Page 43 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“I am not prepared to make that exact pronouncement, Mr. Granger, although I believe your circumstances may be uncertain at the moment.”

“The lady is well aware of my circumstances, my lady. She has deemed them insignificant enough to have formally declared her affection for me.” He returned his gaze briefly to Maria, giving her a gentle smile before continuing. “I will tell you, however, that we are not formally betrothed, although we have both expressed the wish to marry. The circumstances surrounding my brother’s condition are, as you say, uncertain. Therefore, we have agreed to a waiting period in order for Maria to finish her mourning and for my brother’s inevitable end. After that, we will know our path more clearly.”

Silence followed Hugh’s pronouncement as Jane and Kinellan looked warily at one another.

“That actually sounds like a fair plan, my dear.” Nodding, Kinellan crossed his arms.

“But will they adhere to it?” Jane shook her head, avoiding Maria’s eyes. “You interrupted an amorous tryst not half an hour ago. When I leave, what is to stop other, more sensual assignations?”

“You will have our word, Lady John.” That tension was back in Hugh’s jaw, but he remained civil in his address, thank goodness. Maria hated to think what Kinellan would do were Hugh or anyone else to disparage her cousin. “The word of a gentleman and a lady.”

“I am sorry, Mr. Granger, and I do not disparage your honor when I say I know my cousin, and while you may be able to hold steadfast to your convictions, I fear Maria will be inclined to give in to temptation once I am gone and she is left to herself.”

Her cousin’s distrust of Maria’s ability to resist Hugh’s advances hurt deeply, although she had to admit there might be more than a grain of truth to the statement. If she and Hugh ever found themselves alone, she would likely be the one who wished to throw caution in the air and indulge in intimacies best left to those duly married.

Perhaps intuiting Maria’s reluctance, Kinellan spoke up. “I suggested Maria accompany us to Castle Kinellan for the holidays. She could return in the spring when her mourning period is completed and they could judge then whether or not their affection is deep and true or merely a convenience based on proximity.” His gaze took in Jane and the hunger returned to them. “We have not seen one another for some ten months and yet our affection is as strong as it was the last time we met.” He turned his gaze to Maria and his eyes were filled with compassion. “If you and Mr. Granger can manage thus for the next several months, I would wager you will go on well together into eternity.”

The chatter broke out once again, louder than before.

“There are other things to be considered, Kinellan.”

“Your point is taken, Lord Kinellan, however—”

“Does no one wish to hear what I have to say?” Maria raised her voice until the others quieted. She looked around the small circle, Jane and Kinellan looking daggers at Hugh, who had turned apologetic eyes to her.

“Go on, my dear.” He squeezed.

“No one in this room has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do.” Staring down Jane, who had opened her mouth but closed it before speaking, Maria released Hugh’s hand and stalked over to her cousin. “But I will tell you that I will not be journeying to Scotland with you and Lord Kinellan.”

“But my dear, I believe you should.”

“What?” She whirled around to face Hugh, standing patiently with a rueful smile on his face. “You wish me to go?”

“No, my love, I do not want you anywhere but with me.” He came forward and took her hands. “But I believe your cousin is right. If we are together here on the Kersey estate, the temptation for us to meet clandestinely will be great. I am strong of will”—he tipped her chin up so she must look squarely into his eyes—“but I am no saint. No matter our resolve, I fear we will break our word. Then not only will your reputation be in jeopardy, but we may have to marry when we should not.” He raised her hand for a kiss. “Trust me, my love. All will be well in just a little while.”

Tears threatened, but Maria willed them back. Even though Hugh’s argument made sense, she wanted to be with him, be close to him, see him whenever she cared to. And that desire was exactly what she could not do. It had been the same with Alan when she had stayed with Jane at Lord Sinclaire’s. She and he had been together constantly, which had led to more intimate encounters, which had subsequently led to her pregnancy and marriage. This marriage must be different if they were to have a chance of happiness.

“Very well. I shall go to Scotland with you, Jane.” She looked only at Hugh. “But the very moment you know something about your brother and the estate, you must let me know. I will be in the next coach leaving.” She glared at Kinellan. “Even if I have to drive it myself.”

“I promise you shall know of the determination the moment I do.” Hugh’s dear face was hopeful, though sadness lurked deep in his eyes.

Quickly she reached up to him, gave him another swift kiss that lingered on her lips, then fled the room. She would be dutiful and go because Hugh wished it, but in her heart she feared it a mistake. Too many things could happen to conspire to keep them apart. Together they could make a stand. Divided they would be more likely to fail. Lord, please let her be wrong.

* * *

The moment Maria hurried from the room, the tension seemed to drain from Lady John’s entire body. “Thank you, Mr. Granger. I am afraid my cousin would have put up a more strenuous fight had you not intervened.”

“Do not thank me, Lady John.” He hadn’t intended the harsh tone, but if it gave the woman pause, so much the better. “I would not have advised Maria to leave had I not believed it the best thing for her to do.” He nodded at Lord Kinellan. “His lordship, however, made a good point about removing Maria from a situation that might pose a risk to her reputation.” He paused, went to the door and closed it before speaking again. “I agree that she should leave Kersey Hall at least for a time. Not necessarily to remove her from my sphere, but from Lord Wetherby’s.”

“Who the devil is Lord Wetherby?” Kinellan barked and Lady John put a restraining hand on his arm.

“Lord Kersey’s heir.” The lady gave him a knowing look. “There was an incident this morning that has apparently alarmed Mr. Granger.”

“It should alarm you as well, my lady. Your cousin finally confessed to me that the ‘bird’ attack was a fiction she told in order to mask Lord Wetherby’s true intent, which was to ravish her.”

“Dear lord.” Clutching her throat, Lady John stared at him helplessly. “Why did Maria not tell me?”

“Perhaps she didn’t think you would believe her. Luckily, she was able to thwart his intent, wounding him sufficiently to ward off the attack. However”—Hugh stepped closer to them—“I do not believe it will be the last one. Wetherby has been rebuffed once. With some gentlemen of his character, that kind of behavior only encourages them until they succeed. I therefore believe Scotland will be the safest place for her until we can marry. Although if circumstances go against me, then I do not know what the best course for Maria will be. I will gladly give her and her child the protection of my name and champion them in any way necessary.” He shook his head. “But if I cannot provide a decent home or living for her and the child, then I cannot take them from a life that offers such things.”