Page 35 of The Lord Next Door
She looked down at the invitations she was still holding, wishing this had happened after they’d at least been formally introduced.
“My lord, I know this mail belongs to you and your son.”
“Then why are you touching it?”
“Because I saw several addressed in a woman’s hand.”
“And why should that concern you? You can hardly accuse him of an affair two days after your marriage.”
“An affair?” she repeated in a quiet, stunned voice. Good lord, did even his father know about his mistress? “I would never make accusations, my lord.” She didn’t need to.
The valet was looking pointedly at the floor, and Victoria inwardly winced that a servant had to overhear such a personal disagreement.
“Then why do you care who corresponds with him?” the earl demanded.
How could she tell him that she was still frightened by simple party invitations, that the thought of attempting to dance at a ball made her feel dizzy inside?
“I had assumed that one of my roles as his wife would be to look after the social aspects of our marriage. I thought the letters were party invitations.”
“They may very well be, but he never attends anymore. If you married him for the rise in social class, you’ll be vastly disappointed,” he added with satisfaction.
She could not be angry with Lord Banstead—she’d married his son for something far worse: the safety bought by his money. She had no right to feel slighted because the earl didn’t like her. Yet she couldn’t think of a way to change his attitude.
Instead she let herself think about Lord Thurlow. So his father didn’t know he’d begun to socialize with commoners. Yet Lord Thurlow never attended the events of the ton? She couldn’t be surprised, because of the rumors of scandal attached to his family name. She imagined it was easier for Lord Thurlow to deal with wealthy railway directors, who cared more about his money than any gossip. No wonder he hadn’t found a bride among the ton. His relationship with his own class seemed so very mysterious. Yet she still didn’t feel comfortable asking him to explain everything. She sensed he was far too proud.
“My lord, a rise in social class is not the reason I married your son,” Victoria said. “And since you are aware of my background, you’ll know that society is nothing I’m accustomed to. I can’t miss what I have never known.” And she admitted to herself a feeling of relief that she would not have to find out. If Lord Thurlow did not wish to socialize with the ton, she was just fine with that.
“So you say,” the earl said, glancing over his shoulder at his valet. The man came forward to slowly push the wheelchair toward her.
She held her ground. Her mother was staring intently at the earl, a frown spreading across her face. Victoria could not have Mama saying something they’d both regret.
“My lord, I will do my best to be the kind of wife your son needs.”
The slow roll of the chair brought him past them.
“That will never be possible,” he said coldly.
The valet pushed the earl down the corridor, through his bedroom door, and closed it behind him.
“What a terrible man, to speak to you in such an abhorrent manner!” her mother said.
“I know. He’s old and sick. It will take him time to—to—”
“You are too kind, Victoria.” Her mother searched her eyes. “That is an accomplishment I take pride in.”
Victoria blinked back tears of gratitude. “Come, Mama, let’s go see off Louisa and Meriel.”
~oOo~
When David returned at mid-morning, he found Victoria waiting in the drawing room. She was alone, for which he was grateful. He thought that it might be easier to steer her wardrobe choices without her mother in attendance.
She stood up when she saw him, her expression polite but reserved. “I am ready, my lord.”
She looked so prim and proper, garbed well but not looking indecently wealthy.
And she was his. For the first time he truly looked at her and realized that someone finally belonged to him. He felt rather bewildered at such emotions, and decided it was only because he was physically frustrated by the slow pace of their intimacy.
Or maybe he was still feeling guilty that he’d allowed his mistress in his home, something he’d never done before.
