Page 109 of Crash Landing
Florence’s mother.
Gad, she sounded like a witch.
But she looked very much the elegant lady as she strolled in and held out her hand for Trajan to bow over.
He saw a look of caution flash in the eyes of Florence’s father, a warning aimed at his wife.
Bloody blazes.
Was this what Florence had faced every day of her life?
Trajan felt a palpable anger radiating from this woman, although she kept her words polite.
Well, moderately polite.
“Why did you not tell us, Florence? Are your father and I not good enough to share in your happy day?”
“It is a long story,” Florence said evasively. “We shall hold a party to formally celebrate, and all shall be invited. Should anyone ask you for details, you may tell them we were married in a quiet ceremony in London yesterday.”
Her mother’s eyes rounded in obvious surprise.
“The ceremony took place at St. Bridget’s in the presence of several Silver Dukes,” Trajan said. “They served as our witnesses and were the only ones in attendance, save for Durham’s wife, who was also present. She is a good friend to Florence.”
“Seems Florence values fleeting friendships over her own parents.” Her mother tipped her chin up. “We also have good news. Your brother has been absolved of all his legal difficulties. I knew he was innocent of those preposterous charges. Thank goodness I was there to help him out. His sister certainly did not care.”
Trajan laughed incredulously. “Are you serious? Or deluded? Your daughter is the one who saved him, at no small risk to her life, I might add.”
Florence took his hand, no doubt to calm him. She was used to this nonsense, but he wasn’t.
Nor would he stand for his wife being insulted.
“Pray tell, madam. What do you thinkyoudid to miraculously free your wastrel son?”
“I gave reference as to his good character.”
“Did you also provide him with a false alibi?” Florence asked. “Because that would have put you in prison for perjury. Do you think any judge would believe your word over those of a marquess and a dozen other lords who witnessed the duel? Not to mention the gambling debts he ran up, also in front of a dozen witnesses of rank. You have only to ask the Princess of Wales herself if you wish for confirmation about which of us truly saved him.”
“Am I supposed to believe you?” Her mother laughed. “When would you ever be admitted to see her?”
“We had tea with her yesterday,” Trajan replied. “Florence is a favorite of hers.”
“Florence? That is a jolly jest.” If this woman could spew snake venom, she would have done so. “Weymouth, do you have any idea what you have married?”
Florence’s father shot his wife another furious look.
The woman excused herself and stormed out.
Florence remained surprisingly calm as she watched her mother leave. “Papa, it is time. My husband needs to know the truth. I can step outside if you do not wish to tell me. But he has the right to know. What did she mean?Whatam I? She has despised me all of my life. What does she see when she peers into my eyes?”
Chapter Twenty-One
Florence’s father bowedhis head. “I feared this day would come.”
An ill feeling came over Florence, and she shuddered.
Dear heaven.What was he going to tell her?
Trajan remained beside her and kept firm hold of her hand.
