Page 40 of The Duelist for the Ton
She placed a protective arm around the boy’s shoulders. “One encounters such a variety of people in a public park,” she said. “It enables us to widen our acquaintance. But with such variety comes the risk of having to encounter those with whom we’d rather not associate ourselves.”
“Quite so,” Sir Heath said, staring at the boy.
“Gabriel, my love, come here!” Lady Staines said. Lady Portia released the boy, who ran to his mother, then Sir Heath tipped his hat and continued along the path.
Lady Portia approached Stephen, and he held out his arm, which she took. “It’s such a pity,” she said, her gaze on Lady Staines and the boy.
“Does it bother you that Gabriel is some other man’s natural son?”
She wrenched her arm free, and her sapphire eyes flashed with anger.
“Not in the way that men such as you think. What bothers me is that Gabriel will forever be tainted by the sins of another.”
“You think Lady Staines a sinner?”
“Colonel, how dare—”
She broke off and drew in a sharp breath as Stephen grasped her hand, her eyes widening. A fizz of need ignited in his blood, and he shifted position as his breeches became too tight. Desire flared in her eyes before the anger returned.
“Unhand me, sir.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lord Staines staring at them. “I apologize if I misunderstood you, Lady Portia.”
“Do you also apologize to Gabriel?”
At the mention of her son’s name, Lady Staines turned her attention toward them, holding Gabriel close.
“You accuse me of having contempt for an innocent child and his mother, who were wronged by others?” Lady Portia said.
“Society thinks—”
“Society can rot, colonel,” she retorted. “Gabriel is a sweet boy and his mother is one of the kindest women I know. As for his father…”
“You know the identity of his father?”
“I mean Lord Staines,” she said, “the father who matters. He’s to be commended for recognizing and loving Gabriel as his own. Most men would have insisted that Gabriel be sent away. But that is the very worst sin a man can commit.”
“Perhaps not theonlysin,” Stephen said, glancing at Sir Heath’s retreating figure.
“It’s our misfortune that men rule the world and therefore behave as they wish with no consideration of the consequences to others. Few, if any, men in our Society would have acted as Lord Staines did. But he’s enlightened enough to understand.”
“Understand what?”
“That no loving mother should be parted from her child. Not for propriety—not foranything. Please excuse me.”
She pulled her hand free and approached Lady Staines. Then she reached for Gabriel and lifted him in her arms.
“Sweet boy!” she cried. “Lady Staines, you must come to tea and bring Gabriel with you. Our cook is particularly fond of children, and she makes the most delicious sweet buns. Would you like that, Gabriel?”
“Sweet buns?” Gabriel said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Mama, can we?”
“Of course, my love,” Lady Staines said, kissing the top of her son’s head. “You’re very kind, Lady Portia.”
“It’s out of self-interest, I assure you. I find myself in want of congenial male company at home.”
“That’s putyouin your place, Foxton,” Lord Staines said with a chuckle.
The party continued along the path, and Stephen fell into step with Lord Staines.
