Page 59 of Married By Twelfth Night
A voice cleared from the doorway. “What about your mother?”
Richard’s head jerked to find his mother, standing with her arms crossed. “Mother? You’re home early!”
Bridget jumped to her feet, but Mother held up a hand to stop her.
Several inches shorter than Bridget, Mother stood with her chin lifted, which made her appear somehow taller than usual. Indeed, she seemed more sure of herself than she had been since Father’s death.Her cheeks had color in them again, and her brown eyes, while still lined with fatigue, were brighter and clearer than before.
While he wanted to rejoice in her improved appearance, he was stuck on one thought. How much had she overheard? And would it send her health spiraling backward should she know the whole truth?
Mother smoothed her puce traveling gown as she entered the room, stopping at the edge of the sofa. “I wanted to be with my children for Twelfth Night. It seems my arrival is timely. What is this about the state of our finances, and when exactly did you fall in love with Grace?”
Richard’s mouth dropped open. His eyes darted to Bridget’s, which were equally concerned. There would be no scheming their way out of this one. “Mother, I believe you had better sit down.”
“I have been sitting for hours in a carriage and prefer to stand.”
“Very well.” Richard began by explaining how the previous solicitor and Father had not managed the estate funds well and his failed attempts to rectify it on his own. Then he shared about Aunt’s will and her stipulations for him to inherit. He left out the part about courting Grace to acquire Ruth’s acceptance but finished with how he had fallen in love with Grace this past month and how Aunt was convinced against her.
Mother swayed a bit and extended a hand to steady herself on the sofa.
With several large strides, he reached her side and took her arm. Bridget placed herself on her other side.
“I am well,” Mother assured. “I need a moment alone and a little tea is all.”
“Of course,” Richard said. “Let me take you to your bedchamber.”
She shook her head. “The chaise lounge in the library will do.”
He sent a worried frown over her head at Bridget, who shrugged helplessly. Flanking her side, they led Mother to the library and left herto rest with a blanket on her lap and a warm fire behind the grate. He could only hope a little refreshment would ease her shock, but such a wish seemed foolish.
What had he done? Should he have proposed to Ruth? He dug his hands in his hair the moment he was free from the library. Where were all the Christmas miracles that promised an abundance of love, happy homes, and healthy families?
Certainly not anywhere near him.
Chapter 26
Grace nibbled half-heartedly onher breakfast, observing her family carefully. No one acted as if anything unusual had occurred the night before over dinner. Ruth seemed especially oblivious. Where was the announcement of her engagement? The talk of weddings?
Biting into her warm bread and butter, she chewed furiously, not tasting any part of it. She swallowed down a lump and forced herself to pry out answers. “Father, did you enjoy the dinner last night?”
He lowered his newspaper and grunted. “I always enjoy dinner.”
She tried again. “What about our company?”
“Pleasant.”
Pleasant? That was a remark on the weather, not a person. She required specific information. “Did you and Mr. Graham discuss anything interesting?”
He folded his paper. “Our conversation is always interesting. Are you asking if your name was brought up?”
She sputtered. “My name? Certainly not. Why would you speak of me?” Her cheeks burned worse than the steaming sausage on her plate. At least she was not crying. She had done enough of that last night, hiding her sobs in her pillow.
“Because he lost his senses,” Tobias answered. “What man makes riddles about mistletoe?” Her brother curled his lip in disgust.
Her father laughed and picked up his paper again.
Grace stole a glance at Ruth. Every time she looked at her, jealousy threatened to erupt in her throat. Ruth had an open book on her lap, partially hidden by the tablecloth. Their parents hadn’t seen it yet, but it was obvious that Ruth was absorbed in a story and not at all aware of her future nuptials. Otherwise, she was certain Ruth would be incapable of reading.
A footman came in carrying a letter. Instead of stopping at Papa’s side or walking to Mama, he stopped at Grace’s side and extended the folded paper.
