Page 139 of Doxy for the Ton
“He’s growing, that’s all,” Eleanor said. “He’s tall for his age.”
“If he grows to be as tall as his father, he’llneedto eat,” Mimi said, laughing.
Juliette drew a sharp breath and exchanged a glance with Eleanor.
“Forgive me,” Mimi said. “I meant no offense.”
“None taken,” Juliette said. “We are of a kind. I have lived as you.”
Mimi turned to face her. “Were you a—a…” She gestured to herself, unwilling to voice the word.
“In a manner of speaking.” Juliette turned toward the window, from which the boys’ laughter could once more be heard. “Gabriel is not Andrew’s son.”
“So youwerea widow?” Mimi asked.
“I let myself be seduced by another, then found myself with child, and friendless.”
Eleanor took her sister’s hand. “Not entirely friendless.”
“You’re too kind, sister, given how I behaved toward you.” Juliette turned to Mimi. “The world frowned upon me nonetheless. Any woman who doesn’t conform is branded unworthy. So, I fled to the country and passed myself off as a widow.”
“And Lord Radham?” Mimi asked.
“He was the vicar of the parish I settled in,” Juliette said. “The villagers were somewhat judgmental, save a few exceptions—most notably Andrew himself. So you see, Mimi, it’s quite possible for those on the opposite ends of Society’s idea of respectability to find happiness—and love.” She gave a smile of contentment. “Andrew loves Gabriel as if he were his own. And while a…natural childmay be subject to the cruelty of a judgmental world, I’m assured that our little corner of it is free from such prejudice. The villagers hereabouts were very welcoming when Andrew brought me here after our marriage, and they adore Gabriel. And there’s great excitement about your school, Mimi. It will be a haven for your young women. I’m certain it will be a success.”
“There’s still much to do,” Mimi said. “And the success of the enterprise can only be measured by its financial self-sufficiency. We cannot rely on your donations forever.”
Eleanor let out a laugh. “Financial self-sufficiency—you sound like the Duchess of Westbury! She has a head for such things, and is rumored to have single-handedly restored the fortunes of her husband’s estate within a year of their marriage. I’m certain she could be persuaded to patronize the school.”
“But—” Mimi began, and Eleanor raised her hand.
“Permit your friends to assist you in your endeavors, Mimi. The duchess thinks very highly of you, given your kindness to her stepson. You settled half your fortune on the school—those of us who love you wish to contribute also.”
“It wasn’t my fortune to give,” Mimi said. “It was—”
“It was money earned in good faith,” Juliette interrupted, “under the terms of your agreement with…with another. There’s no shame in earning an honest wage—nor the manner by which you earn it.”
“Even if I earned it by whoring?” Mimi asked.
The door opened as she was mid-sentence. A man entered, followed by Betsy, the young girl she employed from the village to keep house.
It was Lord Radham.
He stopped in mid-stride and focused his clear gaze on Mimi. Her cheeks burned as she cast her gaze over his form—from the perfectly fitting dark-green jacket, his top hat tucked under one arm, the cream-silk embroidered waistcoat and matching cravat, to the formfitting breeches and polished calfskin boots. He pulled off his gloves and placed them in his hat, then inclined his head.
His expression, though not showing disapproval, held a gentle quietness that disconcerted her more. He blinked, and his expression remained the same.
He was a man who shuttered his emotions behind a calm demeanor.
“Andrew!” Juliette said, rising. “I wasn’t expecting you home today. I thought you were still in London.”
“I arrived not ten minutes ago.”
“And you came here directly? Is something amiss?”
“I’m come to inquire whether my wife will be returning home, given that Mrs. Smith told me you were expected an hour ago. Georgiana is missing her mother.”
“You exaggerate, as usual,” Juliette said. “Our daughter is most likely asleep at this hour. Besides, she has Frances to take care of her.”
