Page 34 of Papa's Rules
It was an odd gathering around the tea table in Mrs. Stilton’s parlor. Cammie was overwhelmed with misery over all the trouble she had caused, and dreaded the punishment she knew awaited her upon her return to Ashton Manor. For right now, however, she did not care. Her heart sung at being seated next to her brother.
“Jane, I never would have recognized you,” he said. His use of her birth name gave her pause. “You have grown up into a beautiful young woman.”
“Thank you.” She blushed. His praise meant everything to her. “I am sorry for the confusion I created,” she said, looking around the table and making eye contact with each person, including Papa who sat on her other side. Sandwiched between her brother and her husband, Cammie felt whole and complete, utterly content.
“I am sorry for being suspicious of you,” Priscilla said. “I could not imagine any reason why Lady Cavendish would be curious about Robert.” Her loving gaze landed on Cammie’s brother.
“It would seem,” Papa finally spoke, “that both Robert and I are very protective of the women we love. It can cause a man to act impulsively. I hope you will accept my apology as well.” He held his palm out to Robert and the two men clasped hands in front of Cammie.
Her heart filled with love for the two most important men in her life.
However, she also knew that although everything had ended well with her plan to find Robert, her Papa would not be satisfied with a handshake from her.
