Page 91 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

He told me that the seed of the vine was a gift from you, and I must thank you for giving it to him. Not only did it grow into the most beautiful plant, but its vigor seemed to encourage Alexander to trust in me. I have a curious sense that our courtship might not have come to so happy or so quick a resolution without those red flowers in his buttonhole. They truly are splendid and their scent is enchanting beyond all else. Even now, Alexander seeks a way to take the vine with us to London that it might be planted at the house in Grosvenor Square. I greatly look forward to seeing the original vine, with its fearsome thorns, on the walls of Airdfinnan.

Perhaps you will tell me the tale of Bayard of Villonne who first brought the vine to Airdfinnan. Alexander’s version of the story seems to be short and lacking in romantic detail.

I do hope that you will come to London for our nuptials, and also to offer me your advice. Alexander means to stay for the season, which is very exciting, but it will be my first and I would not wish to make a misstep. I should welcome your assistance.

I confess that I have always yearned to have an older sister, instead of always being the older sister, and so your existence is yet another wish of mine come true thanks to Alexander. I hope that we will also be friends, but truly, if you have any traits in common with Alexander, I know that I will love you dearly. There will be those, I am sure, who think our match a hasty one, but the truth is simple and I share it willingly—the Duke of Inverfyre, were he known by any other name, would be just as beloved by me as he is in this moment. I would adore Alexander if he were penniless. I never thought to meet such a man, and I am awed that I shall be his bride.

If you doubt the truth, you are welcome to ask my sister, Eurydice, who is always glad to surrender my deepest secrets to others. She has not a shred of artifice and is terribly clever—Alexander has told her of his library and she has already ensured her invitation to Airdfinnan. She may well set foot in his library and never be seen again.

I eagerly await the opportunity to meet you, my new sister.

With affection—

Miss Daphne Goodenham

Anthea read the letter twice. It was impossible to overlook the delight in Daphne’s letter or to fail to note both her affection for her sister and her adoration of Alexander. Even Alexander’s short message held a distinct note of satisfaction, and Anthea could well imagine his contented smile.

She wanted toseehis smile and meet both Daphne and Eurydice.

Anthea took a fortifying breath and made her decision. She rang for Findlay before she could change her mind and watched the falling snow with her heart hammering as she waited for him. She felt a curious mix of satisfaction, trepidation and excitement, one that she had always associated with journeys to London.

“Yes, my lady?” Findlay said and she turned to him with a smile.

“Good news, Findlay. My brother is betrothed and will marry in London in the new year.”

“Fine news indeed, my lady.”

“And I will journey there to join them.”

If Findlay was surprised that she meant to leave Airdfinnan, he hid it well. “Very good, my lady.”

“I shall stay through the season. My brother wishes his bride to have her fair measure of London society and I hope I can enhance her enjoyment.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“I would like to leave in the morning, Findlay, and would appreciate you accompanying me to take charge of the London house. I believe there will be parties, as Alexander seems in a celebratory mood. Could you send Connaught to help me pack?”

“Of course, my lady.” Findlay bowed, then hesitated before departing.

“Yes, Findlay? Is there something else?”

“Only that it is good to see you with a sparkle in your eye again, my lady,” the older man said. He had been in the service of the family for so long that Anthea did not think his comment impertinent. “I do not doubt that this foray to London will be far merrier than your last.”

Anthea’s heart warmed. “Thank you, Findlay,” she said, her voice a little husky. He gave her a nod and a glance that was encouraging, if not paternal, then departed to do her bidding. Anthea opened Daphne’s letter and read it again, feeling her anticipation rise.

Two more sisters.

She dared to hope that Airdfinnan’s butler was right.

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