Page 22 of Two Ruins Make a Right

“I know that,” James said. “But I can’t wait to hear your explanation. However, I don’t think they need one. If anyone wants to know my thoughts on the matter, I’d say it’s none of their business.” He nodded as if the matter were settled. “This is between you and me.”

The duchess grunted. “Need I remind you that your own daughter saw the two of you”—she lifted her chin—“in bed together? She believes she’s going to have a little sister or brother. That’s all she can talk about.”

Nell placed her hand over her stomach instinctively. If only that were the case.

“James and I discussed the future, specifically, Christa and Harry’s. One thing led to another.” She slightly shrugged. “We spent the night together. For that, I apologize.” Her gaze turned to Harry and Christa. “If you would still like to pursue an engagement, I give my approval.”

Christa ran to Nell’s side and crushed her in a bear hug. “You’re the best sister ever.”

By then, Harry stood by Nell’s side. “Thank you, Lady Whitton. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.” He winked at Christa. “Let me rephrase that. Once your sister agrees to my proposal, I’ll be the happiest man in the world.”

Nell smiled as she untangled herself from Christa’s embrace. “Before you do anything, we must discuss our parents.” Heat bludgeoned her cheeks. She’d said the words quietly, but she had little doubt that the duke and duchess had heard her.

Christa placed one hand over hers. “Last night, I told him all about them.”

Tears filled Nell’s eyes.

“He doesn’t care. He loves me,” Christa stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Nell’s cheek.

“I’m happy for you,” Nell said quietly. She wiped a tear from her cheek. “I truly mean that.”

Harry bent over and kissed her cheek as well. “Thank you, Lady?—”

Nell held up her hand. “Call me Nell. After all, we’ll be sister and brother soon.”

The affection in Harry’s eyes made another tear fall. “Nell,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

The duchess smiled for the first time today. “How wonderful. Another wedding to plan.” She turned her attention to Christa. “I think it’s best if you stay with us. Having the modiste come here and prepare your trousseau will be easier.”

Christa’s hand flew to her chest, and she flashed a brilliant smile at Harry, then the duchess. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

The duchess nodded once. “My pleasure.”

Nell shook her head. “Your Grace, that’s a wonderfully generous offer. But you see my finances…” This was another humiliation to live through, but she couldn’t hide any longer. She lifted her chin. “I cannot afford it.”

Before she could say more, the duchess overruled her with a wave.

The jewels in her rings cast sparkles that danced around the room.

“It’ll be our wedding gift to Christa.” She looked down her lorgnette at Nell, then James.

“You two have proven to be utter failures when it comes to acting as chaperones.” The duchess looked to the duke, then winked.

“How delightful to have all these young people here.”

The duke laughed. “Indeed, my dear. You always host the best parties much like this ruination soiree.” He waggled his bushy white eyebrows. “Even when you throw out the guests like you did two days ago.”

The duchess laughed.

Nell rose and walked to the duchess. “Your Grace, I sincerely apologize for bringing such shame upon your house...”

“Darling, there’s no need to beat a dead horse.” The duchess flicked a hand in the air. “Or whatever people say. I never liked that expression anyway.” She searched Nell’s face.

Nell had little doubt that the duchess saw every fault and weakness she possessed.

“You and James”—the duchess shook her head slightly, then smiled serenely—“need to come to an understanding.” She patted Nell’s hand. “Find a proper resolution to this. There is only one. Just like Christa and Harry?—”

“We cannot, ma’am,” Nell didn’t let her finish the sentence.

She would not allow James to throw away his future and his happiness because of last night.

She’d not subject him and his precious daughter to her parents’ scandal.

She’d do anything and everything within her power to keep him as far away as possible from their constant cajoling for money, even if that meant she was out of his life forever.

Nell dipped her deepest curtsey in a show of respect for the duke and duchess. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

She turned to leave, but James crossed the distance between them and stood before her.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He took her hands. “Come with me. We’ll find a room away from all this noise. We need peace and quiet to make our plans.”

Nell lovingly studied his resolute face. His familiar visage would always bring her joy, no matter how many years passed. But there could never be more between them. Her past actions had guaranteed that.

James had his back turned so the others couldn’t see or hear them. Nell placed her hand on his cheek. The subtle hint of whiskers and his cool skin made her breath catch. This would be the last time she’d be able to touch him.

“We settled things last night.” Tears threatened. She closed her eyes for a moment. Steady. You can do this. With a deep breath, she took one last look at him. If she said goodbye, he’d not let her leave.

Abruptly, she turned on her heel and hurried toward the door.

“Nell,” he called out. By the sound of disbelief in his voice, he obviously didn’t have many who outright defied him.

But she kept on walking. She might never leave his side if she took another look at his beautiful face. Her past and her own failures dictated her actions from now on.

Marrying her would undoubtedly bring him shame.

She loved him too much to hurt him like that.