Page 79 of Wickeds Scandal
No letter had ever arrived. Nor hadhe communicated with the Dowager or his sister. Alexandra assumed herhusband communicated with Viscount Lindley, but since her husband’s friend wasin Bermuda, she could not ask him.
Alexandra tried not to think ofSutton. Most days she succeeded. The renovations to Helmsby Abbeytook nearly every waking moment, and when not supervising the building of thenew barn, Alexandra tended to Cambourne. But, at night, Sutton invadedher dreams.
She woke nearly every morning by reachingout to touch the pillow next to her head, disappointed each time that Sutton’sdark head did not grace it. Alexandra dreamed of the dragon, its endlesstail stretching out as far as she could see. She begged the tail to windaround her and bring her to Sutton. He had to be at the other end.Except he never was.
The baby kicked, firmly, interrupting herthoughts. She watched in amazement as her stomach rippled and moved.Closing her eyes, she thought of the child she carried. No matter whathappened, she would have a piece of Sutton. Forever. Cherished andloved by her. The child would want for nothing. Sutton had setaside a huge sum of his fortune in Alexandra’s name, in case, she thoughtsadly, he never returned. If the child were a girl, Herbert would receiveonly the entailed estates and the title. Alexandra often wondered ifJeanette, immersed in her greed and ambition, sure of her intelligence and holdon Sutton, would think him capable of outsmarting her.
A carriage rolled into the drive ofHelmsby Abbey bearing the Cambourne coat of arms. Alexandra’s heartcaught in her throat. She hurried to the front door, clenching her handsin excitement. She opened the door and rushed out to the drive.
The carriage door swung open and a spillof violet silk followed. “Goodness, Alexandra! You look as if youswallowed the Christmas goose!”
Alexandra felt her face freeze into asmile and tried not to show her disappointment. Miranda. But shewasn’t quick enough.
Dazzling emerald eyes regarded her withregret. “You thought I was Sutton.” Miranda murmured somethingcomforting and held Alexandra close.
Alexandra hugged her friendtightly. Helmsby Abbey was isolated and she missed Miranda. “I am so veryglad you are here.” She pulled back from Miranda’s embrace. “Soglad.” Taking Miranda’s hand, she led her up the walk. “Not in theleast disappointed.”
“My goodness, Alex! What acharming place. And you say there is a library? Oh, I shall adoregetting my hands dirty while I help you clean it. I am relieved that yourhorrid uncle didn’t sell your books as he did the furniture.”
“Odious Oliver never did see the value inbooks,” Alexandra said wryly.
Miranda waltzed through the large frontdoor and removed her bonnet, tossing it on a side table. Jameson, theaged butler, moved as quickly as he could to catch Miranda’s cloak.
“My apologies, my lady.” His handshook, as he collected Miranda’s things.
Miranda looked over his head atAlexandra. A smile twitched her lips.
“This is Jameson. Jameson,this is Lady Miranda Reynolds. See that the blue room is made up forher.”
Jameson nodded, hurrying away as fast ashis aged legs could carry him. When he vanished around a corner, Mirandaburst into laughter.
“He is even older thanGrandmother!” Miranda looked at Alexandra, all amusement gone from hergaze. “You were right to save them, Alexandra. Because of you theyhave a home.”
“Yes, well,” her voice caught, “it hascost me dearly.” A sob left her lips.
Miranda moved forward, but Alexandrawaved her away. “It’s all right. Women’s nerves. Thebaby.” She ran her hands over her stomach.
Miranda looked as if about to mention Sutton,then thought better of it. She smiled brightly. “Yes! Thebaby. I am full of questions. Does it kick? Do you dreamabout it? I say that only because I read once that a woman who isenceintewill sometimes dream about her child and the dreams come true. Andfurthermore –“
Alexandra laughed, grateful her friendhad chosen a subject Alexandra did not mind discussing. “Miranda – thatis quite the most anyone has said to me in quite some time. I must catchmy breath.”
Miranda giggled, her green eyes brightand so like Sutton’s that Alexandra felt a spurt of longing for him.Tears welled in her eyes.
Miranda cocked her head, her green gazealight with intelligence. “He’s a dimwit, Alex. I never thought tosay such a thing about Sutton, but he is just, well, he’s got to be addled toleave you.” Miranda put her hand to Alex’s cheek. “He does loveyou, you know. I saw it that day at Thrumbadges. He’s just a bit– damaged.”
Alexandra shook her head. “Miranda, youdon’t need to –“
“I know all about that business betweenhim and my mother. You must understand.” Miranda made a face. “She’s a terribleperson, my mother. When we were children, well I should say that when Iwas a child, Sutton is nine years my elder, my mother used to say things tohim. Wrong things when father wasn’t around. I knew even then shehated him.” Miranda sighed. “Sutton used to moon after Mother.Obeyed her every whim. He was so desperate for her to love him. I oftenwondered why, as she never loved me and I didn’t miss it.” Mirandashrugged nonchalantly, but Alexandra noted the thread of hurt in her words. “Iam not excusing his behavior, Alex. I just want you to understand thatSutton never allows anyone to see who he really is, but I suspect he allowedyou to, and it scared him. That’s why it was so easy for Mother to drivehim away.”
“I should have told him, Miranda.”
“I think it’s actually Grandmother’sfault. She shouldn’t have purchased Helmsby Abbey without telling you, orhim, though it’s glorious by the way.”
“I don’t blame the Dowager. I blamemyself.” Alexandra’s brow wrinkled. “I should have told him beforeI married him but I was –“
“Afraid he would run away? Motherdid this to him before. Years ago.” She cocked a brow atAlexandra. “But we won’t speak of that now.” She gave a pointed look atAlexandra’s stomach. “I know grandmother’s told you everything. Incase –“
“Sutton doesn’t return.” The wordshung in the air between them. So the Dowager had lost hope that hergrandson would come back to England. A feeling of desolation stole overher. She needed to be strong. Alexandra raised her chin andfiercely pushed away the fear she felt.
