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“I’m sure he feels the same about you.” She turned to him, eyes bright. “It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to discover that you are his moral compass. That it is because of you he has remained noble and good. Because he fears what you would think of him if he fell from grace.”

Edward shoved both hands in his pockets and looked toward the sky.

“Instinct tells me he’s already done so.

” He lowered his gaze to hers. Saw the confusion in her drawn features.

“Everything that has happened of late has suggested to me that Adrian will cross certain lines in order to seek the justice he believes in.”

“You think he’s responsible for Clive Newton’s death?”

“Without doubt.” When she simply stared at him, he asked, “Does that make him a monster as well? I don’t think so.

Indeed, I wish I could have done what he did.

Perhaps that’s wrong, but it’s honest. And since I’m in no position to chase down murderous villains and make them pay for the heinous crimes they commit, I’m glad someone else is. ”

“I’m not sure I can agree with you there.

Though I understand your rage – Adrian’s too – a quest to seek vengeance and all it involves can only result in one thing, Edward.

The damnation of one’s soul.” Concern puckered her brow.

“Perhaps it’s time to consider severing ties with the Crofts for good. ”

“Don’t ask that of me, Mama.” Losing Evie was enough. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her brother as well. “Whatever Adrian’s faults may be, my opinion of him remains unchanged. He is honorable in his own way. You know this.”

“Yes, but—”

“I am here for the time being. Away from London and the tumultuousness I’ve found there of late.” He started walking again, following the periphery of the pond. Mama fell into step beside him.

“Adrian’s pardoning must have been a relief.”

He cut her a look. “Very much so.”

“Is that the only reason you’ve been so cheerful since your arrival?”

“What do you mean?”

A soft snort turned into a chuckle, banishing any lingering tension from their previous conversation.

“You’ve been whistling in the hallways and giving piggyback rides to your nieces.

I’ve not seen you so relaxed or playful since you were a child.

It’s been lovely, and it got me thinking – hoping really – that it might be because you’ve met someone.

A woman, that is. Which is not to suggest that you could ever replace Evelyne in your heart.

But as your mother, I worry for you. I fear it cannot be helped. ”

She didn’t have to say that it was past time for him to see about getting married and ensuring his progeny – the continuation of the Pryce family line.

He knew this to be his most important duty.

And though he’d not have believed it possible five months ago, he was slowly becoming open to the idea of falling in love once more.

The thought reminded him of Miss Roberts and the pleasure he’d started to find in her company.

“There it is again,” Mama said. When he looked at her she was studying him with interest. “That boyish grin that makes you look like you’ve just received first prize in something. Your sisters have noticed it too, you know.”

“I’ve only met with them once since returning here.”

“Which proves the extent of the impression you’ve made. Piggyback rides, Edward. Everyone was speechless. Lavinia’s husband suggested you’d probably won a bet.”

Edward laughed. “You know I’m not a gambling man, Mama.”

“Indeed I do, which is why I’ll put my money on the change being due to a new attachment.”

The hope in her eyes suggested she’d not find peace until he’d spoken his vows. It pained him to know that she had such concerns and decided to do what he could to alleviate them, if only a little.

“You’re not entirely wrong.”

Her squeal of excitement was so loud it chased away a group of sparrows that had been hopping about on the path ahead. She must have realized her lack of decorum, for she instantly froze, hands over her mouth, and glanced about to see if anyone else might have heard her.

Edward sent her a look of amusement and kept on walking, selecting a path that would take them back to the house.

It took a few seconds for Mama to catch up. Her arm wound around his, forcing him to slow his pace. “Who is she?”

“Her name is Miss Roberts. She’s Lady Heathbrooke’s companion and before you get ahead of the situation, I would not go so far as to say that we’ve formed an attachment.

We’ve danced a couple of times and have met once or twice besides that.

At present, it would be presumptuous of me to suggest she’s more than a friend. ”

“But there’s mutual interest for more?”

“I believe so, though there’s much for me to take into account before I consider something as serious as courtship.

Her questionable parentage will likely pose the greatest obstacle, along with the fact that neither Adrian nor Lady Heathbrooke is thrilled by the idea of such a union.

Mostly because they don’t think it’s possible for me to make her my countess. ”

“But you disagree?”

Instead of answering her directly he said, “I lost my chance at love once because I was a coward. Had I been braver, Evie and I might have married, in which case she’d most likely still be alive. The resulting shame and regret cannot be measured. So moving forward, I plan to do better.”

“Good.” Mama raised her chin and he saw that fire burned in her eyes. “If you decide to pursue Miss Roberts, I shall support that decision. It’s my belief your sisters will too.”

“She’s born out of wedlock. Not to a peer,” he added before Mama could comment, “but rather to a laundress.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly.”

Mama worried her lip before saying, “She wouldn’t be Lady Heathbrooke’s companion if she were completely disgraceful. Nor would she have won your favor. If she’s part of Society, then she must be somewhat respectable, surely.”

“No one will approve of her marrying up. If she and I were to become affianced, it would cause a scandal.”

“Probably, but then again there’s always a scandal of some sort or other. Such things keep Society going, but most tend to be forgotten with time.”

“Nevertheless, it could affect Lavinia and Theodora.”

“Not much, I suspect, when both are already settled and neither one frequents London. We’re quite isolated from that sort of silliness here in Chenswick.”

Edward stared at his mother. “So you don’t see a problem?”

“I can’t say for certain without having met the lady, but I do trust your judgement. If she has gained your interest then there must be something special about her.” Mama angled her head. “It’s been a while since I last saw your godmother. Maybe I should invite her to visit.”

“Please don’t.” The last thing he needed right now was his mother’s meddling even though her willingness to consider Miss Roberts an option made him love her all the more.

For although Mama meant well, her involvement never led to the subtle approach he favored.

“I’ll manage my relationship with Miss Roberts in my own way and in my own time. ”

“Very well.” Mama preceded him into the house. “Just as long as you don’t drag your feet, Edward. I’m eager for additional grandchildren to dote on.”

He rolled his eyes and followed her. A spot of tea would be welcome after this conversation. Preferably with a brandy to chase it down.