out Charlie. I ran away and my papa disowned me.” She shifted the babe to the other hip. “Mama’s runners found me and brought me here. It is all her pin money can buy.”
Interesting that it was Lady Irene’s mama who funded the roof of the lady’s head and not Otterman. However, if Otterman’s financial affairs were as dire as Lady Irene believed, then he did not have the blunt to even afford this pitiful abode. He glanced around at the sparse furnishings. Living in these conditions was a steep price to pay for love.
Lady Irene brushed a tear that had escaped from the corner of her eye. “I didn’t think he’d find me. I thought he would have already married. He needs Lady Bertha, not me.”
“He found a way to avoid debtors’ prison all these months; he can’t be totally without funds. It’s obvious to me he loves you and you love him.” His reply had all the traits of an argument Henrietta might make. She wasn’t even present, and Henrietta still was able to influence his thoughts and actions.
“Love doesn’t feed mouths, my lord.” Lady Irene put the sleeping bundle back into the crib. “Charlie has his tenants to think of. He needs to marry Lady Bertha and to forget about me.”
He countered, “Is that what you truly wish?”
She turned to face him. With honest eyes she answered, “No. But wishes are for fools.”
“Tell me, if your dowry were enough to cover Lord Otterman’s debts, would you agree to marry the man and live a meagre but substantially better life than here in the Dials?”
“Lord Weathersbee, I long ago learnt not to ponder upon what might be and instead to deal with reality in all its harshness.” She sighed. “My papa will not pay a penny to the man I marry now. He’s disowned me.” The baby let out a small cry. Lady Irene rocked the crib and when all was quiet once more, she admitted, “If by some miracle, my papa agreed to pay the dowry, and if it was enough to make Charlie solvent once more,andI could save Charlie from the debtors, then I would.” She wrapped her arms tight about her waist. “I love the fool.”
Nicholas came to stand next to him. “If my uncle is able to arrange matters, will you agree to do your part and marry the man?”
What the devil was his nephew thinking?
“Please don’t speak of such absurdity. It will only fuel the false hopes I hold deep in my heart. While my papa holds Lord Weathersbee in high esteem, and it is well known by all that your uncle’s skills as a keen negotiator are unparalleled…even so, it would be a great feat to have all of Charlie’s affairs set to rights. I can’t image anyone being able to complete such a deed.”
Nicholas puffed out his chest. “Alas, my lady, you do not know my uncle. There is nothing he cannot accomplish.”
Touched by his nephew’s faith in him, Walter rested a hand on Nicholas’ shoulder. “Allow me to handle this.” Walter asked, “Do you trust me?”
The woman searched his features. “Aye.”
Grabbing Nicholas by the elbow, Walter gave him a slight shove, prompting the lad to make his way towards the front door before Nicholas made any further promises Walter would have to fulfill. “Then I suggest you prepare to leave this home by week’s end.” Walter bowed and caught up to his nephew, leaving a stunned Lady Irene behind.
Walter halted on the step and bent down next to the dejected Otterman. “You do not deserve a boon after failing one lady and attempting to trick another. However, I also know it was your papa who was fiscally irresponsible, while you have attempted to rectify his missteps before making your own.” Walter straightened. A twinge in his back reminded him of his age. Not as agile as he once was, he rolled to his shoulders and twisted slight to relieve the ache in his lower back. “Argh. Stand up, man.”
Confusion plastered on his features, Otterman rose and said, “I blame love for my confounded behavior.”
Walter continued, “In love or not, a gentleman should conduct his affairs with honor, not with lies, deception, and secrets. If I assist you out of this mess, you shall promise to conduct yourself as a true gentleman should and bring honor to the Otterman title. Agreed?”
“If you manage such a feat, I shall forever be in your debt.”
“It’s not your favor I request but your word, Otterman.” Walter paused as the man considered his offer and nodded. Satisfied, Walter descended the steps as he said, “You will be required to speak to Lady Bertha directly and apologize, during the morning calling hours. Nicholas shall accompany you to ensure the deed is done.”
Otterman nodded but his gaze and form shifted to Lady Irene’s front door. Relieved to see the Darlington coach roll to a stop in front of them, Walter rubbed his aching back, glad he wouldn’t have to usher the man too far from the stoop.
Nicholas stepped up to the open coach door. “Otterman, we shall see you home.”
Otterman swiveled and approached the vehicle. “My thanks for your assistance, Darlington.” He stepped up and flopped on to the forward-facing seat. The entitled fool was sitting in Walter’s spot.
Walter replaced his slight frown with a smile as he passed Nicholas. He was grateful for his nephew’s company and support this eve. It was a smart move to insist Otterman accompany them. It would do no good to let the man out of their sight until everything had been settled.
Comfortably seated across from Nicholas and Otterman, Walter eyed the man slumped in the corner.
Nicholas leaned forward and motioned for Walter to do the same. “Uncle. If love makes a man behave as such, why would you wish such an affliction for me?”
Otterman had blamed love for his foolish actions. Lady Irene had acted out of love, believing Otterman would be happier and safer without her. Walter himself had made drastic choices in the name of love. Regardless, Nicholas’s life would be fuller if he married for love and not for convenience.
