“But have you any idea what he plans to talk about with Lady Mathison?” Louisa asked.
“I do,” Theodosia replied, opening her eyes. “But I’ve told no one, not even Unity or Ruth.”
“Well?” Louisa demanded, her annoyance barely controlled.
Theodosia shook her head. “No, I think it would be best that I didn’t say.”
Louisa’s heart was near to bursting from her chest. If Sir Aaron planned to kiss this lady, it was best if she learned about it now rather than later.
“No, please do.”
With encouragement from the other two, Theodosia gave a small nod. “Very well, but I’m merely the messenger.” She glanced at Louisa before taking a deep breath. “He said he adored the lady for looking after William.”
Louisa’s jaw dropped. “Who is William?”
Theodosia gave her a level gaze. “It’s quite obvious.” She blew out her breath in vexation. “Don’t you see? The knight has an illegitimate son!”
ChapterTwelve
With Ruth at her side, Louisa began the short trek down the main road that led to the village. Their destination was a particular section of Yeats Park. Or as rumor had it, the Lovers’ Nest. Many nights were spent with the students of Mrs. Rutley’s School for Young Women whispering at the goings on there, which included plots of murder to married lovers and their secret rendezvous. Of course, most of what they had heard came from second- or even third-hand knowledge, and often the girls added their own interpretation to the less eventful stories.
As far as Louisa was concerned, there could only be one reason Sir Aaron and his mystery lady would meet in secret, and it was the very same reason any other clandestine couple might use. Just the thought of what they would be doing made Louisa’s stomach roil. She had thought there was hope for the arrogant knight, but now she had no doubt there was none. To father a child out of wedlock was an appalling act. Had he no sense of decency?
Oh, who was she fooling? Too many men found this type of behavior commonplace. In fact, he would likely celebrate the results of his indiscretions in the gentlemen’s club he wished to build. Why, Louisa would guess he had more than a dozen poor illegitimate children scattered throughout the country!
Louisa paused her thoughts. Why did it matter to her? What difference did it make if he sired a dozen or a hundred children to women he refused to marry?
And why would the very idea hurt her as it did? After all, they were not a couple in any sense of the word. They were not courting. He was not even a suitor. She knew very little about the man, and certainly not enough to have any sort of admiration for him.
Well no, that was untrue. He was brave. Even the King himself had established that as truth when he bestowed the knighthood upon Sir Aaron. Not just any man was given such distinction. Therefore, who was she to argue with the King?
The sounds of the bustling village reached Louisa’s ears before she and Ruth entered the village. The warmer weather had brought out the merchants hawking their wares. The villagers chatted, and the voices of children playing joined those of their parents. Horses whinnied and snorted, and the wheels of the carriages they pulled clambered by.
Just past High Street, Louisa and Ruth made a right. From there, it was a short stroll to the park. And at the back of the park was their destination. The Lovers’ Nest.
“I wonder how many children he has,” Ruth said thoughtfully. “If it’s fewer than five, I’d be surprised. Men like him have at least ten. Even a dozen.”
Louisa, whose temper had been on edge all morning, snapped, “And what makes you think I give even the slightest care? Now, let’s please change the subject.”
Ruth narrowed her eyes, and Louisa braced herself for a harsh warning. It was one thing to be castigated by their headmistress, but to have a fellow student act as if she knew more about the world in which they lived was insulting.
To her shock, however, Ruth took hold of her arm and pulled her into a small alleyway beside the cobbler’s shop. “I realize you’re upset, Louisa. Now, don’t give me that look. You’re smitten with the man, so don’t try to deny it. Here is my suggestion. Let’s go and see what is happening. You can’t make an educated decision until you have the truth.”
Indignant, Louisa jutted out her chin. “We’ve nothing to debate here, Ruth. Yes, the man kissed me. And although his actions were roguish, I’ll admit I enjoyed it.” Her cheeks heated recalling the memory of his lips upon hers. “Beyond that, my only objective is to save the theater. My life would be far better off without him in it. Plus, what business is it of yours? None whatsoever! I knew I should have asked someone else to accompany me!”
Perhaps it was the shadow cast by the buildings on either side of them, but Ruth suddenly appeared older and far wiser than Louisa had ever seen her before. It was at that moment that Louisa realized how different Ruth was from the other girls at the school. That the tales she told of the adventures she wished to take were not just stories. They were who she was meant to be.
“You’re lucky I like you, Louisa,” Ruth said, her fist raised. “Most of the girls would never get away with the way you just spoke to me.” The gleam in her eyes belied her tone, and Louisa could not help but laugh. Ruth grinned and pulled Louisa by the arm. “It’s about time you spoke up for yourself. Come on. We’re already late. We may miss the show!”
“I’m sorry for speaking so harshly with you, Ruth.” She paused to glance at her friend. “Why did you not get angry with me?”
They reached the end of High Street, and still, Ruth did not respond. Perhaps she would not. Ruth was not one to explain her actions to anyone. Well, anyone but Mrs. Rutley, of course. And even then, it was a toss-up as to whether she would remain silent during a disagreement with the headmistress or if she would speak her mind.
They entered the park and made their way to the farthest corner behind a hedgerow. What would they hear? Or see, for that matter? Before they reached Lovers’ Nest, however, Ruth came to a sudden stop and grabbed Louisa by the arm.
“Do you truly want to know why I’m not upset with you?”
Louisa nodded. “I do.”