Which meant he had put it into a drawer and ignored it.

Natalie felt a flare of anger that he could treat the blessed news of a grandson so cavalierly. It was unthinkable that he would carry a grudge against his estranged daughter so far. But giving the man a tongue-lashing would only stir more resentment in him. Her primary concern had to be Leo.

“Well, it seems that now you shall have to decide,” she said evenly. “Leo is your own flesh and blood, after all. When Audrey died, the feud surely died with her. Whatever happened between the two of you ten years ago should have no bearing on the current circumstances.”

“I will not be dictated to by a stranger in my house,” he blustered. “This is a private family matter.”

“I’m sure Miss Fanshawe means no offense,” the duke said smoothly. “But you must allow, she has a point. You’ve a duty to rear the lad in accordance with his status as the grandson of a peer. You would not wish it to be known in society that you’d failed to see to his care and schooling.”

The two men stared at one another. At least until Godwin blinked.

“Miss Fanshawe and the boy may stay in the nursery for the time being. However, she ought to have waited for my invitation rather than come here without permission.”

“She had a vow to fulfill to Audrey,” the duke stated. “And I for one believe it is an admirable trait to keep one’s promises.”

Natalie silently thanked him again for his support. It made her feel not quite so alone in this den of vipers. He appeared to have a good deal of influence over his father’s cousin, despite the difference in their ages. Was it because a duke outranked an earl? If only she understood more about their antiquated class system!

Lord Wymark had been sitting in his chair, watching and listening. Now he leaned forward and said, “I presume, Miss Fanshawe, that you have the proper documentation to prove the child’s parentage.”

“His baptismal record unfortunately was destroyed when the attackers set fire to the church. However, I have an affidavit confirming Leo’s identity that is signed by several members of Congress. It enabled me to obtain his travel papers.”

“That seems highly irregular,” Wymark said, one eyebrow lifting. “Why would these men vouch for him? Did they know Audrey and Jeremy?”

She shook her head. “Rather, they know me. You see, my father was a senator from Pennsylvania until shortly before his death two years ago. I often served as his hostess at parties in Washington and Philadelphia.” She arose from her chair and surveyed the party. “The papers are in my valise. Shall I fetch them?”

“Later,” Lord Godwin barked, with a dismissing wave of his hand. “Bring them to my study after luncheon. You may go look after the boy now.”

Hadrian watched as a footman led Miss Fanshawe out of the drawing room. Slim and graceful, she walked with her head held high. Her blend of natural elegance and candid manner captivated him more than it ought. One would never guess from looking at her that she’d survived a horrific massacre—and at the hands of British soldiers.