Page 74 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Felicity, his love, came with him, still holding him tight.

“He is alive and healthy, studying to be an attorney. He has sisters and brothers.” Edward held the letter for Felicity to read. “And he’s but a day’s journey from here. I could see him. I could see him, if I wished.” He buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply, trying to calm himself.

His son. He was safe. He was well. And he was nearby.

“I am so happy for you,” Felicity said, her voice soothing. “And I will be with you. Whatever you decide to do, Edward. Truly, this is marvelous news. You must be relieved beyond measure.”

Edward laughed again, sitting up slightly to better look into her eyes. “Thank you, Felicity. That you can rejoice with me is a gift.”

She reached into his coat and took out a handkerchief. How she knew he kept it there, he did not know, but he wasn’t surprised. His bride dabbed at his cheeks then pressed the cloth into his hand. “Anything that brings you happiness will bring me the same. James is important to you, whatever may come next, so he is important to me.”

Truly, he did not deserve her. “Thank you.” He looked at the letter again, then folded it carefully. “I will first take this letter to Lord Blackstone.”

Felicity raised her eyebrows. “You mean to tell him all?”

“Some of it,” Edward admitted. “Not the name of his mother. Not details—James deserves to make his own name and way into Society, as he chooses. But enough that Lord Blackstone will not think me completely without morals. If he still wishes to eject me from the club, so be it. We will still find a way to ensure Daphne’s future happiness—and ours.”

Felicity watched him with intelligent eyes, assessing, then nodded. “I hope he will finally see what I have always known. You are an honorable man.”

Edward lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a quiet kiss against her fingers. “With you beside me, Felicity, I can endure whatever comes.”

They stayed like that for a time, sitting on the carpet, reading the letter from the investigator. He told her what he would say to the viscount. She told him how she would change their honeymoon schedule so they could visit the county where the young James Thornton lived. Together, they would make plans and move forward. The thought comforted him, and it gave him the strength of mind to gather himself for a visit to Blackstone’s club.

A short while later found Edward entering the familiar foyer of the building, Plockton noting the visit in his book. The familiar hush of the club greeted him as he walked up the stairs, the weight of past conversations lingering in the air.

He went to Lord Blackstone’s study without delay in the hope of finding him there, and was in luck. The viscount looked up from his desk as Edward entered, his gaze sharp but not unwelcoming.

Edward wasted no time in setting things right. “I have come to offer an explanation,” he said, removing the letter from his coat.

Blackstone folded his hands together, nodding once. “Proceed.”

And so, Edward told him. Not all of it; not the young woman’s name, nor the boy’s. He had covered the names on the letter with pinned slips of paper. What he had to say must be enough.

That he had once been forced away from the life he might have had. That he had loved her, would have married her had his parents and hers permitted it. That he had wanted to stay, torn from her side and forced down a path of duty he had not chosen. That decisions had been made for him. That he had learned of her marriage, and learned not to think of her. That, years later, he had discovered a truth which had changed everything.

Blackstone listened without interruption. When Edward finished, he set the letter down and met the Colonel’s steady gaze with one of his own.

“I do not ask for your approval,” Edward said politely. “But I will not allow my character to be questioned unjustly. I made mistakes, and I own them, without tearing down the reputation of any others. I will see those mistakes righted, if I can. And I am not without honor.”

After a long moment, Blackstone smiled. It was not a smug or triumphant smile, but one of respect—a respect earned. “You are a better man than I expected, Colonel.” The viscount inclined his head. “I will speak no more of removing you from this club. You are a most welcome member.”

Edward exhaled slowly, allowing the tension in his shoulders to ease.

“I also understand congratulations are in order,” Blackstone added, amusement flickering in his eyes. “You are to be married?”

Edward tilted his head slightly. That wasn’t exactly common knowledge, though they had informed the Normans by invitation that very morning. “Indeed.”

Blackstone’s lips twitched. “Then allow me to wish you well. And should you ever need advice on marriage⁠—”

It was not perhaps polite, the chuckle that escaped him. “Will you give it, my lord? Speaking of geese and owls and I know not what else?”

Blackstone’s eyes gleamed with good humor. “Most likely, I will speak of lemurs.”

“Lemurs?” Edward chuckled, shaking his head. “I will keep that in mind.”

As he stepped out of the office, a weight fell from his shoulders. He had not erased the past, but it had been faced.

And Edward was free.