Part 40 (1/2)
The dowager studied her intently. ”As you wish. I shall join you, if you do not mind the company.”
”Of course I do not. Here, let me get you a chair.”
”No, no. I can do it. You are tired and I am not yet in my dotage, even if I do have eight grown children and more grandchildren than I ever dreamed I might.”
Ava Byron pulled a small side chair near and sat down.
Both their gazes moved to Leo where he lay in the bed.
It had been three days since Thalia arrived. Three long, sleepless days and nights filled with endless worry and creeping despair. Rather than improving, Leo's condition had worsened until a mournful pall hung over the room.
But she'd held her fears at bay, refusing to believe that he would not come through the worst. Despite a bone-deep exhaustion, she'd refused to leave his side, tending to him through the dark, endless hours.
Finally, early this morning, his condition had improved. His rapid heartbeat slowed to normal and the color had come back into his cheeks; they'd been white as death for the past couple of days.
She'd held back tears of relief when he'd roused long enough to take a bowl of beef tea, then again as he'd drifted into an easy peaceful slumber for the first time since she'd arrived.
The doctor had visited a few hours later and shaken his head with happy amazement. He'd p.r.o.nounced Leo definitely on the road to recovery. Quiet cheers had gone up throughout the entire household.
Even with the certain knowledge that Leo was no longer in danger, she'd stayed with him. She'd given her promise and she would not break it.
She and the dowager sat silently for a time, each content to simply watch Leo sleep.
His mother was so kind-all the Byrons were-far kinder than she had ever expected her to be. She had been uncomfortable at first, waiting for harsh looks and cruel words of indignation at their finding Leo's former lover tending him at his bedside. But the Byrons had been all gentle smiles and shared commiseration. None of them had questioned her presence. Not one had treated her with anything but respect.
”You love my son very much,” Ava said, her soft words breaking the silence.
Rather than looking at the dowager, Thalia gazed at Leo, caressing his beloved face with her eyes. Her chest swelled with so many emotions that they seemed almost impossible to contain.
”Yes, I do,” she said simply.
”And he feels the same about you. Lawrence told us. It explains a very great deal. Leo has not been himself these past few months and I had wondered what was wrong. I don't believe I have seen him smile once since I arrived in Town, and of all my sons, Leo is the one who is never without a smile or a laugh. I think you broke his heart.”
Thalia swallowed past the lump in her throat. ”I didn't mean to.”
”I am sure you did what you thought best, but for all your good intentions, you have made him quite miserable.”
”He wants to marry me, but it is not possible,” she said dully. ”Did Lord Lawrence tell you that as well?”
”He did. Along with the fact that he and Leo and Edward all tried to move heaven and earth to find a way past the legal impediments of your divorce decree, but to no avail.”
Thalia's gaze flew to the dowager's. ”The duke tried to help break my decree? And Lord Lawrence? I did not know.”
Ava Byron nodded. ”Leo was quite distraught when he realized he could not free you. But it makes no difference to his feelings. Lawrence told me what Leo did with his will. He also told me he overheard the two of you talking and that Leo considers you his wife, even if you cannot legally wed.”
Thalia's hands tightened in her lap. ”Lord Lawrence should learn not to eavesdrop or tell tales.”
”Now, now, do not be overset.” The dowager reached over and patted her hands. ”He only tells me things because I am his mother. Normally, he is quite circ.u.mspect. By the way, he loves you too, like a sister.”
”I didn't think he greatly approved of me.”
”He loves his brother and wants him to be happy. You make him happy. I want Leo happy again as well.”
She met the dowager's eyes. ”So you don't mind if your son and I live in sin?”
Ava frowned. ”Well, I admit, it is not an ideal situation and there will be many who disapprove, but I am not one of them. You will find the rest of the Byrons feel the same, in the immediate family at least. We're used to making waves. What's a few more?”
All Thalia's defenses crumbled at the dowager's show of support. ”Are you sure, ma'am? I would never wish to shame him.”
”Yes, so I can see.”
”And I cannot give him children,” she said, her voice low and rushed. ”He says he does not care, but he is young. He may change his mind.”
”If there is one thing my son knows, it is his own mind. And his own heart. Do not try to make it up for him.” Ava sent her a soft smile. ”As for children, I am truly sorry, since I can see how it pains you. But perhaps G.o.d will bless you after all. Nothing is ever as certain as we like to think.”
Thalia smiled back. ”I pray you are right.”
Ava leaned forward and kissed her cheek. ”You are a sweet girl. I can see why he loves you.”
Silence descended again as Thalia worked to hold back sudden tears.
On the bed, Leo s.h.i.+fted, his eyes opening slowly. ”Thalia?”
She leaned forward, taking his hand. ”I'm here. Right here.”
He studied her with concern. ”You look tired.”
Jubilant to hear him so lucid, a laugh burst from her lips. ”So do you,” she said,with a smile.
His gaze moved past her. ”Mama?”
Ava was beaming. ”h.e.l.lo, dearest. How are you feeling?”
”Better.” He paused as if considering. ”Much better.”
”I'm so glad. We'll talk later. For now, I'll leave you and Thalia alone.”
He waited until his mother left the room, closing the door behind her. ”Why do I have the feeling I've missed something?”
Thalia stood and leaned over to straighten his sheets. ”Your mother and I have come to an understanding.”
His brows furrowed. ”What kind of understanding?”
”She has given her approval for us to live in sin.”
”Really?” His brows shot up this time. ”And how do you feel about that? The two of us, living in sin?”