Page 96 of Blame It on the Earl (The Duke's Estates 3)

“It is already aware,” answered Kenver. “I don’t think this is a good notion, Tamara.”

She frowned at him. “But if no one objects, they will go on as they have been. Hidebound and tyrannical.” She turned. “You must see that I’m right, Sarah.”

Both of them gazed at her, awaiting support for their positions. Kenver could see that Sarah did not like being put between them. But if it came down to it, she would side with him. He knew this absolutely. “You have said that you tend to hold grudges,” she said to Tamara. “Perhaps instead of giving vent to your…”

The moment she saw that Sarah would not support her arguments, Tamara waved this aside. She leaned forward and pointed at Kenver. “You cannot wish to stay here as time passes. Sarah deserves better.”

This was a low blow. Kenver decided that Tamara had learned a good deal from their mother during their eighteen years together. He searched for words to shift the argument.

“I am perfectly content,” Sarah put in.

“Because you are a sweet, modest person,” Tamara replied. “That doesn’t mean it is right.” She raised her eyebrows. “And I’m not certain it is even true.”

“I am.”

“What about the smoking chimneys?”

“That was just once. We will have it seen to.”

Tamara shook her head. “No, Kenver must fight for you. It is a matter of honor.”

“That isn’t fair,” said Sarah.

Her cry struck Kenver as nothing else had done. Perhaps he should accept an ally when it was offered. “Very well,” he said. “I will go.”

“Splendid!” His sister looked magnanimous in victory. She turned. “And Sarah…”

“Isnotcoming along with us,” said Kenver.

Relief, and a twinge of guilt, ran through Sarah. She did not want to go. The thought of the scene at Poldene, which she could imagine all too well, made her shudder. She told herself she would have volunteered if she could have helped. But she was certain her presence would only make things worse. And the clash of Tamara and Lady Trestan promised to be acrimonious enough as it was.

“Let us go then,” said Tamara, rising.

“Now?” Kenver had expected some time to prepare.

“No time like the present,” his sister replied, jolly now that she had prevailed.

Kenver looked at Sarah and then away. “May as well get it over with,” he muttered. He stood. “I’ll help Jowan saddle the horses,” he added, walking out.

“This will be grand,” said Tamara, not quite rubbing her hands together. “I have waited far too long to do it.”

She was practically gleeful, and Sarah didn’t see how she could be, knowing the fight that was to come. Then she realized that Tamara believed she would gain satisfaction at Poldene. She could almost see the idea building in the older woman’s mind. She’d begun to expect vindication. “They may not listen to you,” she began.

“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” Tamara put up a hand. “I ought to have taken better care of Kenver years ago.”

“He’s not a child anymore.”

“Then he can take care of me,” the other woman replied gaily. “And we are off to the fray. I must change.” Smiling, she strode out.

Kenver brought their two riding horses up from the barn. He’d expected to wait a while, but his sister was already outside in her riding habit and ready to go. As he helped her onto Sarah’s mount, she said, “Leave the talking to me.”

He doubted he would have any other choice. As they rode through the lanes that led home, Kenver felt a mounting uneasiness. It would be the shouting matches of his youth all over again. How was he to make them listen to him?

They rode directly to the Poldene stables, handing the horses over to a surprised groom. At the door, Tamara pushed in without knocking, saying, “This is your home. Why would you?” Her riding crop twitched as if she wanted to strike something, or someone. One of the footmen, who had come when he heard the door open, jumped back to avoid it.

“Mama still uses the same parlor, I suppose?”

“Yes,” said Kenver.

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