Page 49 of Duchess Needed
She did not know what more to do than to hope that things remain like this for much longer, surprised that she had begun to enjoy this somewhat peaceful life of hers.
“Oh,” she gasped, recalling something. “I’m afraid there is something I must discuss with you. I found out yesterday butyou were away from the estate on a business meeting and I simply forgot to bring it up earlier. Your aunt sent a letter.”
Edward’s expression bad been open and expectant when she had begun talking, but when she mentioned Lady Shadborn, he immediately frowned.
“Has she finally decided to disown me then? I am only surprised it took her this long, to be frank. I expected she would have made good on her promise much earlier in my life, even before I met you.” He sighed deeply, looking surprised when the servant who served Phoebe’s dessert placed a second portion before him.
Phoebe silently urged him to dig in and after he took a bite of his apple pie, she informed him,
“I think you’ll be pleased to find out that she has no intention of being rid of you. At least, her letter bore no such notion. Rather, it was an invitation to her estate for brunch, two days from now. She expressed that she would like to make amends for the interaction we had during her last visit.”
“Really?” Edward exclaimed, taken aback. “That is quite surprising. She’s the sort to hold a grudge until it smothers her to her inevitable end as she sleeps. How strange.”
Phoebe frowned. “Edward, that is not a kind thing to say.”
“It is not a matter of kindness, but rather one of accuracy. She is not one to easily relent and call for a truce. She must have been quite impressed by you,” Edward said with a shrug.
“I hardly did anything. It was you who defended me,” she pointed out.
“Which is how I know I am the source of her ire. Not you. Regardless, what would you like to do? Do you wish to honor her invitation?”
Phoebe paused to think about it, although she had already made up her mind. It was important to her that Edward get along with the only surviving family member he had and any chance she was given to achieve that goal, she was intent on taking it.
“Yes. I do.”
Edward did not seem particularly surprised at her response. He merely nodded and picked up the pitcher of fruit punch to refill their glasses.
“Then we shall go. I should warn you though — expect everything and dismiss nothing. That old woman is as cunning as a serpent and if you are not sharp enough, she will swallow you in a moment.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Phoebe had intended to ignore her husband’s words about his aunt’s similarity to a serpent, because she had already met the woman and while she had found her to be intimidating, she and not perceived her to be any sort of great threat to her.
And for some reason, just like when they had gone to the ball, Phoebe felt reassured by Edward’s presence, so the journey to Lady Shadborn’s estate was a calm one that passed with pleasant conversation.
Of course, the matter was much different in the dowager’s estate, where she welcomed them in the garden with a cordial smile.
“Your Grace, good morning,” she greeted quietly.
Edward, who had looked amused all morning suddenly took on a serious air as he nodded to his aunt stiffly.
“Good morning, aunt Barbara,” he replied curtly, placing a hand on the small of Phoebe’s back.
She was not sure if he meant it as a show of where his loyalties lay to his aunt or perhaps as a form of encouragement to Phoebe, but her knees weakened nonetheless. Clearing her throat, Phoebe smiled sweetly.
“Good morning, Lady Shadborn. How do you do today?”
“Quite all right, thank you. I am…” the elderly woman paused slightly. “Grateful that you decided to honor my invitation.”
“I’m afraid my wife is more magnanimous than I am,” Edward sighed, long suffering.
Phoebe shot him a look and shook her head at the dowager.
“Thank you for inviting us. After the way we left things, I was hoping for another chance to converse with you again, and I am glad to see that you shared the same sentiment.”
Barbara looked taken aback by Phoebe’s response, likely expecting her to be difficult or gloat about the fact the older woman was the one who made attempts to make peace between them. But Phoebe remained pleasant, intending to remain so, while also leaving no openings for Barbara to look down on her and insult her as she had previously.
“That is… rather generous of you to say. Please,” Barbara gestured to the table that had been set up with fruits, little sandwiches and tea. “Sit. My cook’s skills are excellent and it is always a pride of mine to show off his remarkable talents.”
