Page 73 of Deception and Desire
Fenella chuckled at her grandmother’s dramatics. “Lady Brecken’s, er,DowagerLady Brecken’s second husband was English. His property and title go back to the days of the Marcher lords and Henry VIII.”
“Your mother must have swooned when she heard these family trees.”
“Grandmama, my signature is needed. I shall see you soon.” Fenella acted as a witness after the ceremony while the documents were signed and set in order. The earl’s brother was the second witness. With the legalities completed, they braved the rain and joined the other guests for breakfast.
The next day,Evie returned to the house to oversee the last of her trunks packed onto the coach. Brecken wanted to show her Italy. They would travel the country for a month before returning to London for the winter. Her sister’s color was high as she hugged Fenella.
“How was your wedding night?” After Lachlan, Fenella had a better idea of what went on between a couple and prayed Evie’s experience had been as… breathtaking as her own.
“It was… it was… indescribable.” Evie bit her lip. “He was so tender and considerate. I am lucky to have found him, Fenella. I pray you are as happy with Lachlan.” She smoothed the skirt of her travel dress, dipping her head shyly after the confession.
Fenella hugged her sister fiercely. She’d written Evie of her own growing affection but had failed to tell her of the rift with her Scot. This visit had been about Evie and a wedding, not her sister’s mistakes.
“Take care of Grandmama and write me. I shall miss you so, but we are both beginning such grand adventures.” She gave Fenella one more hug. “I wish I was here for you when Mama finds out.”
“I’ll keep you informed,” Fenella promised. “And you must send me details of Rome and Venice. Perhaps we will be reunited at Christmas if you do not go to Wales.”
Her parents and grandmother joined them, followed by Lord Brecken. “The Franklins have twenty minutes for the final goodbyes,” the groom announced. “Then I’m whisking my wife away for at least a month.”
“Wife,” giggled Evie. “How I love the sound of that.”
“Lady Brecken,” added their mother, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye with a lace handkerchief. She gave the earl a kiss on the cheek. “Take good care of my sweet girl.”
Lord Brecken exchanged a significant look with Sir Horace. “I’ve been warned, my lady. I’ve been warned.” With that, he tipped his beaver hat, tucked Evie’s hand in the crook of his arm, and escorted her to the carriage.
The family watched them drive away. Evie hung out the window and waved until the carriage disappeared into the traffic.
Fenella tucked her hand in Papa’s elbow as they walked back to the house. “I see you have not lost your paternal protectiveness.”
“You and Evie will always be my little girls. It doesn’t matter how many years pass.”
*
Later that afternoon
“Come in here,my dear,” called Papa from the library. “We finally have some time alone.”
She paused in the hall, staring at the dark-paneled walls. With a deep breath, she entered the room. Fenella had been dreading this moment, the disappointment in her father’s eyes when she told him of the disaster in Glasgow.
“I’m so happy to have you home,” Papa said as he kissed on her the cheek. “I’m sure you have much to tell me.”
“I see you’ve managed quite well without me.” She tried not to sound hurt, fingering the edge of the desk where they’d spent so many hours tallying columns of numbers.
“I would like nothing better than to keep you with me, Fenella.” Sir Horace’s smile faded. He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “My main concern is for both my daughters to be happy.”
“I know.” She threw her arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you so, Papa.”
He studied her. His keen gray eyes made her stifle a squirm, as if she was a little girl again. “Are you happy?”
She blinked and gave him a watery smile. “Tell me about the visit to the decaying Welsh estate,” she urged, putting off the dreaded confession for a few moments.
Sir Horace laughed. “He’s an honest man, I’ll grant him that. I think the invitation was to open our eyes to his predicament. Brecken didn’t try to hide his dismal state of affairs. But the place has potential and was once a magnificent family seat.”
“So, he wanted you to know where your money would be going.”
He nodded. “Beforehe asked for Evie’s hand, and I respected that. He has a good business head on his shoulders and made several excellent investments. We’ve spoken of some joint ventures. I’m optimistic about their future.”
“Mother is beside herself with pride.” She elbowed her father in the side. “I even saw her wipe away a tear.”
