Chapter Twenty-Five

 

Mary Ann, Duchess of Greystoke, had witnessed many forms of chaos in the years since she married into the Remington family. A nephew who collapsed at a ball to never stand again. A baron caught having an affair with the wife of a banker. Wives caught with footmen, husbands caught with maids, men and women both blackmailing their own blood. Despite the plethora of infractions of the many Remingtons, they had survived. It was as if an impenetrable wall surrounded the name, keeping it safe from destruction.

Yet, if what she had heard thus far was true, which she had no reason not doubt it was so, the entire family was in trouble. The walls that had so long held their empire in place were in danger of collapsing.

“It was then that Colin shared with me his true reason for going to London,” Evan was saying. He heaved a sigh. “I’m finding it difficult to say, for the shock may prove to be far more than you can bear.”

Mary Ann lifted the teacup to her lips only to find that the tea had gone cold. “If you’re speaking of him finding some young chit with whom he is spending his time, I’m not surprised. Did I not say that it was likely the case? I’m not naive with no understanding of what men do while they are away from their wives. Or their intended.”

Evan smirked, and Mary Ann had to fight back a strong urge to slap the boy. He was young and arrogant, and she wished to put him in his place. But she needed him if she was to learn the truth about her son. Despite his cockiness, she had yet to catch him in a lie. Not to her.

“This girl— Anna by name— has somehow convinced Colin that the Earl of Leedon might be her father,” Evan said with a chuckle. “What’s worse is that he’s arranged a meeting between the man and her.”

The teacup clinked as she set it in its saucer. “Surely not!” She clicked her tongue in vexation. “What’s come over my son? After this, Lord Leedon will believe he’s an imbecile!”

How could Colin, a usually intelligent and perceptive man, be taken in by this girl? And worse, how could he allow himself to become entangled in these lies? He was the Duke of Greystoke— a Remington!

Rising, Mary Ann went over and pulled the bell cord. Pendleton entered within moments.

“Remove this tray and have fresh tea brought up.”

The butler collected the still-full teacups and teapot without comment.

Once he was gone, Mary Ann turned to Evan. “So, my son has become smitten with a girl of questionable lineage? Her father’s no earl, I tell you. More likely he’s a farmhand or some other such laborer. But even if Lord Leedon is her father, even if he does acknowledge her as his daughter, she may be invited to a few events, but that does not make her a suitable prospect for a duke.”

Her jaw ached with how tightly she clenched it. Colin was a grown man who could make his own choices, so using practical means to put a stop to whatever he had planned with this girl would do no good.

“I advised Colin to write to you as a way to gain more time,” Evan said. “To say that he and I are discussing a business venture. I believe you may be able to use this to your advantage.”

“Well, don’t dally,” she snapped. “Time is running out.”

“It’s quite simple, really. You must go to Redstone Estate and remain there until you’re able to convince him that he’s on a road to destruction.”

Pendleton entered with a new tray, served the tea, and bowed out of the room once more.

Mary Ann pursed her lips in thought. “What if arguing with him only drives him into her arms? If he proves to be too stubborn to hear reason, what then?”

Evan took a sip of his tea and then set the cup down with a sigh. “I would appeal to his good nature. He cares far too much for the Remington name and the dukedom, so perhaps you can explain how his plans to carry on with this girl can harm all of us. Ask Lady Katherine to join you if you must. I don’t care what you do, Cousin Mary Ann, but you cannot allow this to go on.”

The corners of Mary Ann’s lips twitched. ”You’re very sly, Evan. As crafty as a fox. It’s no wonder that a hunter has not caught you.”

He barked a laugh. “No one can best me, for I can outwit them all. You must adopt my way of thinking lest your name— no, our name— be dragged through the mud.” He rose and buttoned his coat. “Now, concerning that deposit we agreed upon?”

Mary Ann nodded. “She’s in the parlor with Lady Katherine and some companion their father enlisted. Inform Lady Katherine that I’d like to speak to her at once.”

Once Evan left the room, Mary Ann walked to the window. She cared for her son, but she cherished the dukedom far more. Evan’s suggestion to go to Wilkworth was sound, for Colin had a good nature about him. With her help— and that of Lady Katherine— she could exploit it.

“You asked to speak to me?” Lady Katherine asked as she entered the room.

Her red hair was pulled up into an intricate chignon, her natural tight curls hanging like tassels beside her ears. She really was a lovely young lady. Why Colin could not see it was beyond Mary Ann. Despite the white day dress and the purity it portrayed, Lady Katherine would have to forgo any semblance of innocence.

Whether she liked it or not.

Mary Ann walked over to sit on the sofa and patted the place beside her. “Come, sit beside me,” she said, offering the girl a warm smile. “Don’t look so worried, Katherine. You’ve done nothing wrong. But I cannot say the same for my son.”

Concern filled the younger woman’s features. “Is Colin in trouble?”

“Yes, my dear, he is in trouble. Yet he’s too foolish to realize it.” She took Lady Katherine’s hand in hers. “You’re to become my daughter-in-law soon, and that means we’ll be a part of the same family.”

“I’m honored, and dare I say excited, for it.”

“As am I.”

The girl blinked twice. “Forgive me, but I thought you didn’t like me.”

Oh, if she only knew the truth! “Like you?” Mary Ann said with wide eyes. “Oh, Katherine, I dare say that I care for you like the daughter I never had. That’s why you’ll be helping me see Colin returned to his rightful place.”

“Whatever you wish me to do,” Lady Katherine said.

Mary Ann smiled. “Tomorrow morning, you and I shall journey to Wilkworth, where Colin has been staying. We’ll use whatever means we can to see he returns home with us, whether it be guilt or whatever you do to entice him. Of course, that will be a last resort, but we must be clear of the expectations before we leave. Will you agree to do your part?”

Lady Katherine frowned. “Guilt? What guilt?”

“The guilt he will feel knowing how much he has hurt us,” Mary Ann said, patting the girl’s hand. “Now, do you agree or not?”

“Yes, of course,” Lady Katherine replied.

“Good. Listen carefully, for the future of all of us may rest in your hands.”