Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom(147)

Griffin had heard that tone of voice from Dominic before. He trusted the count as much as Griffin did—which was to say, not at all.

“But this woman,” Justine said. “Why did she leave such a valuable ring behind?”

“Alas, my dear lady, I cannot say,” the count answered. “I do not suppose we will ever know her reasoning since she has disappeared and we cannot find her.”

“That’s convenient,” Justine muttered under her breath.

“I beg your pardon, Justine. What was that?” Dominic asked.

She shook her head. “Nothing. May I ask, Count Marzano, why the duke did not himself come to fetch his son?”

“His Highness was called back to the Duchy of San Agosto, Mrs. Steele. With the fall of the Corsican Monster, the duchy is once more in rightful hands, and His Highness is needed back home. He decided that I should remain to search for Stefano.” He let out a dramatic sigh. “His Highness was most distressed at the thought of leaving the poor child behind, under such uncertain circumstances. Only the knowledge that I was to stay and look for him eased his concern.”

“No doubt,” Justine replied. “Well, now that you’ve found him, what do you intend to do? Will you be placing him with a family here in England?”

The anxiety that colored her voice had Griffin automatically taking her hand again. When her fingers gripped tight, the coldness in his gut started to fade.

The count shook his head. “The duke is no longer comfortable with such an arrangement, given this unfortunate episode. Nor, sadly, have the maternal grandparents shown any willingness to accept the child into their household. Therefore, His Highness now insists Stefano be brought to Italy where he can personally see to his safety and proper upbringing. That is the only acceptable course of action.”

“But Stephen could stay here with us,” Justine blurted out. “We would be happy to take care of him, wouldn’t we, Griffin?”

She twisted around, peering up at him with a desperate sort of hope in her eyes. It killed him not to have a ready answer, but what could he say? If the duke was indeed Stephen’s father, was it not right for him to take responsibility for his son? Whether the poor little mite was illegitimate or not, the man seemed to have some proper feeling for him.

“Justine,” he began.

She pulled her hand away, hearing his hesitation. She jumped to her feet and took a hasty step toward Dominic. “Uncle Dominic, do you really trust this man after everything that’s happened? I can’t believe that you—”


“Softly, my dear,” Dominic replied. He rose and took her hand.

Griffin stood, too, resisting the impulse to shoulder Dominic aside and pull Justine into his arms. Count Marzano also stood, his distinguished features now coldly arrogant.

“The decision has been made, Mrs. Steele,” the count said. “The child will be turned over to me, and we will then travel to his rightful home where you can be assured that Stefano will receive the best of care and attention. But it is our right to claim him. Since the mother’s family wants nothing to do with him, there can be no doubt.”

Griffin rubbed his forehead, unable to ignore his instincts or Justine’s distress. “Dominic, are you sure about this?”

Dominic hesitated, then grimaced. “There’s no doubt the Duke of San Agosto is the child’s father. I must also add that Count Marzano, after his initial meeting with me, asked for assistance from the Crown in expediting this matter.” He touched Justine’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, my dear, but there’s nothing I can do.”