Page 37 of A Countess of Convenience

The timing was ill advised, but her words almost begged him to say something about the other night. About his feelings for her and, if he was correct, her growing regard for him. Yet he dared not jeopardize her new-found trust. If indeed Judith’s affections for him were growing, perhaps even unbeknownst her, he must wait for a better moment than one in which she was emotionally distraught because she’d lost her daughter all over again. With an inward sigh, he shut the door on his feelings for her and resolutely prepared to think only of Judith, not himself. “Let us hope you will never find that out.”

Sighing, she settled back against him. “Yes, I hope to never find myself without you, John.”

Torture to wonder if she truly meant that, and if she did, how she meant it. “We’re home. I will send to Blanchard immediately and ask him to call. We can find out your legal rights and see how far along the petition is in the court.”

Fortunately, Blanchard replied that he would attend them directly at two o’clock. John then requested luncheon for him, Judith, and Kitty, so he could be certain Judith ate something more than tea and toast. The three of them passed the meal in reasonably good spirits, telling Kitty of the events of the morning and painting Downing as the villain of the piece, as he so surely was.

Blanchard put in an appearance promptly, expressing sympathy for Judith’s plight, but cautioning her against making any kind of contact with Lord or Lady Downing again.

“It will not serve, Mrs. Harper. Lord Downing is legal guardian of your daughter until we get your petition ruled on favorably.” The solicitor shook his head. “You must understand that until we do, you have no legal right to see or speak to your daughter unless Lord Downing allows it.”

Judith’s eyes brightened with tears, but she blinked them back and nodded. “I understand, Mr. Blanchard. I will not visit Lord Downing again, until this is over.”

“Very good, Mrs. Harper.” Rising, Blanchard bowed to Judith. “I will be in touch with Lord Haxby as soon as the ruling occurs. I had a letter this morning from the barrister saying he believed it would come before the court next week or perhaps the week after. So not long now.”

“Thank you, Blanchard. Barr will show you out.” John headed to the sideboard for a drink he needed badly.

“One question, Mr. Blanchard.” Judith had risen and gone to stay the solicitor. “Lord Haxby told me that in your estimation my case might be stronger should I marry. Is that true?”

Heart beating furiously, John froze, staring at the pair by the door.

“Yes, Mrs. Harper. In my opinion, the courts are more wary of a woman alone when it comes to the disposition of minor children.” His solicitor looked at Judith earnestly. “If you were remarried, the court would see you established in a stable household, with the means to take care of the child.” Blanchard shot a glance at John. “In the case of your daughter, you could then argue that your current monetary and social advantages outweighed those of Lord Downing’s settlement.”

Nodding slowly, Judith heard him out then said simply, “Thank you.” Blanchard left, and Judith turned toward him. “John, we need to talk.”

He’d put this conversation off as long as he possibly could, but he couldn’t refuse her, not when she was correct. They did need to discuss what had happened and what should be done going forward. “I agree, my dear. Perhaps a stroll through the gardens to the rear?”

She nodded, and he offered his arm. By tacit agreement, they did not speak further until they had reached the landscaped garden that boasted classic beds, topiary trees, and a small wilderness of flowers.

“This is lovely, John.” Judith’s head turned this way and that, taking in the varied areas of the grounds.

“I had a hand in creating it about seven or so years ago.” He led her past the topiary trees sculpted to look like geometrical shapes: circles, spheres, triangles, squares, cylinders. “I’d originally thought to have them sculpted into chess pieces, but my wife discouraged that. She was more comfortable with the clean lines of these shapes.”

“They are magnificent.” She touched the corner of the triangle then ran her hand over the sphere. “Do you tend to them?”

“Oh, no. You grossly overestimate my skills with the clippers.” He chuckled as they headed down the path toward an alcove with a padded wicker seat tucked away underneath it. The recessed arch had begun to show some leaves on the vines covering it. At the height of summer, it provided abundant shade and seclusion. Today, however, it would provide enough privacy for the conversation they must have. “Let us sit here.”

“This will be lovely in a few months, John.” She touched one of the tiny leaves just beginning to sprout.

“I hope you will be able to see it then.” Best to dive right in. “Although you may very well be back at Ruecroft. You and Anna.” Or, God forbid, Judith alone.

“John, we need to speak of what happened between us at The Sun.” Judith was not one to shirk from a difficult task.

“We do.”

“I told you my reasons for coming to your room that night.” Drawing her shawl closer around her shoulders, Judith managed to avoid his eyes.

“You did.” John peered at her and took a deep breath. “Was your curiosity sufficiently satisfied?”

“What?” She jerked her head up, eyes wary.

“You said you wished to know what it would be like to kiss me, but you left so quickly you never told me if it was to your liking.”

“If you are going to be frivolous about this—”

“I am in earnest, my dear.” He continued to stare at her. “If you are contemplating marrying a man, I would hope you enjoyed kissing him.”

She simply sat with her mouth slightly agape.