Page 63 of Lucas
“You don’t have to say anymore. In fact—” Mason turned to Ginger. “Would you mind if I stole Lucas away for a few minutes? You’re free to walk around the gardens if you prefer or just relax with a glass of Pinot Gris. Or perhaps a merlot?”
“It’s not a problem. But a Pinot Gris would be lovely. It would go better with the tea.”
“Of course.” Mason smiled at Lucas. “I’ve learned never to argue with a woman.”
Lucas returned the smile and glanced over his shoulder as he followed Mason out of the room. Ginger smiled with crossed fingers on both hands. He would definitely blame her if this didn’t go well. They walked down two short hallways before they stepped into a masculine office complete with dark burgundy walls, cherrywood bookcases, and a massive desk that took up one corner of the room. The wood floor was covered with dozens of Persian carpets. Tasteful art filled what spare wall space there was, and sculptures poked out from nooks and crannies in the bookshelves. Bertrand wasn’t hurting for money.
Mason walked to a bar service station and held up a decanter of dark amber that Lucas assumed was scotch. He nodded—in need of the fortification.
“I know this room seems rather brutish after the lightness of the manor. I suggested Rosa change it. This was my father’s study, and she knew how much I loved coming in here, mostlyto catch a whiff of pipe smoke whenever Father was in deep concentration. She refused, of course, and said my study wasn’t something for her to mess with. Except for the dark carpet, which she had pulled out in favor of the rugs. It was an excellent change.”
He passed Lucas the glass of scotch and led him to the two chairs facing the unlit fireplace. They sat and sipped scotch, neither saying a word. Lucas thought he should start the conversation, but it was Mason who asked for the meeting, so he waited the vampire out.
“We should have done this decades ago.” Mason tapped a finger against the arm of the chair. “I suppose it’s my Family’s fault as much as anyone’s. I knew Rosa was in love with someone else, but try as I might, I couldn’t get Father to change his mind about the marriage.”
“I wasn’t aware.”
“Neither was Rosa until afterward. It was a precarious time for the House, and though, sorry to say, your father’s House had nothing to offer other than name, that was what Father thought our House needed. Who’s to say whether he was right?”
“I was always curious why the need to marry into a smaller House. But now that I’m older and not as headstrong, I can see it from Bertrand’s standpoint. The Maynard name still holds a great deal of weight in many circles, and though my father is an ass, he’s comfortable enough if he doesn’t do anything stupid with his assets. Marcus would be upset if he was left with just a skeleton of a House.”
“I don’t know what Rosa will tell you. That’s between brother and sister. I wanted you to know that I’ve come to love your sister. Very much. The only thing missing are children. I think that’s why she spends so much time with her charities.”
“It’s the same everywhere. And from what I hear, the Council is no further along in determining why the fall in our fertilityrates. I know there aren’t many orphaned vampires, but have you considered adoption?”
“Yes, you’re right. What children do come available are quickly adopted, though we’re on a waitlist. One we no longer hold out much hope on.”
“I’m truly sorry for that. And I’m sorry for not reaching out sooner. It’s my own arrogance and obstinance that stopped me, and all I did was hurt Rosalynn in the process.”
“If you know your sister, then you know she has a forgiving heart.” He finished his scotch and set the glass down before standing. “Now, let’s see if she’s off the phone yet. I don’t want to leave your companion waiting alone.”
When they returned to the solarium, Rosalynn was laughing at something Ginger said. She hadn’t aged a day since he’d last seen her. Not to him. Except for the smile. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her laugh. When she noticed them walk in, she turned, and her gaze immediately caught his eye. Her smile grew wider, and her eyes sparkled.
His sweet, beautiful sister had become a stunning mistress of a major House. And instead of suffering under the brutish hand of someone like her father, she’d married a gentle vampire. No doubt a keen businessman, but an obvious pushover where his wife was concerned.
Rosalynn jumped up and almost ran to him. He simply held his arms open and caught her, hugging her tightly. He could barely see Ginger through his blurred vision, but she was grinning from ear to ear, and he couldn’t love her more than he did at that moment.
“I’m so sorry, Rosalynn.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d hugged her. Time he would never get back.
“Hush. None of that. Those horrible times with Father are long over.” She pulled back and ran a hand under her nose. “Ican’t imagine what I’m doing to my makeup.” She laughed and pulled out an embroidered handkerchief to dab her eyes.
“Dear,” Mason stepped behind her and settled a hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t you take Lucas for a stroll around the garden? It will give me time to get to know Ginger. I’ll hold the food until you return.”
She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “That’s a marvelous idea.” She tilted her face up and gave her husband a stunning smile. “We won’t be long.” Then she grabbed Lucas’s hand and pulled him toward the French doors leading to the garden.
“Don’t worry about Mason. He’ll make Ginger feel at home.”
Lucas chuckled. “Ginger makes friends easily. She’ll be fine.”
“She seems wonderful. A perfect match for you, I think.”
“Together for less than five minutes after decades apart and you’re already playing matchmaker?” he teased.
“I think it’s too late for that. You’re smitten with her, and I can see why. She sings your praises. I have a feeling she has some interesting stories to share, and Mason will get them out of her. The two of us will discuss your visit for days. Ginger says you can’t stay long.”
“We have an important artifact we need to get back to Santiga Bay. I wish we could stay for a few days, but the timing isn’t right.”
“Then we need to make the most of it. Let me take you to the pond, and we can talk.”
