Page 53 of His One and Only Lady

“You’re looking well, Jord.”

Jordan gave him a wry, lopsided grin and accepted his cup from their mother. “Compared to what?”

He sat beside Mother and selected a dainty sandwich which he swallowed in one bite. Another quickly followed. Theran’s belly button gnawed at his spine, but he’d chew off his own hand before venturing closer to Athena for a sandwich or biscuit.

“We simply could wait no longer to express sincerest wishes that Violetta and the child make a full recovery.” Albertina unfurled her catlike smile while her eyes remained glacial. “They are faring well, yes?”

“Indeed.” Mother astutely offered nothing more. She knew when an intrusive fussock was poking her nose into business that wasn’t hers.

His mouth full, Jordan merely nodded and selected two more sandwiches.

When was the last time he’d eaten?

“How marvelous.” Albertina lifted her teacup to her mouth as she exchanged a gimlet glance with her daughter that suggested otherwise. “We are, of course, delighted at the good news.”

Theran rather thought Albertina appeared as if she’d sucked a lemon and was, in fact, here to ascertain if Violetta would live. How his stepmother-in-law ever convinced good-natured Poindexter Bambrick to marry her, Theran couldn’t fathom. Kindly, soft-spoken, and seldom annoyed, he’d married a manipulative shrew.

After Imogene’s death, Poindexter had wilted into a shadow of his former self. He’d been unwell for some time now. It saddened Theran that his father-in-law’s last days wouldn’t be spent in comfort and peace. He’d offer to let him live at Atherley Hall, but there was no way Theran would welcome Albertina or Athena into his home.

Through half-lowered eyelids, Theran considered Albertina. Was she truly so gauche that she’d attempt to foist Athena off on another widowed Rutland brother?

Yes. Without hesitation and before the earth had dried over Violetta’s grave, he’d vow. She could never fathom that the Rutlands married for love, not convenience, as she had for both of her marriages. Or, to be perfectly candid, for money. Only if the whispers were true, and Theran had reason to believe they were, Bambrick had experienced a reversal in fortunes.

Egads. That was it.

Athena needed to marry well and promptly to prevent her and Albertina from tumbling into financial ruin again.

Why hadn’t he discerned Albertina and Athena’s game earlier?

Athena’s suddenly showing up to help with Bernadine. Her resistance to him hiring a governess. Throwing herself at him in Aunt Melvelia’s salon. Zounds, he wouldn’t have put it past her to crawl into his bed in the middle of the night, then cry foul and force him into marriage.

Purity had saved not only Bernadine that day, but she may very well have spared Theran a horrendous future. Theran had been blinded by grief, but his vision now was perfectly clear.

Athena was a huntress on the prowl for a wealthy husband, by fair means or foul. And her prey of choice was widowers.

“I planned a small surprise for tea today.” Mother slid a troubled glance toward the entrance.

Was she expecting someone else?

Footsteps echoed in the passageway mere moments before Purity entered with the three children. She came to an abrupt halt, her eyes going wide and the color leaching from her face.

Her burgundy gown set off the highlights in her hair and made her skin glow. It also made her eyes sparkle like polished jade. She’d never looked lovelier. He longed to sweep her into his arms and kiss her the way he’d dreamed of doing these past days.

Would she be shocked at his carnal thoughts?

With estimable alacrity, Purity schooled her features into serene composure, but Theran had seen the dread in her eyes. A potent protectiveness rose up in his breast.

He swiftly set his cup aside and rose.

“A splendid surprise indeed, Mother,” he said as he crossed to Purity.

“Chin up,” he mouthed to her as he took Bernadine’s hand. He wished he had the right to put an arm around her shoulder and tell her not to fear. He was there and would ensure no harm came to her.

Purity and Bernadine appeared as if they might dash out the door upon spying Athena.

Lower lip trembling, Bernadine raised doleful green eyes to him.

“It’s all right, Rabbit,” he murmured. “Papa’s here.”