Read Realm 07 - A Touch of Honor for Free Online

husband’s solicitousness.”
    “The duke has his heir. From what I have heard, Thornhill is quite content with his life. I suspect Lady Yardley has presented the Earl of Berwick with his first heir. Lord Yardley spoke of an early March delivery.”
    Miss Satiné scowled dramatically. “My sisters have taken well to their responsibilities to their husbands.”
    John noted the disapproval in her tone. Did Miss Aldridge not believe in a loving relationship ? He realized his lady did not love him, but John held hopes she would count herself fortunate to know him as her husband. He meant to capture the lady’s heart.
    “And what of the others?” Miss Satiné asked politely, but without any real interest. “What of the Marquis of Godown? Of my cousin, Lady Worthing?”
    John enjoyed speaking of his steady companions. Their successes had convinced him he, too, could know contentment in his life. “As I am certain one of your sisters has shared, Lord and Lady Worthing have welcomed a daughter Amelia some two months after your retreat from British shores.” He hoped his mentioning her speedy departure would not bring more pain to Miss Aldridge, but as his wife, Satiné would regularly interact with the people he described. It was important for her to understand how the dynamics had changed since her withdrawal. “The child celebrated her first birthday before Christmastide. The marquis and his lady welcomed a son in early June.”
    She appeared disappointed when she asked, “Whom did Lord Godown choose as his bride?”
    “Your Uncle Samuel’s former governess, Miss Nelson,” he explained.
    “But…” Miss Aldridge began but quickly stifled her objections.
    John assured, “You may speak your protests to me, my Dear. I will not judge.”
    Miss Satiné blushed thoroughly. “I was just considering the couple’s mismatched appearances. Everyone would claim Lord Godown a magnificently beautiful man. From what I recall of Grace Nelson the lady is quite plain.”
    It was John’s turn to frown. He had expected his lady to protest the differences in the marquis’s and the former Miss Nelson’s social standings. Instead, she had spoken of physical beauty. “Many would say your handsome countenance should be claimed by a man of a finer bearing than mine,” he said with self-effacement. “Yet, I assure you the marquis is passionately devoted to his wife.” He had hoped his betrothed would defend him with a soothing assurance, but Miss Satiné held her tongue. Her silence stung John’s pride.
    He continued, “I missed the baronet’s joining with Mrs. Lucinda Warren in order to travel to Europe. Theirs was a contentious courtship, but I was pleased when Sir Carter claimed Mrs. Warren as his wife. Lady Lowery is the niece of the Earl of Charleton and will serve the baronet well in his governmental position, as well as complementing his disposition.”
    Miss Satiné said cautiously. “You have avoided speaking of Lord Lexford. I assure you, John, I possess no illusions of retaining the viscount’s attentions.”
    “Lord Lexford has not recovered his memory from the attack by Lachlan Charters, but the viscount has claimed a remarkable woman.” He caught Miss Aldridge’s hand again. “Lady Lexford is the former Miss Mercy Nelson, the marquise’s sister, as well as sister to Baron Geoffrey Nelson of Lancashire. The Kimbolts will welcome their first child about the same time as will your twin and Lord Yardley.” He paused for her comment, but Miss Satiné’s countenance displayed only a look of pure regret. “Even Lucifer Hill has claimed Lady Eleanor’s maid Hannah some nine months prior.”
    She smiled sadly at him. “You are truly the last of your associates to seek a wife.”
    John attempted to flirt with her. “I chose to wait for the superior choice.”
    “And you think your friends chose with less aplomb?” she teased.
    John nodded aristocratically. “I believe my companions have chosen their ladies to