Page 94 of As the Earl Likes
“I can only imagine how that conversation went,” Sheff murmured.
“Not well.” The duke straightened. “But it was long overdue. She has taken a house in Bath for the Season, but then you probably know that Min has decided to participate in the Marriage Mart there.”
“Yes, we are going to join her,” Sheff said. “We think that will be the best time to tell Ellis about her parentage. And Min, for she will need to know too.” He looked over at Jo, who gave him an encouraging nod. Then he returned his attention to the duke. “We also think you must be the one to tell Ellis. Since you are already planning to be in Bath with Mrs. Welbeck, I thought it the best solution.”
The duke sucked in a breath. He turned his head and stared toward the window, his features drawn into a frown. “I want to say there is someone better, but who? It can’t be your mother.” He looked to Jo. “And your father—her father—doesn’t know.”
“No, and I’m not entirely sure who should tell him,” Jo said. “We did not want him to know until Ellis does, for he will go directly to her and spill the secret.”
“Will he come to Bath?” the duke asked. “I could tell them together—with Min. I think Ellis will be glad for the support.”
“My father would be delighted to visit Bath, especially during the Season,” Jo replied with a chuckle. “He can come with us.”
Sheff looked toward her. “Then we’ll send him home at some point, yes?”
“Of course. Or we can lodge him in a hotel,” Jo said, patting Sheff’s leg. Her father was lovely, but sharing a residence with him had been trying at times due to his persistent gregariousness.
Sheff grinned. “Brilliant idea.”
“This will be an interesting respite in Bath,” the duke said with a sardonic arch of his brow. “Your mother will not be pleased that I am there with Mrs. Welbeck, and she will be livid when I tell Ellis that she is her mother.”
“We will be there to support Ellis—and you,” Sheff said.
The duke nodded. “Thank you, my boy. You have been a true beacon of support and guidance. For longer than you realize.” He met his son’s gaze with an intent stare. “I owe you a great deal.”
“Just tell me I don’t have to rescue you ever again.”
“You do not. At least, not because of my poor behavior.” He stood. “I’ll leave you to acclimate yourself. I’m so happy for you both. My only regret was missing the wedding. But I daresay you didn’t miss me,” he added with a self-deprecating laugh.
“Actually, I did,” Sheff said. Jo moved closer against his side.
“Well, this is a day of surprises,” the duke said softly. Then he whistled as he left the study.
Sheff pivoted toward Jo and put his arms around her. “That went well.”
“I think so. But let us not speak of travel any longer. I am exhausted.”
“Shall I carry you up to our chamber, my love?” Sheff asked before kissing her cheek.
“I beg your pardon, my lord,” Percy said from the doorway. “You said you wanted the evening newspaper as soon as it arrived.” He came forward with a tray bearing the Globe.
Sheff plucked it from the tray. “Thank you, Percy.”
The butler departed, and Jo gave Sheff a quizzical look. “Why did you want the newspaper?”
He handed it to her. “There should be a matter of import inside. On the advertisement page.”
Pursing her lips, Jo took the newspaper and opened it on her lap. At the very top of the advertisement page was what looked like a letter—in very small print. “Goodness, a great many people will not be able to read this.”
“But you can, I hope,” Sheff said, sounding eager.
“Shall I read it aloud?” Jo asked, thinking he was acting most peculiar.
“If you like.”
Dearest Citizens,
I am pleased to announce my marriage to Miss Josephine Harker, the new Countess of Shefford.
