Page 117 of A Misguided Devotion

No. His family would do their best to persuade him to give her up, but after what they had been through together, she trusted William to be true to his word. She would keep believing that his love would endure, but until he was free to make his own choice, she was on her own. If his lordship forbade his daughters from helping her, she would have nowhere to go. How would she survive the next six months?

Chapter 34

William had never felt so annoyed with his grandmother. As soon as Kitty left the room, the Duchess sprang back into life, trying to soothe his growing irritation with assurances that he would be much better off with a wife from his own rank in society.

“I have in mind the daughter of a friend of mine, who I think—”

“Enough!”

His grandmother’s mouth fell open. “But—”

“Grandmama, I am not marrying Miss Lacey out of duty, but out of love. Mother said that one day I would meet someone who was more important to me than my painting. I’ve found her. Kitty is that lady and I would rather spend my life with her as my wife and never lift another paintbrush than create all the masterpieces in the world. Without her by my side, it would mean nothing. I would prefer to marry her with your blessing, but no amount of talk will dissuade me. All you will achieve is to alienate me. Is that what you want?”

“But her birth…the Duke…”

“Yes, I know your husband will feel it keenly that more should have been done to find Lord Edward’s offspring after he died—”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“But it is a consideration. It’s what Mr Barrington was thinking when he offered to marry Kitty. That he would be able to extort money from the Duke to hush up the truth.”

Her mouth quivered. “Oh, but he wouldn’t—”

“Wouldn’t he? Was he aware his brother was in love with a woman far beneath him in rank?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“You might deem Kitty unsuitable, but she is the only bride for me. Do you wish me to disappear from your life because you won’t accept my choice?”

His grandmother’s eyes filled with anguish, and to William’s horror, a tear trickled down her face. “Oh no. Please do not push me away. I’ve lost Denmead to this horrid war—I couldn’t bear to lose you too.”

“I don’t want to, Grandmama, but you must promise not to talk to Kitty like that again.”

The Duchess gave a tiny nod. That was enough. William embraced her and pecked her cheek.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my betrothed to assure her I have not changed my mind.”

He left the room, hoping that Kitty had not gone far, but instead of finding her waiting for him in the hall, he came face to face with his father.

“It is good to see you.” William held out his hand, but the older man made no move to take it. Heat crept up his neck and into his cheeks as he recalled how their last conversation had ended.

He knew he had been at fault. “I apologise for pushing ahead with my own ambitions, irrespective of your need of me. I’ll return with you to Holybourne House if you still think I can be of assistance.”

A flicker of something that might have been admiration passed over his father’s face. Ignoring William’s outstretched hand, he stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. The physical contact erased the reserve between them as easily as if it had been drawn with a pencil.

“I assume you’ve come in response to my letter.”

“I have.”

William’s mouth went dry. “And what is your answer?”

“I told you the last time we met you were not ready for marriage.”

“Then you refuse your permission?”

“I do—and so I told Miss Lacey.”

All the warmth William had felt on their reunion dissipated. “How could you, Father? How could you dismiss her without even taking the trouble to discover what an amazing woman she is? If you are displeased with my betrothal, let your displeasure fall on me, and me alone. Kitty is blameless in this. I know I should have gained your consent before proposing, but you couldn’t expect us to keep our feelings to ourselves when we thought we were going to die—”