Page 80 of My Highland Rogue
“I understand why you would wish to stay with your godmother, Lady Jennifer. However, I hope that you will find time to call on us before returning to Adaire Hall.”
She forced a smile to her face. All she truly wanted to do was enter Ellen’s house, close the door behind her, and forget about the rest of the world.
Yet because of his kindness, she only said, “That would be nice.”
She glanced at Lauren. Even though Mary had an idiot for a father, she was blessed by having a devoted mother.
Although Ellen invited the occupants of the carriage to come inside, rest, and have some refreshments, they declined.
“Thank you for your kind invitation,” Mr. Campbell said. “However, I think that my daughter would benefit by shortly being in her bed.”
He was probably right. Lauren did look a little pale. It was unusual for a new mother to embark on a long carriage ride only weeks following a birth. Evidently, Lauren had been so desperate to leave Adaire Hall that she was willing to put up with a little misery.
Jennifer kissed Lauren on the cheek, promised to call on her shortly, and thanked Mr. Campbell for his kindness before exiting the carriage. Itwas only due to him that she was here at all. Mr. Campbell’s driver surrendered her valises to Ellen’s footman.
She and Ellen waved goodbye until the carriage made it through the gates.
“I’m thinking that Lauren isn’t the only young woman who needs to seek her bed,” Ellen said, turning to her. “You, my dear, are looking exceedingly pale. Are you feeling all right?”
She was enfolded in a perfumed hug and suddenly wanted to cry. Ellen had always been a source of comfort to her, especially after her mother died.
Ellen pulled back and looked at Jennifer. “Are you certain you’re feeling well?”
Jennifer nodded, forcing a smile to her face. She could feel her defenses falling too quickly to prepare herself. If Ellen said anything else, she might burst into tears.
In moments she was whisked inside the house, her cloak removed, and she was led into one of the oddest rooms in Ellen’s home. Ellen called it Colin’s Aerie. In addition to being fascinated with fish, Colin had also been interested in birds. There were a great many stuffed specimens in the sitting room, and they never failed to disconcert Jennifer. Each one of the birds had been encased in a glass dome, but that didn’t lessen the effect of a dozen pairs of beady eyes staring at her as she sat on one of the sofas.
“If you are ill, my dear girl, I shall summon my physician immediately.”
“I’m not ill, Ellen, truthfully. I’m just tired.”
She didn’t think Ellen believed her, but hergodmother didn’t question her further. Ellen did, however, insist that Jennifer have a restorative cup of tea. The maid also brought in a tray filled with delicacies. Ellen’s cook made exquisite pastries, and it was a miracle she didn’t gain several pounds whenever she came to stay with her godmother.
Although she wasn’t hungry, she made a point of taking a small cake. Either that or have Ellen watch her with eyes just as sharp as one of the specimens on the shelves around them.
“Will you tell me what’s bothering you?”
She wasn’t the least surprised that Ellen knew something was wrong. The older woman had a sixth sense where she was concerned.
“There won’t be a wedding, Ellen. That’s all I’ll say.”
“Not a wedding? Why?”
She simply looked at Ellen. She had no intention of discussing the matter any further.
“Not right now,” she said. “Please.”
Thankfully, Ellen only nodded, but there was a look in her eyes that said Jennifer had only been given a reprieve. Ellen would have the full story.
Jennifer couldn’t give it to her. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to speak the words.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Gordon waited a week before visiting his solicitor. He knew why he delayed: the moment he went to see Blackthorne, he’d make it real. Sean’s words would no longer simply be a deathbed confession, they would become a legal matter.
He expected his solicitor to listen patiently, but tell him that, since he had no documented proof or witnesses, the tale of switching infants would be just a story.
Thomas Blackthorne, a man with whom he’d done business for four years, surprised him by nodding sagely when Gordon was finished.
