Page 90 of The Mistletoe Countess
“As the stone in a home that has withstood centuries. You know nothing of the privilege of being part of a vast legacy.” Her lips curled. “You and your new money.”
Grace refused to back down. One way or another, this rivalry had to stop, and if her mother-in-law wasn’t going to act her age, then Grace would be forced to. “Then why don’t you educate me?”
The woman’s eyes grew wide. “Educate you?”
“Whether you like me and my hair or not, the truth remains that I’m the only one who can bear an heir. If I’m to be a part of the Astley history, then teach me about it instead of judging me. Otherwise you will have no hand in the upbringing of my children, and I will be at my leisure to raise them to be as American as I choose.”
“I will not be forced by you.”
Grace refused to give up. “Do you know that I ride astride?”
“What?”
“Wearing trousers.”
The woman clapped her palm to her chest.
Grace’s grin peaked. Aha, she’d found her mark. “And I believe girls should receive an education at a university, if they want.”
“How dare you speak to me of my future granddaughters and edu—”
“And the very next moment I can get our chauffeur free, I’m going to have him teach me how to drive our car.”
The woman’s mouth dropped as wide as her eyes. “Preposterous.”
“So if you don’t want an entire herd of little Americans running about your centuries-old museum”—Grace waved toward the walls—“then I suggest you take the time to introduce me to your legacy and pray I fall in love with it, because until now, you have not given me any reason to care aboutyourworld.”
The woman backed away until she slid down in her chair again, eyes remaining wide. Oh well, perhaps Grace had gone too far with the driving statement, even though it was true. From the look on Lady Moriah’s pale face, Grace wondered if the woman was still breathing. Could someone die of dislike for a daughter-in-law? Would that be considered murder or suicide?
A knock broke the volatile silence in the room, followed by Brandon’s welcome, nonsmiling face. “We just received word that Lord Astley has arrived at the station and should be home within the hour.”
“Thank you for letting us know, Brandon.” Grace barely kept her feet on the floor as she ran to the door. “I shall keep watch from the library window.”
“Tell my son to see me as soon as he arrives.”
Lady Moriah could have her son, as soon as Grace finished greeting him in private.
Frederick caught the first morning train to Derbyshire, each mile proving only to increase his agitation. The car barely rolled to a stop at Havensbrooke’s entrance before he opened the door himself and stepped out. A rush of blue suddenly filled the doorway, and his bride came into view among the gathering servants. His breath caught as he took her in—the delightfully missed and wonderfully his, Lady Astley.
“Glad to have you back, my lord.”
“Thank you, Brandon.” Frederick forced his attention to the butler. “It’s good to be back.”
The butler’s attention rested on Frederick’s bruised eye. “I hope your trip was successful.”
“A minor accident.” He waved toward the bruise. “Besides, I have good news. Mr. Andrew Piper will be returning as solicitor and steward of Havensbrooke.”
Brandon’s bushy brows rose, and a light flickered into his expression. “Very good, sir.”
Frederick nodded to the other servants as he passed, each step drawing him closer to the pinnacle of his thoughts the past two days—and nights. There she stood, almost bouncing on tiptoe to contain her joy, with her hands dutifully clasped in front of her. Her obvious admiration plowed over him in glorious and grateful waves. All her beautiful ginger hair sat piled on her head, waiting for him to remove those pins, and the blue shade of her gown deepened the hue of her eyes.
Had she grown more beautiful over the past two days?
“You look well, Lady Astley.”
Her smile stretched wide. “I’m much better now, my lord, though I am sorry for your beautiful eye.”
“It’s nothing, really.” He examined every part of her face, even the tiniest freckles on the bridge of her nose. Keeping his distance proved so painful his teeth ached. “I’m glad to be home.”
