Page 61 of Earl of Excess
“Lord Romney, welcome home,” he said, bowing.
Bethany saw her husband wince at his new title, an acknowledgment that his father was gone.
Matthew directed the trunks and took her hand, helping her from the carriage. “Welcome home, my beautiful wife. You are now the Countess Romney and will be afforded any luxury you wish.”
“You of everyone should know my needs. Besides you, and Dandie, and this baby,” she patted her belly, “I need very little. My only desire is a soft bed,” she replied.
As they approached the top step, the door opened, and a tall graying man stepped out. His eyes widened when he saw Matthew. “Welcome home, my lord!” The man’s eyes watered.
“Myers, let me introduce you to my wife, Lady Romney, and our dog, Dandie,” he said, acknowledging the small dog’s place in their home. He took Bethany’s pelisse and handed it to Myers.
“You picked a fine day to come home. Your family and some of your friends are in the drawing room.”
“Everyone?”Matthew asked. “All at the same time?” His voice sounded incredulous.
“Yes, my lord. They are preparing for the New Year’s Eve celebration.”
Matthew held out his hand and Bethany placed her hand on his arm. She had immersed herself into the etiquette, learning as much as she could from a book Mr. Sinclair had given her, and hoping that she would not embarrass herself or her family. Self-consciously, she glanced down at her emerald-green muslin dress. At almost four months pregnant, she felt lucky enough to see her toes.
They walked into an elegant, red- and gold-appointed room and were met by surprise. “Matthew,” Lady Alice Romney, dressed in black silk, rose from the burgundy sofa and met her son at the door. She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly to her. When she pulled back, he nodded towards Bethany.
“Mother, allow me to introduce Bethany, my wife.”
There was a moment of silence as the woman digested what she had just heard.
“I have a new daughter,” his mother effused. “Welcome to the family, Bethany!” The older woman hugged her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Suddenly, the room erupted in talking, with everyone coming to their sides and talking at once. Each family member pressed to meet her and get to Matthew. Dandie barked to make her presence known as she tried to protect her mistress from an avalanche of people.
Matthew put his arms around Bethany and led her to the couch, showing she should sit. A beautiful red-haired woman with green eyes and a young man of maybe ten years came up and introduced themselves.
“Bethany, I’m Charlotte Clarendon, Matthew’s sister.”
“And I’m Jason, Matthew’s brother.”
A tall man with shortly cropped brown hair walked up. “I am Evan Prescott, The Earl of Clarendon—Matthew’s friend and Charlotte’s husband.”
Bethany laughed softly. “This is Dandie.” She patted her small dog on the head and watched her edge closer. “We are so very glad to meet you.”
Myers came to the door and cleared his throat. “My lord, The Duke of Dorman and the Marquess of Banbury have arrived.”
Moments later, two footmen arrived with a tray of refreshments.
A small bell tinkled, drawing everyone’s attention. Lady Alice Romney addressed her family.
“We have so much to celebrate as we enter this new year. Not only has my son returned to us, but we welcome a new daughter to the family.” Dandie barked. “And her beautiful little puppy, Dandie,” she smiled. “I know we have overwhelmed you both, but we have so many questions and so much to tell you. We had heard you were on your way, but had no notion of when to expect you,” she said. “Honestly, I had thought I lost you, again.” She swiped at a tear.
“Mother, we would have been here almost a year ago, but had the most fantastical trip home you could ever imagine.”
Bethany looked over at her husband. The men had served themselves a glass of brandy and made themselves comfortable as Matthew began to relate the highlights of his last two years. It was wonderful to watch him interact with his family and friends—to watch him laugh.
“Remind me to limit my travel with Romney,” the duke said, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
“It was an adventure. However, I cannot consider it a misadventure,” Matthew said, jovially. “I have one small announcement to make.”
Everyone became quiet.
“Besides being lost from the battlefield, helped by a beautiful angel, escaping an alligator while blind, surviving yellow fever, and being lost at sea?” Banbury interjected with a guffaw.
Everyone snickered.
“Besides that,” Matthew returned with a grin. “I am to be a father in five months.”
Dorman raised his glass. “Romney, we are grateful you have returned.” He turned to Bethany. “Welcome to the family, my lady. By now you must realize nothing ever happens halfway with our friend.” They all hooted. “To Romney and his lovely wife. We are grateful to have our Earl of Excess back among us.”
