Page 83 of A Whisper of Desire
“Tellme.”
He drew a deep breath. “The splinter of wood was large. Dr. Colbert did all he could, but your womb was too damaged and the small splinters of wood too embedded. He feared gangrene.” He paused. Then, in a quiet voice filled with pity, he destroyed her world. “He had to remove your womb.”
Shock shook her to her core. “I cannot have children,” she said to herself in a whisper filled with pain. Her whole body screamedNo.This could not be, but the hand, now trembling, that was tracing her scar through her robe knew it was the truth.
Don’t cry. Don’t fall to pieces in front of him. You are a duchess.Numb with shock and pain, she turned to him. “Thank you for telling me. I realize that could not have been easy.”
He brushed her concern aside. “Can I call someone to be with you? This must be quite a shock. I know His Grace was dev—”
His words about her husband sent more arrows of pain through her. He would never have his son and heir.
“Thank you. No, I shall be fine. I just need to rest before our dinner engagement tonight.”
He looked at her strangely. “I’m so sorry.” She merely nodded, trying desperately to hold on to her composure until she was alone.
Hesitantly he stood and nodded. As he made his way to her door, she added, “Please do not tell anyone of our conversation. This is between His Grace and me.”
He drew himself up and bowed. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Then he left her to grieve alone, the closing of the door a death knell on her life. She couldn’t stay married to Maitland now that she was so damaged.
She thought of Priscilla. Of the dignified way she had acted when she’d been abducted and abused. Priscilla had walked away from everything her heart desired because of her love for Maitland. She could have insisted on a marriage, and his honor would have seen him comply.
There was no choice. Marisa had to do the same. She had to leave him, demand a divorce. He needed an heir and now she would never be able to give him one.
The room spun and she slid off her chair to the floor, curled into a ball, and cried until she could cry no more.
—
Maitland skipped up the front steps of Kenwood House. It had been nice to get out with the men after the weeks staying by Marisa’s side. Yes, the enemy was still out there, but his wife was alive and still his.
Tattersall’s had been fun. He’d found a nice gelding for Marisa, a dapple-gray, fourteen-hands-high steed called Greystoke.
Plus, tonight they would have visitors. His spirits lifted. All of the Libertine Scholars and their families would converge to celebrate Marisa’s recovery and also to plan their next move. The men’s wives had been constant visitors since her return to London, but tonight would be the first time they had all been together.
He had plans of his own for later in the night too. He’d checked with Dr. Philips this morning on the way to Tattersall’s and he gave his permission to begin relations with Marisa. He’d ached with longing just to be able to feel her silken skin naked against his.
The dinner and business about the villainess came first. He had a score to settle. The woman would die for what she’d done to Marisa. For what the bitch had cost her and him. He’d never wanted revenge like he thirsted for it now. He hoped for good news from Arend tonight.
Apparently, Hadley told him, Arend had stayed very quiet when told what Angelo’s last words were,Fleur de Lily. Arend didn’t know the meaning of the phrase, but he’d been using the past weeks to find out more.
Yesterday, news had reached the others that Arend thought he had another lead, and he would share his findings tonight over dinner.
Maitland pulled out his watch. He had arrived home in plenty of time to bathe and change for dinner. The house was busy with the preparations as he walked upstairs toward his bedchamber.
He met Priscilla at the top of the stairs. “Hello, Cilla, have you had a nice day?”
She smiled at him and gave him a brief curtsey. “I took the girls to the museum again. They love the place.”
He stopped short at her words. “Perhaps I could escort them next time. I’m so sorry I haven’t been such a good host and it’s the first trip to London for the girls.”
“You have a lot on your mind, what with Marisa and this enemy.”
He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I don’t know what I would have done without you here. The house has never run so smoothly, and the boys we rescued…well, Simon worships you.”
Her face flushed a pretty dark pink. She really was a beautiful woman; it was such a shame that she could not marry. She deserved happiness.
“It has been my pleasure, Mait. It reminds me of the days when I was your hostess at The Vyne.”
