Page 75 of If the Duke Dares
Moving closer to his sisters, Acton asked, “Why?”
“Just seeing you all here…” Their mother clasped her hands over her heart. Her eyes glistened, and she blinked. “I’ve waited so very long for this. I wonder if you might humor me and sit for a portrait some time.”
That reminded Acton of the portrait of him in her sitting room. He wanted to ask her about it, but not in front of his sisters. For some reason, the matter felt…private.
“I’m so glad you are here, Mama,” Francesca said, sitting down in the nearest chair. “But now you won’t receive the letter I sent yesterday.”
“Well, you can tell me what you wrote in person.” The dowager also sat, which prompted Cecily to do the same, and Acton sank back into his chair.
Francesca sent an uncomfortable look toward Acton. “I wrote to you about Miss Pandora Barclay. She was compromised by Wellesbourne’s friend, Banemore.”
“Oh, yes, I’d heard about that. At least a half dozen of my friends here wrote to me about it.”
Acton turned toward her. “Did you know about it when you agreed for me to meet with Miss Barclay?”
“I did not, but would it have mattered?” The dowager’s dark red-brown brows gathered as her forehead pleated.
“Not as far as a courtship between me and Miss Barclay; however, I would have liked to know about Bane’s transgression.”
“You find his behavior upsetting?” his mother asked.
“I find it repugnant.” Acton hoped he would hear from Bane or one of their friends soon. “I have been trying to help Miss Pandora regain her standing in Society. She should not have to suffer because Bane led her along, then surprised her with a make-believe betrothal.”
His mother gasped. “He isn’t actually betrothed?”
Acton exhaled. “I don’t know, but it seems unlikely in my opinion. I saw him not long ago, and he would have said something about being leg-shackled. I also can’t imagine he would behave as he had with Miss Pandora if he’d already promised to wed someone else. But then that is the problem. He’s behaved poorly regardless of whether he’s betrothed or not.”
“I’m glad to hear you say so.” His mother sounded…proud? And perhaps a little surprised? She would know all about his reputation, of course. Did she believe everything she’d heard? Acton shifted in his seat, unsettled by any sense of judgment from her.
“Wellesbourne is not the reprobate we thought,” Cecily said, sending Acton a smile that made him feel…odd. It was warm and conveyed support, but it was more than that. It was…familial?
“Indeed, when Miss Pandora turned her ankle at Sydney Gardens yesterday, Wellesbourne ensured she was all right and even carried her to her coach,” Francesca added. “I imagine everyone is talking about that.”
Their mother nodded. “They are, in fact. When I arrived a short while ago, one of the neighbors asked if I’d come to town because a betrothal was imminent. Apparently, Lord and Lady Radstock are also here.”
They were? Acton tensed. He didn’t like thinking of what they would say to Persey upon seeing her after she’d run away from them. He had a sudden urge to go to her. At least he would see her soon at the Pump Room.
Would her parents be there too now that they were in Bath? He hoped not. His impression of them was not good, and he preferred to avoid them if possible.
“How did you and Lady Radstock become friends?” Acton asked, thinking his mother was so much kinder and warmhearted than the baroness.
Wait, he thought his mother—the woman who’d abandoned him at the age of five—was warmhearted?
Before he could answer that alarming question, his mother responded to the one he’d asked her. “She was one of the first people to welcome me to Bath when I moved here with your sisters.” She hesitated before adding, “It was a difficult time, as your father and I had chosen to live separately, and many people treated me…awkwardly.”
This was the most she’d ever spoken to Acton of that time. But then Acton had never asked. He supposed he hadn’t wanted to hear about it. He’d known that she’d left him and his father, and anything else seemed unimportant. Now, he realized he wanted to learn her perspective. Perhaps he could understand why she’d left him—and let go of his residual anger that was often just beneath the surface. Even now, seeing her here in her house with her daughters, Acton was starting to feel uncomfortable, almost agitated. So many damn emotions. He didn’t wantanyof them.
The dowager continued, “She was very kind to me and became a good friend. We aren’t as close now, I’m afraid. She has changed somewhat over the years, becoming more distant. She seems unhappy, to be honest. However, she’s always been good to me, and I will consider her a friend until that changes. I am delighted to hear that you are helping their younger daughter. That means a great deal to me.”
“Mama, while it’s good to support your friend’s daughter, is it not also appropriate to hold Miss Pandora accountable for her actions?” Francesca asked. “She was walking alone with a known scoundrel. It seems as though she put herself in scandal’s path.”
“I don’t disagree with you, my dear.” The dowager responded with kindness and understanding. “However, have you never made a mistake?”
Francesca didn’t respond, but gave a subtle nod, as if to say her mother’s point was taken. Acton couldn’t help thinking how their father might have responded if Francesca had asked him that question. He would have said something like “You’re damned right, the chit should have known better. She has only herself to blame. Frankly, someone like that who doesn’t show good judgment can’t expect the heir to a dukedom to take them seriously.”
Acton preferred his mother’s answer.
Simmons came in and made his way to Acton’s chair. “This just arrived for you, Your Grace.”
