The Lonely Duke Waited Months for His Bride — Then She Arrived With His Missing Son
Chapter 17
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Yet she placed the letter in her trunk beside Oliver's drawing. Love, she thought, deserved more than the sudden relief of being told what one had hoped to hear; it deserved evidence that the words could survive difficulty.Meanwhile, Finch reported that the replacement lender required further security. Benedict would have to pledge private investments long kept separate from the settled estate. He studied the papers without looking for Marian's advice. This was his responsibility to face, and he would face it honestly. No one, least of all the woman he loved, should ever have to save him in order to deserve a place at his table.On the 18th of September, Benedict signed the papers needed to complete the application for replacement credit. His private investments were adequate security if the lender accepted the revised valuation of the mill's future income. Finch had included the flood damage honestly."If the loan is approved," Finch said, "the money can be available on the 26th. Then Sir Percival can be paid on the 29th. And if mill receipts fail again, the lender may claim the investments you pledged. The money intended for Oliver will be at risk."Benedict watched Finch straighten the papers. "I know. We shall have to rebuild that reserve slowly. But I will not purchase my son's security by putting other families at the mercy of a bad lease."The false invoices remained a separate legal matter. The solicitor would pursue the supplier; Dacre's approval letter warranted scrutiny, not an unproved public accusation.Another matter required Benedict himself. At a previously arranged parish relief meeting, Honoria and Reverend Price had invited several neighbors who had heard the assembly gossip. Dacre attended because the relief subscription concerned landowners, and he expected Benedict to address the loan.Benedict stood without ceremony before the small group. "Last week, I permitted others to believe an engagement might be announced. No engagement had been agreed. Miss Whitlock had not given her consent, and I had no right to speak of her future before asking her wishes."Honoria watched him with fierce, quiet approval."Miss Whitlock came to Harrowmere under my aunt's protection and has conducted herself with honor. Suggestions that she sought advantage through the misfortunes of my family are false and unjust. I should have said so plainly at once."Dacre shifted in his chair. "Surely Your Grace is not suggesting—""I am suggesting nothing about your intentions, Sir Percival. I am correcting what was said, and what I failed to correct. Matters of debt will be settled by agreements and evidence. Miss Whitlock's name is not a term in any bargain between us."He defended Marian without claiming her.When the others departed, Dacre lingered. "You risk much for a woman who may already be leaving.""That is precisely why it matters that I have spoken truthfully.""You used to be a practical man.""I hope I still am. I have simply learned that a woman's dignity is not mine to spend for convenience."Dacre left without another word.One woman who had repeated Dacre's insinuation approached Honoria afterward. "I passed on what I heard," she admitted, looking at the empty doorway. "I ought to have asked whether it was true." She offered to correct herself before the women who had heard her repeat it. Another neighbor who had avoided Marian at the assembly asked whether a note of apology would be welcome. Honoria said she would ask Marian, not presume to answer for her.