“As you are no doubt aware, the terms of the entailment have not changed since they were agreed to centuries ago. The properties—other than the dower property—and all incomes, thereof, are to be inherited by a male of the body lawfully begotten. Should none exist, they could be settled on a female lawfully born who can trace her bloodline back to the first duke. Unfortunately, the Sheffields were a cursed lot, prone to bleeding disorders, which resulted in early deaths for many. Accidents or illness led to the demise of the others. The family history of births and deaths is well documented, and all evidence indicates your husband was the last of the line. In the absence of an heir or heiress, the entailed properties will go to Her Majesty’s Treasury, and the Crown will determine how they are to be dispensed. We can make an appeal for them to be given to you, but to be quite honest”—he sighed heavily—“based upon the extensive nature of the duke’s holdings, I believe it highly unlikely we would see a favorable outcome since you are not of his blood and were married for such a short span of time in the grand scheme of things.”

“Lushing held the same opinion.” He had talked of making additional arrangements for her but had never gotten around to it, no doubt believing he had more time.

“Because the detailed records prove the absence of an heir, I suspect the title will be deemed extinct. However, you will retain your title as Duchess of Lushing. All that said, I don’t wish to be indelicate, Your Grace, but is there any chance an heir might appear within the next few months?”

In her head, she did quick calculations. While the two thousand pounds was generous and would see her alone in good stead, if she were to divide her yearly income between herself and the girls—she sighed. Five hundred pounds per annum each was hardly a suitable dowry and would be an insufficient amount for maintaining her own property, servants, horses, and carriages. Nothing would remain to assist Winslow. The reality was that more drastic measures were called for.

She could sense breaths being held, tension becoming palpable as they all awaited her answer. Her lie. The words that would haunt her to the grave. “There is, sir.”

“Then I shall so inform the Crown and the College of Arms.”

“Although you hesitated before answering Beckwith’s inquiry regarding the possibility of an heir, you seemed a bit more confident in your condition than you were two days ago when we spoke about the possibility of you being with child,” Kit said as they strolled through the garden, her arm nestled within the crook of his.