Page 65 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
Adele hesitated for only a moment, searching Anne’s face for some sign of insincerity. But all she could see was an earnest, somewhat scared hope.
“I would like that too,” Adele said.
Anne beamed and flung her arms around Adele, crushing her to her tightly. Tears streamed down their cheeks. A weight that Adele had not even realised she had been carrying, lifted. She was not sure how long she hugged her sister or when they managed to stop crying.
“I really am sorry.” Anne handed Adele a handkerchief and wiped a smear of makeup from Adele’s face. “I feel like the very worst kind of idiot. You know the girls absolutely adore you and little Benjamin too.”
“I adore them too.” Adele thought of her nieces and nephew, and her heart ached. “It will be good to see more of them though I appreciate that the journey is long.”
“It is not so bad. I have a few friends in nearby estates, and there is a lovely little inn in town and quite a few on the road to here from Algernon’s estate.” Anne made a gesture to something far away.
“You are staying in an inn?” Adele asked.
“Yes. The Penny Farthing, I believe. The innkeeper and his wife absolutely dote on the girls. And Benjamin has become fast friends with the barkeep.” Anne shook her head, her eyes going far away as she recalled her children getting up to mischief. “The rooms are not quite as large as one might expect, but I rather like that. It is cosy.”
Adele pursed her lips. “You brought the children with you?”
Anne nodded. “Yes, Gemima is only just recovered from her sickness, and Benjamin is rather mother-hungry of late. And I was so furious with Bianca after what she said to you that I did not wish to leave my children with her, so it seemed the most sensible thing to bring them with me.”
“And you are all staying in an inn together?” Adele shook her head, scrunching up her face as she tried to remember what she could about the inn her sister was staying at. “No, I do not think that will do.”
“What do you mean?” Anne’s eyes widened. “It is the only inn in town.”
“Why not stay with us?” Adele asked, trying to keep the hope from her voice. “We have more than enough space.”
“I could not do that. I have scarcely given you any notice.” Anne shook her head. “Besides, the children are with me, and to have all four of us with you would be a huge imposition.”
“Did you mean what you said about wanting to get to know me?” Adele asked.
“Of course.”
“Then you may as well stay with us. You wish to be a part of my life, and I have missed my nieces and nephew.” Adele’s smilebroadened, and she added. “And there are some children staying with us as well who I am sure would be delighted to have more company.”
“But the Duke —” Anne began, but Adele cut her off.
“Let me worry about my husband.”
“But surely he will think that I am just taking advantage of you?” Anne chewed on her bottom lip.
“He can be a little protective of me, that is true, but he will also respect my wishes.” Adele tried to give her sister a reassuring smile. “And to be honest, I would love for you to get a chance to get to know him. To see him with children is really quite delightful.”
Adele found herself smiling as she thought of the softness that came over Warner whenever he was around children. It tugged at her heart, but she ignored it.
“That must be reassuring for you.” Anne beamed at her, and Adele furrowed her brow.
“What do you mean?”
“Just that seeing him with children must make you feel confident that he will be a good father. When the time comes of course, though from the way you two are with each other, Isuspect that will be rather sooner than later.” Anne winked at Adele.
Her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet, and Adele spluttered as she tried to find words to say to her sister. Anne laughed. “Come now, Addie, you need not be so innocent. You are married now, after all, and the Duke is a rather striking figure. And in truth, I am glad that you have found someone who seems to care for you as he does. You deserve that. Especially with… Well, you deserve to have people who look at you the way he does.”
It is only a part.Adele could not bring herself to tell Anne the truth. Not when her sister was looking at her with all the bright optimism of a teenager who has discovered a truly marvellous surprise. It was like her sister was finally herself again, and Adele could not bring herself to end that joy.
Besides, she may want to fix our relationship, but I would do well not to be too trusting.She ignored the guilt that spread over her and forced herself to smile at her sister.
“So will you stay with us?” Adele asked.
“I will.” Anne smiled at her. “Besides, I can hardy refuse a duchess!”
