Page 14 of The Scarred Duke's Bride
Mrs. Beecham turned to the door. “I must go and tend to Isabella. I leave you in good hands.” She gave Freya a pleased smile before closing the door behind herself.
ChapterEight
“Are you quite sure that you want me at the dinner table?” William wrinkled his brow uncertainly as he looked up at Eric. He had been uncharacteristically subdued since the funeral. It absolutely broke Eric's heart.
“I am sure. Lady Freya has a sister who is just two years older than you. I am sure you will get along famously.”
William wrinkled his nose. “I am not sure. Girls can be quite tiresome.”
Eric laughed. “That is very true. But let us at least give her a chance. She is to be your sister-in-law after all.”
“And will they live here with us?”
“No, I told you that their father, the Duke, has a seat where Freya and her sister have been living. I shall go and stay with him. If you and Mother wish, you can join us there.”
“Will it be big enough for all of us?”
“Of course. Stark Manor once belonged to a knight long ago. He fought for England and used the manor grounds to house his troops, so it has many rooms. It is big enough that you can choose to live there and not talk to any of the other residents for days.”
William’s eyes widened with interest. “Then I suppose one can play a lot of games in all of that space.”
“Indeed so. I’m sure you can find a hundred ways to make mischief.” Eric grinned at his brother, who smiled slowly back. It wasn’t his usual happy expression, but Eric would take anything that he could get.
He looked up as he saw his mother approaching. She wore a green gown decorated with flowers which fell from her shoulders to her feet in one swirling straight line. “Mother, you look ethereal.” He took her hands and kissed them both.
She smiled sadly. “You are too kind.”
“Merely honest.”
He let go of his mother’s hands, and she hooked her arm through his. “So, what time are we to expect your guests? Everything has been arranged, and we are ready.”
“Any moment now, Mother. Patience.”
To his relief, his words were rewarded by the sound of wheels on the cobblestones outside. He peered out of the window and confirmed that it was indeed the Stark carriage. He smiled. “There they are, right on time.”
He hastened to the door and opened it, stepping out to greet them as the coachman helped first Freya and then her sister followed by the governess out of the carriage. Eric murmured the words of greeting and welcome, noting with concern that Freya looked both pale and upset.
What could have happened between this morning and now? Perhaps she is still upset about the kiss.
He would not blame her if she was. It was tremendously dishonorable of him to steal such a kiss from her —in public to boot! Anyone might have come upon them. Still, he could not help but note how lovely she looked in her blood-red gown, her lush hair piled atop her head and fastened with an emerald brooch.
It could not be denied that she was a prime article, and Eric could not help how his eyes lingered on her. He turned away with a smile to greet her sister. “Lady Isabella, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed over her fingers, kissing the air above them.
She blushed prettily looking pleased. “Pleasure to meet you, too, sir.”
He gestured towards the door. “Welcome to my humble home.”
The governess eagerly led the way towards his mother, who was waiting to greet them on the other side of the door. “Welcome. Welcome.” She spread her hands expansively, “My new in-laws. I am so happy to meet you. Finally, I shall not be the only woman in this family.”
Isabella giggled at that while Freya just widened her eyes in surprise. The governess hung back, watching her charges proudly. It was clear that she was more to them than just a servant. That made sense to Eric, considering that their mother had died quite young. Isabella especially seemed to look to her for direction.
His mother swept them up, cajoling them towards the parlor. “Dinner is just about served, but let us begin with an aperitif and toast to the future of this family.”
Eric could not help noting how quiet Freya was. Her sister was happy to participate in the celebrations, but Freya barely drank from her glass of port before putting it down. She did not do anything untoward, but she kept aloof as if she would rather be anywhere else but there.
William came forward and was introduced. He grinned wide at Isabella, true to his promise to give her a chance, and sat next to her as the drinks were served.
His mother turned to Freya with a smile. “What a beautiful gown you have. It suits you immensely.”
