Page 48 of Charity

Estella turned around. “You’re taking them home?”

“They will enjoy the fresh air and greater opportunities for mischief and exercise. I know I did as a boy. Princeton will suit them all very well.” He stepped close again and caught up her fingers. “There is ample room for visitors, too. I should be pleased to have you, Birkenstock, and Miss Birkenstock under my roof anytime you care to come.”

“I couldn’t do that,” Estella whispered.

He squeezed her fingers. “The offer stands, regardless. I love you too much to care about Birkenstock. The children would want to see you again, and so do I.”

Although her mouth no doubt hung open, Estella couldn’t find the wits to close it. Lynton kissed her cheek and departed, leaving the door open in his wake.

She stared at it. How had her world become so confused? She liked order and a scandal-less life. When had everything changed?

She took a deep breath and walked to the door, intending to close it and attempt to sleep off her anxiety. Yet before she could, Oscar appeared in the doorway, his expression unreadable, his gaze searching.

“Oscar? I didn’t know you had arrived.”

“Yes, I’ve been here for some time.”

“Oh.” Estella licked her lips, and then cursed the nervous gesture. “How have you been, my dear?”

“Much better. I am content again.” He looked behind him and Estella guessed that he had been outside her door while Lynton had been here, professing his love. But had he overheard the first part of the conversation?

She couldn’t tell.

He cleared his throat. “I come on a commission from Lord Daventry and I am afraid I must be a trifle indelicate. He desires to speak with you in private about birthing matters. He has concerns about Lilly becoming with child.”

Estella latched onto the distraction and stepped forward, eager to help any way she could. “Is she already increasing?”

“No. Not that he’s aware of.” Oscar shook his head. “But without a female acquaintance to reassure him, he’s become a bundle of nerves. You know how he is with his wife. Could you try to find a moment to speak with him alone tonight before or during the party? I thought you might be able to advise him, or at least set his mind at ease.”

Estella nodded. “I will do my best.”

“Thank you, Mother. They mean the world to me and I would not like to see them unhappy.”

“You are a good friend, Oscar. I am so proud of you.”

A sudden smile crossed his face. “Not always good, but I mean to be from now on. Were you very content with your position in society, Mother? I ask because I have a feeling things will change very soon, and perhaps we shall not be as well liked in the future.”

Tears pricked her eyes. He had heard it all. “Oscar, I can explain.”

“A propensity for scandal seems to run in the family, doesn’t it?” He took a step back. “Try not to be vexed with me, and I’ll do the same for you.”

Estella frowned and held out her hand to Oscar. “What else is there that you are not telling me?” He took it and she gripped it, staring up into his face and hoping to find the answers that had eluded her all these weeks.

“You’ll know soon enough.” Oscar bent and kissed her cheek, too, and hurried out.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Agatha swept into the room on her grandfather’s arm and every nerve in Oscar’s body tingled. She was here for Lilly, not him, and the knowledge twisted his gut into a crushing band. She should be on his arm and by his side. He still had to speak with her grandfather and gain his permission for marriage before he could attempt to obtain a special license or else run off to Gretna Green. If he could get a license, perhaps he could persuade Mr. Manning to marry them, too.

His father. His real father.

Oscar took a drink. He wasn’t quite as shocked as he probably should be over his mother and Manning. But knowing the truth would take some getting used to. He had overheard the whole of the conversation he thought, and Manning’s feeble excuse for sharing her bed. He could hardly begrudge the man who gave him life. He would confide in Agatha about it as soon as he could. He wouldn’t keep secrets from her anymore.

Oscar moved closer as Lord and Lady Daventry greeted her. Her simple gown of burgundy silk with fine lace edging accentuated the long, smooth curve of her throat and the tightly bound blonde hair on her head.

She looked enchanting.

She looked nervous.