Page 5 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“And a fireplace next to beds of straw? It speaks of astonishing carelessness,” Edith added, her voice tight with disbelief.
“My Lady?—”
But Edith was not finished. “And then you bring this small girl, who has endured enough hardship already, before Society to chastise her?”
“She ran here! I merely followed to catch her!” Mr. Talbot barked.
“You might have taken her home quietly, rather than turning her scolding into a public spectacle!” Edith shot back. “I can scarcely imagine your reputation would survive another blow if you were seen dragging her away by force. I’m certain everyone here would make note of such a scene and not let it slide.”
Mr. Talbot swallowed, his gaze flicking to the onlookers. A ring of well-dressed lords and ladies had gathered, and more than one would no doubt carry the tale to every drawing room and ballroom before the week was out.
“I-I don’t think that’s necessary,” he stammered.
“Good. I don’t either,” Edith said coldly. She hesitated, making calculations in her head before looking back at him. “Besides, I can pay you ninety pounds to have her transferred to my care.”
More gasps rose in the air.
Mr. Talbot sneered. “My Lady, do be serious.”
“Do I look like I’m joking?” Edith asked calmly.
“There is no need for you to trouble yourself with this child,” Mr. Talbot insisted.
“And yet I cannot guarantee her safety or well-being if she were to leave with you, Mr. Talbot,” Edith responded. “And you have no reason not to release her to me if I am paying the amount you require.”
“The child legally belongs to Mr. Talbot; he has no reason to renounce that unless he wishes to,” Mr. Brackett hissed.
“And he has demanded ninety pounds for her freedom,” Edith retorted. “Surely he cannot say no when I am offering that money freely.”
Mr. Talbot stopped mid-step, his shoulders stiff. The wind tugged at their coats, and the distant clatter of carriages and footsteps seemed to fade. He regarded her silently, his jaw tight, as if weighing every word against the frigid air between them.
Edith’s hands clenched at her sides, her heart hammering with anticipation.
“Very well,” he sighed at last.
“Mr. Talbot!” Mr. Brackett shouted in indignation. “You do not have to do this; that child is yours. This is hardly a legal agreement!”
“Enough,” Mr. Talbot hissed, aware they were still being watched. “It’s fine, Mr. Brackett. I’m certain the lady can contact my solicitor.”
“People are ever too eager to make the most of its gaps,” Mr. Brackett murmured.
“If it is legal propriety you value, Mr. Brackett, perhaps a magistrate should hear this matter,” Edith said coolly. “I am sure he would find the state of the children’s quarters most enlightening.”
“No!” Mr. Talbot cried, then let out an awkward laugh. “No, no. No need for that, My Lady. We’ve already come to an agreement, have we not?”
“Good, I shall have my solicitor contact you by the week’s end. He will arrange the payment and transfer of custody,” Edith declared, before turning to face Lord Harrington. “And he will also contact you, My Lord, and arrange payment for the statue.”
Lord Harrington nodded, stunned into silence at the scene he had just witnessed. The ton was similarly silenced and watched the final exchange in awe.
“We, uh, shall be taking our leave now. My Lady,” Mr. Talbot said.
“Very well. Tilly will be coming home with me,” Edith stated flatly, eliciting another flurry of whispers.
“Of course, of course.” Mr. Talbot nodded, his tone light and completely devoid of the malice he’d displayed mere moments ago. “Thank you, My Lady. Good day to you.”
Edith nodded tersely in response.
Mr. Talbot backed away and proceeded to scuttle off without casting a second glance at Tilly. Mr. Brackett quickly followed him.
