Page 69 of The Duke of Kisses
Mother sniffed. “She’s too good for us now, John. She’s got her sights set on a title, no doubt.”
As the youngest, Fanny had always felt a bit picked on by everyone else, with the exception of Ivy, of course, and of her father, who had doted on her when she was a child. That had faded after Ivy had left home. It was as if he’d turned his back on both his daughters. And her brothers had always teased her and made her feel rather alone. Turning to her mother hadn’t helped. She’d simply put Fanny to work and told her not to wallow in self-pity. Consequently, Fanny had spent a great deal of time at Patience’s house. It was too bad she couldn’t escape there now, but Patience shared a small cottage with her husband and baby. While Fanny would always be welcome at Patience’s parents’ house, they were busy preparing to marry off their last child tomorrow. Fanny couldn’t possibly intrude.
“I can’t imagine what a peer would see in our Fanny,” Father said, talking as if she weren’t sitting immediately to his left. “But then I’ve no idea what one would have seen in Mary either, particularly given her demeanor.”
“What do you mean? That’s precisely what one saw in her,” Mother said. “For all we know, she seduced the poor man.”
Fanny looked between her parents as rage poured through her. Could they speak of their daughters this way? And right in front of one of them?
“He seemed rather besotted when he visited with her,” Jacob said.
“Because she’s a seductress.” Father lifted his gaze heavenward. “God bless her soul.”
Fanny dropped her fork and abruptly stood. “I can’t sit here and listen to this any longer. Ivy made a mistake and trusted the wrong man, and instead of supporting her, you turned your backs on your own flesh and blood. God should blessyoursouls, but I fear he may not.”
Her mother gasped, and her father pounded his hand on the table. “Sit down!”
“No. I’m leaving.” She glanced at John, who stared up at her, his arm arrested in mid-motion on the way to spooning peas into his mouth. “I’ll attend your wedding tomorrow, but then I shall leave, and I won’t return. I’m to marry the Earl of St. Ives, which I didn’t wish to tell you because I knew you’d be angry. But I no longer care how you feel. Indeed, I wonder why I ever did.” She dropped her napkin onto her chair and marched from the dining room.
Her heart pounded as she dashed up the stairs. She startled Barker, who was just coming from Fanny’s room. “What’s the matter?” the maid asked, looking concerned.
Fanny went into the bedchamber. “We need to leave.”
“Now?” Barker asked. “I was just going down to dinner.”
Wincing, Fanny turned to face her. “Yes, now. I’m sorry. We’ll go into town and find something to eat at the Black Rabbit.” She hoped they had a room for her. If not, she could stay with David, as scandalous as that would be.
“Help me pack, please. I can’t stay here another moment.”
Barker touched her hand and gave her a reassuring smile. “I understand. I’ve heard how your parents are, particularly your mother.”
“They were being just awful about Ivy.” Fanny shook her head, wishing she could banish this evening from her mind. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t ever need to return.”
She’d felt a duty to be a good sister and come for John’s wedding. She didn’t feel that duty anymore. In fact, if it weren’t for seeing Patience tomorrow and being there for Mercy, she wouldn’t even bother attending the wedding.
Barker pulled the trunk from beneath the bed. “Then let’s be on our way.”
* * *
David turned the page of his well-worn copy ofHistory of British Birdsas a knock sounded on his door. At dinner earlier, the innkeeper had said he would bring up a glass of port, much to David’s appreciation.
He set the book on the bedside table and stood up from the four-poster where he’d been reclining. He’d discarded his coat and cravat, but didn’t bother donning them for the innkeeper.
Only it wasn’t the innkeeper.
“Good evening, my lord!” It was one of the other guests, a Mrs. Oglethorpe. Widowed, she was traveling back to York after visiting her sister on the coast. She was a few years older than David, with bright blonde hair and a quick laugh. She’d provided amusing companionship at dinner along with four other guests.
“I do hope I’m not intruding.” Her gaze dipped to where his shirt was open at the neck. “Mr. Lyle has offered us port and sherry downstairs. He was going to bring your port up, but I thought you’d much prefer to join us. We’re going to play cards.”
Port and cards did sound intriguing. It was that or spend the evening counting the moments until he would see Fanny tomorrow. “Let me dress properly, and I’ll be right down.”
Mrs. Oglethorpe shot another glance toward the triangle of flesh he displayed. “If you must,” she murmured before flashing him a brilliant smile. “See you downstairs!”
He closed the door and quickly put himself to rights, then joined the guests gathered in the common room. Aside from Mrs. Oglethorpe, there were two brothers—the Misters Keeling—and a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Tabor, and Mrs. Tabor’s sister, Miss Vaughn.
“Ah, here’s Lord St. Ives,” Mrs. Oglethorpe said. Her smile dripped into a frown. “We are just one woman shy of equal numbers. What a shame.”
“Was there to be dancing?” David asked, thinking he maybe ought to have stayed upstairs.
