Page 32 of A Love to Remember
Rose let herself relax into him. “Thank you,” she whispered.
And as Christian turned her toward the chaise longue and the other women, the butler called them all to dinner.
—
Rose knew it was the height of rudeness to call on anyone unannounced. But to call on a gentleman, a married gentleman, when everyone knew she was the Wicked Widow and looking for a new paramour, was perhaps a worse crime. However, she doubted anyone would imagine the recently married Duke of Claymore would be open to any kind of dalliance. She hoped not.
It was why she was calling in the middle of the afternoon.
When the duke’s butler announced her and stood aside to let her enter Hadley’s study, the duke’s eyes rounded in surprise.
“Your Grace,” he said. “This is an unexpected pleasure.” She took the chair he indicated. “Thurston, some tea?”
“Certainly, Your Grace.” Thurston took his leave, closing the door behind him.
Hadley raised an eyebrow. “My wife is not at home at present.”
Of course he would be at a complete loss as to why she was there. How did she begin? “I know. And I apologize. I’m so sorry to come here unannounced but I need some advice on a very delicate matter.”
A guarded look came into his eyes as he took the high-backed chair near her. “I will, of course, give you every possible assistance.”
She wished she had not come. But it was too late now. “You were at Lady Serena’s last night so you know the situation between Lord Cumberland and myself.”
He nodded, looking even more uncomfortable than she felt.
“What you may not know, is that Lord Cumberland’s decision is not simply that he does not wish to marryme”—she cleared her throat—“but that he intends to never marry at all.”
Hadley nodded slowly. “Unfortunate, but I still do not see how I can help. If you are looking to me to make him change his mind, I believe you would do better to discuss that with Grayson or Arend. I’m more of an acquaintance than friend.”
Before she could reply a maid entered, bearing the refreshments tray. She waited for her to leave and then at a nod from Hadley poured them both a cup.
“Are you not curious,” she said, handing him one of the fragile cups, “why an earl would choose not to marry—ever?”
Hadley’s teacup stopped halfway to his lips. “It’s unusual, certainly. Most men with a title know their position in society comes with obligations. He saidnever?”
She nodded, sipping her tea, waiting for the liquid to warm her.
“He does have three brothers.”
“Yes, he does.” She took a deep breath. “Would it surprise you to learn he thinks he does not deserve the title, or have the right to hand it down to his son? That he believes it should go to Thomas, or Thomas’s son.”
Hadley understood immediately. “Ah.” He rubbed his head. “I’m still not sure how you think I can help.”
She carefully placed her teacup on the table. “I believe—and some comments Lord Cumberland has made confirm this—that he does not wish to marry and sire an heir because he feels responsible for Robert’s death, and that he should not prosper from such an action.”
“Oh.” The light went on in Hadley’s eyes. “And you wish to ask me how I dealt with the guilt of my brother’s death. Or perhaps you think I could talk to Philip?”
She sat back in her chair, ashamed for asking. “I really don’t know what I want from you. Perhaps only hope. You have married.” She sighed and rubbed a tired hand over her eyes. “It seems such a pity that a man who loves children—and, I think, loves me—would waste his life out of guilt. But I don’t know how to make him see sense. He cannot bring Robert back.”
She was close to tears when she finished, and when Hadley spoke, his words were softhearted and laced with pity. “No two situations are ever alike. While I was full of sorrow at Augustus’s death and admit feeling responsible, I had actually been running the Claymore estates since my father died. So no, I did not feel guilty for inheriting the title. Philip’s story is very different.”
She lifted her head to look at him and tears welled in her eyes.
“Come now. There’s no need for tears.” He took her hand. “It does not mean Philip can’t learn to live with his guilt. I don’t think such a thing ever leaves one, but it is possible to live a full life—including marriage and children.”
Hope awoke in her breast and she dashed away her tears. But his next words had that hope plummeting again.
“You can certainly help him, but badgering him is not the answer. He must come to the realization on his own.”
