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“Yes, of course,” Modesty confirmed pleasantly. “I only wanted to confirm the arrangements. I am sure you know how stressful it can be for a young lady to debut when all eyes are on her. Elizabeth is young, and there is only one chance to get this right.”

“It will be fine!” Edwin snapped.

He couldn’t look his stepmother in the eye as she tried to keep a small smile on her face.

“Everything will be fine,” he said softly.

He knew it would be for Elizabeth. He knew Beatrice well enough to know that it did not matter what problems they had—she would still help his younger sister. She would still help him if he asked, even if she were angry with him.

His thoughts only annoyed him more. When he thought about her character, it only made him feel like a fool. Robert was right when he said Beatrice was the best thing that had happened to him, but she was also the most troublesome thing that had happened to him. And, he was not convinced that their troubles would ever end. They would have to be managed.

Edwin took his mother by the shoulders. She should not have to suffer just because he was suffering. “Mother, Beatrice will return soon, and Elizabeth’s debut will be fantastic—I promise you. Please return to Elizabeth and inform her that she has nothing to worry about. I will take care of everything.”

That satisfied Modesty, and she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I never doubted you,” she said. “You have a way of working things out.”

Edwin knew that she was not only talking about the debut or restoring the family’s reputation. When he put his mind to it, there was not a problem he could not solve. Yet, how did he solve a problem like Beatrice?

The Duke was not sure an apology would be enough. He still believed Beatrice should apologize for what she had done, but if needed, he would step up and make an apology, too. He did not want the halls of his manor to be empty. Everything and everyone was better off when Beatrice was around, even with the trouble she caused.

He could not go to her sister’s estate, but he would attend the charity gala and hope that she would be there too.

He did not know what would happen after that.

ChapterThirty-One

The Charity Gala

Lindham House, Outskirts of London

Three Days Later

“Where is your beautiful wife?” Lady Beecham asked.

“She will be here soon,” the Duke replied, trying not to look around. “How is your husband doing? I heard he has been taken ill recently?”

“Oh, the old blowhard is likely overreacting, as he always does. I am sure he will be on his feet again soon.”

Edwin could see that the woman was in pain as she thought about her husband. From what he had heard, Lord Beecham was very poorly but was receiving the best care in England.

“I am sure you are right,” Edwin assured her. “I look forward to having a cognac with him soon.”

“Bless you, Your Grace,” Lady Beecham said.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the Master of Ceremonies boomed. “Please welcome the Right Honorable the Earl of Lindham.”

“I wish to thank you all for being here today,” the Earl announced after some light applause. “And especially for a cause very close to my heart. I expect you all to open your pocketbooks and donate—no, invest in our future. By helping London’s orphans, you…”

The Duke tuned out the rest of the Earl’s speech. He would give handsomely, even though the money could be better spent elsewhere at a time when money was still tight. Still, he had a much better life than any orphan, and a little could go a long way in improving the lives of the needy.

He didn’t listen to the rest of the speech because he was looking for his wife. She had not arrived yet. Now that the speeches were being given, it was unlikely she would come.

It was a perfect day in a perfect part of the countryside, but he felt anything but perfectly happy. The sun shone down upon them all, but his ray of sunshine was not in his life. He was still angry, but he missed her terribly, and that trumped all.

He didn’t care what he felt—he only wanted her back. His feelings and emotions had gotten him into this mess, and now they were driving him to remedy the situation. Once he had her back, he could lock his emotions away again and deal with real life.

Edwin put his hand to his heart when he spotted her across the garden. He gasped at how beautiful she looked. He knew she had done it for him.

Get a hold of yourself. She is likely showing me what I am missing!